Nassau County Council on Aging
Press Release
By Liz Dunn
[email protected]
October 5, 2021
“It takes an Island to Cross an Ocean”
Four Nassau County veterans from different branches of the military are about to cross an ocean to fight Veteran PTSD and Suicide. Paul Lore, a member of the team and local Meals on Wheels volunteer, visited Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) to share progress to date with the “Just Friends” seniors, Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center in Fernandina Beach, Sept. 29.
The FOAR FROM HOME team of Billy Cimino, Cameron Hansen, A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann and Lore will participate in the premier ocean rowing event – the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge – from December 2021 – February 2022. Along with 30-40 row teams, this challenge will take these veterans more than 3,000 miles west from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands to Nelson’s Dockyard English Harbor, Antigua – all to create awareness of these all-too-common veterans’ challenges.
During the presentation to our seniors, Lore quoted some alarming statistics. “Each day, an average of 22 Veterans commit suicide per day. This means that 6,000 veterans per year take their own life,” Lore said.
Following their years of service – while they transition to civilian life – many veterans struggle with identity issues, financial problems, housing accessibility, cognitive disorders and impacts from PTSD. All of these factors can lead to suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts by those who have served. Funds raised will help support K9s for Warriors and our local veteran organization Cross the Line. To date, FOAR FROM HOME has surpassed its $500,000 goal.
“Ocean rowing emulates many of the daily struggles of life for veterans,” said Lore to NCCOA seniors. “The FOAR FROM HOME motto is ‘It takes an island to cross an ocean.’ The local community is helping us raise awareness for Veteran PTSD and Suicide and, in the process, changing the life of veterans today, not tomorrow.”
“We are excited and humbled to be able to give back to our veterans – the men and women who have given so much of themselves,” he added. “Through the community’s support, as well as through for K9s for Warriors and Cross the Line, we will help our veterans reset and repurpose their lives.”
To learn more about this upcoming challenge and follow their progress, visit www.foarfromhome.com. To learn more about Nassau County Council on Aging, visit www.nassaucountycoa.org.
Paul Lore (standing, far right), a member of the FOAR FROM HOME team and NCCOA Meals on Wheels volunteer, visited seniors at the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center in Fernandina Beach, Sept. 29, to share December launch plans. Lore, along with three other Nassau County veterans, are about to cross an ocean to help fight Veteran PTSD and Suicide.
Paul, Billy, Cam and Hupp……thank you for your efforts to support veterans. But most importantly, come home safe!
The headline should read FOAR, rather than FOUR.
Thanks, Kathy. Correction made. We regret the error.
Suzanne, you had it right as you always do!