The Original American Patriots

Everyone's heard of Thanksgiving. Pilgrims & Indians, turkey, yada-yada. While the holiday stands as a wonderful sentiment, a day to give thanks to everything we have, there's another holiday that has all but been forgotten. November 25th was the holiday Evacuation Day, a day for America's original patriots.

Google for Veterans: a Review of Google's New Resource for Vets and Their Families

As Veterans Day passes, Google noted it as is does with most holidays: with one of its "doodles." But, in the coming weeks and days, it'll go a little further than just a passing reference to our veterans. Google is launching Google for Veterans, a resource for veterans and their families to use to adjust to military life and then back again to the civilian sphere.

Veterans Day 2011

Veterans Day is a holiday that goes all the way back to WWI. The Great War ended "the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month," the holiday was created to remember the cost of war and need of peace. Originally called Armistice Day, it was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to include those who fought in all wars. Celebrated throughout the world as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, this is a day to thank all who fought and to appreciate the sacrifice our warriors must make to protect us.

As time progresses, it is easy to forget our roots and to just accept wartime feelings. But we must always remember and respect the courage it takes to fight for your country. Many of us have family, friends, and other loved ones who have or still do serve in the US Military. While we might not always agree with wars going on or the politics behind certain things, we must always support our troops. They don't fight for Obama or Bush or anyone else in the government. They fight for you. They fight for America.

Please take one moment today to think about the hardships and bravery of our military. If you have the opportunity, thank a member of the armed forces for their service. Donate or volunteer for a veterans' organization. Show you still care about  and support them after all this time.

Bless America and Bless our Veterans!

Founding Director Recognized For 'Selfless Act'

Many of you may already know the origin story of Healing Heroes Network. Dr. Allan Spiegel was a neurologist who would often see veterans coming to him as patients with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Witnessing these brave men and women returning from war, sometimes grievously wounded, he knew it was his duty as a patriotic citizen to do what he could for them. As a neurologist with a specialty in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Dr. Spiegel was in a unique position to help these people with TBIs utilize his equipment and knowledge to try to return to the quality of life they had enjoyed before going to war. And Dr. Spiegel did this all free of cost.

Dr. Allan Spiegel receives the "Commandant's Award for Excellence"
from National Commandant of the MCL, Vic Voltaggio.

From this idea to provide medical treatments free to military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, Healing Heroes Network was born. It is a lofty goal, to provide financial assistance for the wounded warriors returning from tours after September 11, 2001, but Dr. Spiegel and the Healing Heroes Network are dedicated to the task. Recently, Dr. Spiegel was commended for this valiant effort by the Commandant of the Marine Corps League (MCL).

1st National Day of the Deployed

Today marks the 1st National "Day of the Deployed." The day is one of awareness of military personnel deployed in our current wars. Some locations are having events for this day, but since this is the 1st National celebration of it, few people know of its existence.

Car Accidents Leading Cause of Death for Veterans Recently Returned Home

Think you know the leading cause of death for military personnel in their first year home from the war? You might be surprised.

Silvio's Brazilian BBQ Supports HHN

Silvio's Brazilian BBQ booth supporting
 Healing Heroes Network

Healing Heroes Network was the official charity of Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ for the “The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair” in California. There were over 45,000 attendees from Oct. 1st to Oct. 2nd. Silvio's raised awareness and over $1000 for HHN! Thank you Silvio's Brazilian BBQ for supporting HHN and our Heroes!

If you are interested in supporting Healing Heroes Network or putting on a fundraiser, please contact Sarah@healingheroes.org, and make sure to say where you heard of us. Healing Heroes is a nationwide charity, so no matter what state you're in, HHN and our Veterans are happy to take your help!

Survey Shows Veterans Aren't Receiving Adequate, Timely Care

A recent survey by the Department of Veteran Affairs shows that even the VA doctors agree that there needs to be more done for our vets.

Apps to Help Vets with PTSD: a Review of PTSD Coach

At HHN, I am definitely the technology nerd. I love learning about new software, using social media, following online trends, the works. So, when I heard that the VA helped develop an app for those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I was very excited to see what it had to offer.

A New Start: Sgt. Jonathan Maura

Saying want to help veterans is one thing, but it means nothing without backing it up with action. Healing Heroes Network knows this and works hard to provide financial assistance and to connect our Heroes with Providers. After fighting for our country and sacrificing so much, we need to do what we can to ensure our troops have the resources to live a quality life. 

Sgt. Jonathan Maura in what he describes as his "lil' hole."

Which is why we're happy to help people like Sgt. Jonathan Maura. Jonathan had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and was having difficulties finding treatment. Jonathan was adamant about finding a non-medicinal means to help his condition. So he turned to Healing Heroes Network.