Mcleam, Virginia, U.S.A - Honor for ALL, in cooperation with the Code of Support Foundation, announced that a special “Visible Honor for Invisible Wounds” event on June 27th will commemorate the third annual National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day. This day, that was introduced by Senator Kent Conrad (D, ND), calls for the nation to set aside this date to create a greater level of awareness and understanding of the issues facing many service members returning from war.

The event is open to the public and will include addresses by representatives of the Chiefs of our Armed Services, members of the Executive and Legislative branches, and distinguished individuals from the healthcare sector. Most important, affected service members and veterans will take part in the program. Senator Conrad will deliver the keynote remarks. Ceremonies will begin promptly at 10:00 AM in Upper Senate Park adjacent to the Russell Senate Office Building.

“Our goals are simple, but critically important,” said Thomas Mahany, president of Honor for ALL. “We want all Americans to understand the true nature of PTSD to help remove the stigma that still surrounds this type of injury. And, yes, PTSD is an ‘injury’ for which there is treatment and a healing process,” he added. “Just as our troops never leave a wounded comrade behind on the battlefield, we must not leave those who suffer from invisible wounds behind as we honor our troops, their family members and our veterans. By instilling dignity, we can preserve lives,”concluded Mahany with reference to the disproportionate rates of suicide among these groups.

Other speakers scheduled to appear include the Surgeons General of the Army, Air Force, Navy and National Guard, and the Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond Chandler. Speakers from key partner organizations include Kristina Kaufmann, Executive Director of the Code of Support Foundation, Pam Derrow from CAUSE, and Mark Robbins of the Yellow Ribbon Fund.

Honor for ALL, is dedicated to establishing visible recognition of the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, depression and survivor’s guilt. Its mission is to conquer the stigma, preserve the dignity of families, and most importantly, stop the tragic loss from suicide of service members, veterans and family members.

The Code of Support Foundation is dedicated to bridging the gap between the American people and our Armed Forces. Its mission is to ensure that all Americans understand the service and sacrifice of our troops and their families, and are committed and actively engaged in doing their part in support of our national defense. The foundation, a, was established in 2010, and helps identify, vet and support other non-profit organizations that support military communities.

Image Courtesy of  Truthout

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