Honoring those who served at the Gathering of Warriors Veterans Summit

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The seventh annual Gathering of Warriors Veterans Summit hosted by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Native Wellness Institute, and VA Office of Tribal Government Relations, held July 11-12, 2019, brought together hundreds of individuals from different communities at the Uyxat Powwow Grounds in Grande Ronde, Oregon.

The event honored those who served and gave Veterans, families, and community members the opportunity to connect with one another and learn about Veteran-related resources and programs.

Guest speaker Johnathan Courtney, Army combat Veteran, shared his story of healing and how he struggled to find himself when he came home from the Iraq War. He said that if it wasn’t for the help of his wife Emily, he wouldn’t be where he is today. With her help and support he was able to connect with caring providers within VA and a support network with community organizations.

“It starts with Vets helping Vets and family care,” said Courtney, now Chairman of the Health and Wellness Committee for the State of Oregon Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. He hopes that by sharing his story of healing with fellow Veterans that it will encourage them or someone they know to reach out for help if they need it and learn about resources available. “Many Veterans don’t reach out for support and we are trying to change that here,” he said.

Veterans of all eras were recognized and honored for their service to the nation

Visits: 221

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