Submitted by John Henry November, Executive Director
GratitudeAmerica
Westrock will present a check for $7500 to GratitudeAmerica to underwrite the organization’s first retreat in Fernandina Beach for 15 current and former local military service members and their primary support person/spouse from April 7 through 10. This will be GratitudeAmerica’s 13th retreat. This free, four-day “Relax, Restore & Recreate” weekend will connect families with others who have experienced challenges, such as traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress related to deployments. The retreat will provide a supportive environment in which post 9-11 veterans can connect with their peers, gain critical coping skills and interact with licensed counselors to begin healing where needed. In addition, the retreat will provide various activities including nature-based recreation, yoga, breath awareness, kayaking, and interaction with horses. This retreat would not be possible without generous support of WestRock and other local community sponsors in Fernandina Beach such as Kayak Amelia and the Stay’n Country Ranch. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available and will make a significant difference in the lives of local military.
The retreat’s main sponsor, WestRock, will present its support check on Friday January 29 at 10 a.m. at the Days Inn Amelia Island to GratitudeAmerica’s CEO Lewis Jordan (Fernandina Beach Resident) and Army Captain Michael Anthony who is a Fernandina Beach resident and past retreat participant. Fernandina Beach Mayor Johnny Miller will be present for this donation awarding ceremony.
It has been reported that America’s service members are committing suicide at a rate of 22 every day and are getting divorced at a rate of 80 every day. Northeast Florida has the largest population of military families per capita in the entire country, creating an urgent need to provide support for those transitioning to civilian life from local military bases.
Testimonials: “I had a lot of pain, anger, and grief. Now I am a man of hope, smiles, and a little more joy. This retreat treated me as future potential, not as a mistake. I learned about non-traditional ways to deal, address, and move forward in a happier state. Your small, but important, support helped me make a better future. Thanks for saving my life (in more ways than one.)”- MULTI-TOUR IRAQ VETERAN
“Having war injuries can be very isolating, lonely, and hard for many to understand. Being surrounded by others who can completely understand your issues, fully relate, and offer support works better than years of therapy. In a few short days, a group of strangers was able to bond and become family. Knowing we have connected with 15 service members and 15 caregivers allows us to be hopeful and optimistic we do not have to go through this alone.”- SPOUSE OF VETERAN WITH 20 YEARS SERVICE
About GratitudeAmerica: GratitudeAmerica, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization: GratitudeAmerica, Inc.’s primary goal is to provide critical support for our past and present military service members and their families during their return to civilian life. Visit www.gratitudeamerica.org for more information.