December 26, 2007
Does driving around the nation meeting and talking do any good for the soldiers and their families?
Maybe......


Matt Hertlein warmly greets me and shares his concerns about deploying again; Ronald Jackson tells me how important his family has been when dealing with PTS, and oh, yes, his friends will be going back in Jan. I am emotionally affected.

Does that help the soldiers and their families?

Bea Durfee shares her hot springs with us, as well as the story of Evan Vela, grandson to her best friend, who is charged with "baiting". I call Evan's grandmother and tell her I care; tell others about Evan's case.
Morgan and I meet Stacy and Amber in Garden City. The personal affect of war comes home to my son.
Meeting Justin in Oklahoma weaves our IVAW connections tighter. We are again impressed by the level of intelligence in our soldier friends. Our brief interaction with Wil who led us to Justin's home, because we are WELLsville Veterans Project , reminds me of the camaraderie that comes within this element of "service".

Mary Welp meets us in a parking lot and we have instant friendship and mutual support.

One piece of "the institution" known as Army connects with another to pool resources and energy for the benefit of apatient at WR. Yes, something good comes of my travels.
Rachel befriends soldiers at WR and they smile. She stands tall and bold, sharing her love and feeling valuable. I am grateful for my time in DC.
I meet Jon Norsworthy,instant;y connecting in this mission of care, and appreciating the opposites of our personal lives. I am grateful to be at Guardian Sanctuary.

The chocolate I bring to WR is appreciated by the soldiers. The affect the soldiers have on my heart is appreciated by me.

I meet with WELLsvillle locals and they ask how they can help support the community, I am grateful for their sincerity. When I hear of local soldiers home and hiding in their homes, I know we must succeed with the vision. There is education to facilitate, to assuage the fears of some neighbors,and there is hope to rekindle in middle america.
In Rochester, Bryan reminds me of his friend, Junior in Seattle, and I have another Marine touching my heart. I recognize a valuable player in our project.
Ben Tupper honors me with a "coin", and thanks me for being his friend. I justify my trip to Syracuse, and recognize the value of Internet, IAVA, and Michael Franti in connecting soldiers and civilians.
Hope for the Warriors welcomes the idea of Raven Drum Foundation at Camp Lejeune for a drum circle and workshop.
I am glad I drove out of the way to see the base, and meet the wives.

Laurie Ott invites me to the Active Duty Rehab in Augusta, and I see wounded soldiers smiling!!!!
At Ft. Hood, I feel the tension, see the strain on the faces of the soldiers and their families. I am in it---not just reading about it.

Michael Wagner invites me to sit quietly at a peaceful monastery in the desert. He validates my view that return to the Soul is essential for our Warriors. I am nourished.

Nov.11-Veterans Day, I drum and dance, creating some healing magic at the top of Topanga Canyon, in honor of our Warriors.
Nadia connects with Carissa and they get the media to pay attention to "Veteran Issues".
I have the pleasure of sharing a meal with The Farm folk and see them caring for our Farmer-Veteran Matt. Old Community creating a new one.
I sit in the home of Patrick McCaffrey and feel his spirit,-- strong, palpable.
I remember the Warriors and families I have met. My heart is full of love and gratitude for each..

On this journey, I have met patriotic soldiers, generals, hippies, activists, communists, young widows, disillusioned Warriors, admiral's wives, executives,news reporters, homeless americans, chaplains, eco-activists, diplomats, psychologists,artists,special ops,children, gold star families, broken men and women (kids, really, cared for by other kids in uniform).
I have been graciously hosted by anarchists, Army, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard, Air Force, patriotic grandmothers who question their presidential choice, healers, film makers,Christians, Buddhists, atheists,farmers,millionaires,minimum wage employees, rock stars, folks I met in the library or a parking lot or cafe.

I am so very very grateful to each. This is Community.

When I hold my own sons and daughter and they are safe and whole, I realize the issues are national; the journey was personal.

Time to weave threads together into the tapestry of care.
namaste, my friends.
may we be peace.
kristin


If you have not read the whole epistle, you may begin here, at:

The End
December 30, 2007
Seattle,WA
I have been home now half as long as I was away. It is Winter, and gray, and hibernating is my favorite occupation.

Many threads to weave into the tapestry; lots of business cards to organize; many new friends to email and call. The holidays are almost over, and we roll over into 2008.

Ft. Hood welcomed soldiers home, and kissed more of them goodbye.

Two young men close to my heart received orders to deploy again---they thought they were done; safe; free to move forward and make a difference in their world. I am concerned for them.

The wars continue.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center has 685 Active Duty Rehab residents and new patients continue to arrive on the white buses every Friday.

Carissa Picard continues to request the attention of the media for the Presidential Town Forum at Ft. Hood, and CNN says "veterans issues are old news".
I think about my wounded friends,---send emails, to let them know they are important to me. Wonder what does happen to them when they "leave, move back outside the gates of WR".

I tell a few friends about this adventure, the excitement of syncronistic events and meetings--the magic of it all. They listen politely.
"The Wars" are removed from the artsy conclave that I know. There is a disconnect.
I want to shake them. Wake up, tribesters--this is your generation coming home. They are hurting and shell shocked, and they will benefit from your love and patience. Show up, bring some music and gentle compassion.

Listen. Remind your soldier/peers that being "home" is a good thing. Let them know we are so very grateful to have them back.
Share the Love.
It matters.

k

Update October 6, 2007

Met some fabulous Veterans in the heartland of america--welcomed generously; hearing the stories of Veterans of many generations.

Parking lots are great places to connect.

Invited to a homecoming for Stacy at the National Guard Armory in Garden City ,KS...just happened to take a wrong turn....

Escorted to Justin's house by Will, contemporary Veteran we met in the Wal-Mart parking lot.

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Oklahoma with a talented Veteran writer.

Having a chance to hug Matt, one of the soldiers from Clarksville, Arkansas National Guard unit profiled in "Off To War"; visiting Ronald's turkey farm.



Had a great tour of "The Farm" in Summertown, Tennessee--functioning Intentional Community.

Tailored Morgan's stiltwalking pants in Nashville.

Visited Jonancy, Kentucky looking for "The Marlboro Man"---Blake Miller.

Met Mary Welp of Heal Our Warriors in a parking lot in Kentucky; heard about the successful retreat they had just facilitated in Michigan--bringing healing to young Veterans and their families.

Camped with friends in Lexington to catch up on news of the Warriors we know and love.

Freaked out by West Virginia, we were happy to get to Bedford, Virginia and stretch out in the peaceful green woods.
Om was delighted to run all over the mountain. Morgan spun fire during the Jimmy Buffett cover band performance, and collected high school groupies while walking tall.

Reached Asheville, NC Tues.

Received a brief intro to Alpha Stim --a method of treating anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain without the use of drugs.
I flew to DC Thursday.

Met the liaison for Secretary of Department of Veterans Affairs--I was lost and asked him for directions.

Spoke with James of Salute Military Golf Association--an organization that provides rehabilitative golf experiences for combat-wounded soldiers.

Had a great afternoon talking real estate, WELLsville, the beauty of Allegany County with old friends from NY.
Attended Ed Tick's course at Walter Reed Hospital--met Military Chaplins, Psychiatrists, physicians, nurses, etc.(soldiersheart.net)

Finally connected with Patrick at IAVA office in China Town.

Friday evening the newly wounded are brought from overseas to Walter Reed in white school buses, carefully moved to gurneys by efficient young nurses, gently greeted by an advocate, and wheeled to the wards.

The flight nurses escort their soldiers. They look weary,and deeply concerned for the wounded they accompany.

I stood next to a father as the second bus was unloading---"I came in these doors on a stretcher 19 years ago. My son came in a few weeks ago, just like that kid over there...."

My heart fills, and breaks, as I connect with the Warriors.

May you be peace,
kristin

Update Oct.7,2007

Long day interconnecting---attended The Green Festival at the Convention Center in DC. In the same building is the oppulent set-up for AUSA convention tomorrow---Army product show for Army associated persons who purchase and use weapons, train and recruit Army participants, Military Medical, etc....etc...etc.....our tax dollars at work........

The yin/yang of the displays and info in the Center was ...interesting. Sustainable earth concious products, light footprint living, and warfare. wow.

I have a pass to AUSA. I will go and look at all the expensive displays, speak with Army folk, and educate myself.
I have given away all my fliers about WELLsville VP---a nurse at Walter Reed copied a few so I could share them with other staff and patients today.

I was gifted about fifty pounds of organic treats for soldiers at Walter Reed--schlepped it on the metro, with Mountain Dew for Travis, and apples and schwag for Adam (kids on the wards). The nurses appreciated the chocolate as much as the patients did.

I spoke with some lovely nurses waiting for the white buses to bring the Air-evac this eve. They are open to connecting with civilian health care practitioners for decompression.

The work they do; the compassion and care given ; the tears held back take a toll.

Stopped up to deliver the Mountain Dew.

The families are inspiring.

The nurses are goodness immeasurable.

My heart has so much love for the care givers in uniform.

Visited Adam--we talked about Grateful Dead concerts and Portland and what a pain Velcro can be --he has Velcro pant legs..and they pop open when undesired.

Adam mentioned that he has a "tick" that can be annoying. Told me he used to piss off his gunner--developed a habit of bouncing his right leg nervously when on patrol. It would shake the vehicle. "Every day was like an Easter Egg hunt--which vehicle will they blow up today. I was waiting. It gets to you."
....he reminds me of my own boys....

Upstairs, I met Brian, just home from the sandbox. Home from his third tour--ready to leave behind his goals of entering law enforcement. He loves his Dodge Ram truck, loves car detailing---maybe he'll go to school and learn some auto mechanics. "Maybe this incident was a blessing. I'm tired of going after the bad guys, getting shot at. It will be good to get home and just be there." He is 25.

The nurses on his ward were charming, helpful, appreciative of chocolate.

Savannah is a lovely young mother, just arrived to be with her husband. Her baby has eyes like my son. "I met a wife who has been here for 9 months...I couldn't take that...."
I hope they all get home soon...

Tomorrow, Rachel (I met her at the Democracy Now booth today) will accompany me to the hospital. Her youthful beauty will be healing for the soldiers.

The civilian community has a big heart and great compassion. It is a pleasure weaving the tapestry of individuals that make the world loving.

more later.

share the love
kvh

Update Oct. 10,2007

From the moment I arrived at Convention Center metro station on Monday morning, til I exited the plane in Asheville, NC from DC last evening, I have been meeting important, influential, interested/interesting people.

AUSA Annual Conference (Association of the United States Army) is huge, extravagant, slick, informative,opulent, overwhelming.

In attendance: half the Army...?? I asked a Command Sargent Major who was minding the office.

I have a KBR pen and red shopping bag. Dyncorp gave out hand sanitizer in a stick. There was entertainment between the armored SUVs, tanks, and wag bag display.
Breath taking.

I met an astronaut.

I have a stack of impressive titles on impressive business cards: Major, Commanding General, The Honorable....
I listened to the Acting Surgeon General, General Casey and his wife, the Secretary of the Army, and the VP of Sesame Street Productions.

I sat next to an Admiral's wife and Director of Sentinels of Freedom. I shook hands with people with shiny buttons on their uniforms, and no first name---and, I met them as Richard, and John, and Tommy.

I heard concern for conditions and futures and care. I heard "it is their job to heal"; "we must heal more than just the body", "we want to heal the whole person"; "feeling good is kinda like healing"; "we don't want our wounded to ever have a bad day".

It was mentioned from the audience that many rurally located soldiers (espec. Guard and Reserve) can face challenges accessing care, accessing the internet for help from the on-line guides when they lack internet. "You let us know who needs help. If soldiers cannot contact us help us get to the folks falling through the cracks."
"Let us know how we are doing"

I reconnected with Brenda,elegant in her out-of-uniform street clothes. We had met at Ed Tick's class on Friday---(The Convention Hall is HUGE!!!!--and the entire place was Army people and stuff--and me...)

Rachel accompanied me to Walter Reed.

My gratitude to her is grand. Her loving sincerity, and genuine friendliness nourished all the soldiers we met, and brightened the day of five who can really use some cheering up.

Rachel's smile brought light to the eyes of new friends.

And to the nurses. Having a pretty young woman--their peer--show up in regular clothes, with time to hang out, is priceless. Soldiers in hospital need kids their own age to come and talk, laugh, share music, flirt, relate--they need their healthy peers to bring some normalcy and hope to the wards

Our visit was phenomenal--and all we did was share chocolate, and chit chat, and time.

We left feeling very very exhilarated. Sharing the love nourishes us.

Tuesday was more of the same AUSA---meeting good people and connecting the grassroots world of community healing with the big ticket world of government connected organization---people to people....just folks. Some a bit more elegant and well-connected than others--

And, all of us "just folks"...each with the capacity for love and compassion toward others.

It was a good, good time.

peace be with you
kristin

October 12, 2007
I have spent hours on the computer writing to the important folk who shared their business cards and email addresses with me this past week.
I received a response from Brigadier General Bradshaw of the Medical Corps connecting me to Laurie Ott of Augusta's Wounded Warrior Care Project.
I have no clue where that ranks on the military ladder--and I know it is significant to have the attention of a military member with clout.
Weaving this network of compassion and assistance, building Community, making change requires players from all paths. I am grateful for every person in the tapestry.

I look forward to Rachel's report of the Capitol Hill Dinner party she was planning to attend with Adam this eve. (I knew he'd have fun with a pretty girl accompanying him).
I spoke with Hal Koster, host---they are sharing the love with food and company. Nice effort for the residents of Walter Reed wards and Mologne House.

I am investigating the benefits of Alpha Stim --a method of relieving pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia through a little box, like an ipod, with two clips for the ear lobes. It sounds magical. I will share my personal experience with it soon.
Veterans can request it through their VA practitioner---it is covered by VA insurance. The glitch: some VA docs will not write a prescription, or the Acquisition Officer avoids ordering.
Seems logical that the Medical practitioners will welcome any thing that relieves the pain and suffering of Warriors.
If you are one of our Vets, or a practitioner, check out Alpha Stim...

Thanks for checking in on this adventure. It continues to unfold.

kvh

Oct. 18,2007 in WELLsville!!!!

Drove from Asheville, NC to Purcell, VA on Sat.
Met Jon Norsworthy of Guardian Sanctuary, and his host family welcomed me warmly to sleep over above the horse pasture. Stunning place.
I met Jon through Ron Zaleski (The Long Walk Home) back in Nov. 2006---it is a treat to actually be in the room with my interweb friends.

Sun., Cam, Juli, and the girls were off to Walter Reed for a picnic with the soldiers--they promised to look for a few folks I have met, and speak Russian with Mila, who lives at WR since 2002.
I headed North.

In Rochester, I met Bryan, Marine buddy of my friend, Junior, from Seattle. Bryan is smart, gentle, open hearted, welcoming. He had just returned from the IVAW Writer's Workshop in Ft. Drumm,NY.
I look forward to showing WELLsville to Bryan.

WELLsville is still here. Main St. has more empty store fronts, and there is a lovely Cultural arts Center where the hardware store used to be.
I spent two days tromping about the hills, appreciating the spectacular view, and considering the possibility of acquiring farm acreage for the project.
Steve Ledwell(former manager of Veteran Victory Farm in Fitzwilliam, NH) joined me.

I received emails from Rachel, updating me on the kids at Walter Reed. She is concerned that they are very bored at Mologne House (the transitional space that houses 500+ wounded); could use games, cards, CDs, entertainment, visitors. And, they lack sufficient clothes--winter is coming, and some kids have told her they have no mittens or hats.
What they had in the military may be all they have now.
Velcro pants are important for those with leg wounds or compromised limbs.
"Sew Much Comfort" brings new clothes every week.
Integrative/alternative care is not available. There is a bar in the Mologne House, she tells me.....

I wrote to Generals and diplomats today. Some have responded and I am grateful for the connection with "the institution". We are all part of the great Community, and it is encouraging to have communication.

Oct. 19,2007

Ran around in the rain taking photos of the farm up the hill, and the houses.
Went out to the cemetary in Scio, across the street from the Quaker Building that was once an ice cream stand for us.
Cpl.Jason Dunham, US Marine Corps, was buried there April 2004. I remember the entire town turned out for his funeral--as well as the Marines. Jason was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage--throwing himself on a grenade.
He would be 26 yrs. old.....
There are over 100 Allegany County kids in the service right now. Their young faces grace the wall of the county building---I remember some of them as friends to my kids--skateboarding and making trouble in this quiet little village.
My neighbor, Bob says his grandson is going to Kuwait soon.

I will visit my friend, Cpt. Ben Tupper, in Syracuse and congratulate him on his Bronze Star, and be glad he is staying home now. His Guard unit will deploy to "the 'Stan" in a few weeks--again......
This war is getting old....
The nurses and soldiers and families are tired.
I continue this journey.
Peace
kristin

Oct. 22,2007

WELLsville is golden--and orange and red. Beautiful!
Arrivewd at Ben Tupper's house to be wisked to a Joe Driscoll gig---great talent, good friends. I was gifted a "Bragging Coin"---wow.
Walter Reed yesterday---hanging out with kids at Mologne House.
They are bored.
Smoking and "looking for something to do"....Trading war stories and bragging rights.
They are kids....
Lots of small children and spouses at Mologne House.
Only witnessed one person smiling....
Justin told me his story--haltingly Sweat rolling down his forhead from the effort to convey his words. He is articulate, and southern in accent---TBI challenges him.
TJ holds court around his tobacco hookah.
Proudly showed how he puts his new legs on and pushes the wheelchair with all his gear back to his room.
He is younger than my boys....
Jake looks familiar--tells me he really needs a massage. I imagine the prosthetic arm straps pull on his neck muscles and it is work to hold up a head full of memories....
Felicia is a medic. She hangs out with the "patients" because they are her age, and they are cool.
Brian has moved to a new ward. Rachel visits him often.
Two weeks since we first met, I am excited to see him get out of the bed, to the wheel chair, and maneuver about his room.
He is sharp, a leader. No whining, no complaints. He is dealing with phantom pain -- like freezing your feet and then walking--it was a tough weekend for him. Pissed that the EFT took his legs-glad to be alive...
He shared his "alive day" story with me. I cried when he told me how loving and supportive the guys were with one another as they waited for help. "Not homo or anything..."
"Why are you crying?" he asked me.
"Because..." you are a courageous hero to me.

sometime between there and here

After DC, I headed south to Jacksonville,NC and Camp Lejeune. The Marines gave me a pass, and I arrived at the offices of Hope for the Warriors as the sun was setting.
Amy Koury welcomed me warmly into the buzz of preparation for the Poker Run. (Bikers and cards to raise funds for HFTW). Marine wives are a special breed. I am honored to know these strong, courageous women.
In the deep dark, I followed Amy to her home on the farther edge of Camp Lejeune--through "TANK CROSSING"s, and miles of sand dunes. The Marine Corps owns some extensive waterfront property.
Late into the night, Amy continued her work, doing what she can to aid service members and their families in crisis. I applaude her dedication and commitment to others.
It is not politics--it is love.......it is important.....

I had a time getting out of Jacksonville, or where ever it was I spent the night. Finally enroute to Augusta, for lunch with Laurie Ott, Wounded Warrior Care Project. We are connecting with the assistance of Brig. General Bradshaw.
Laurie is a celebrity in Augusta (recently left TV news to work with Warriors), so our conversation was scattered as folks came up to greet her. It was an interesting social experience.
I visited Upper Campus of Augusta VA Medical Center--Kym Hogie escorted me around the Active Duty Rehab. Such a different environment from Mologne House--clean, bright, a sense of hope palpable in the air. People smiling!!
Each Warrior has 12 case workers guiding and encouraging recovery. Daily PT, occupational therapy, access to swimming pool, workout rooms, equipment.. There is LIFE here!!!
Very impressive--Hope is present.
There are THIRTY empty beds at this center. ....and Mologne is crowded....politics.....
I feel hopeful today as I head to the american Gulf--to see the devastation for myself.
peace,
k

Oct. 26, 2007
Houston Texas
Visiting friends from WELLsville who have migrated. I have not been in Texas for over a decade, and willl be spending significant time here, meeting several women on a mission for change.

Carissa Picard just contacted me with her vision to bring Presidential Candidates to Ft Hood to speak directly with the soldiers and families stationed there. 46.000 soldiers are at Ft Hood--1/3 are deployed at any given time.
I listened to a story of a Seattle soldier coming home to his six yr. old son yesterday---lots of tears as I travel this nation....

My nephew is stationed with the Coast Guard in Mobile, AL so I stopped there. I am grateful for his safety, and am proud of his strength and compassion in his duties.
He recently attended a symposium on Issues Affecting Returnees, waking up law enforcement participants to pay attention to why certain behaviors are prevelant in returnees, and to use fair judgement and compassion when dealing with them.
Veteran Outreach in Rochester, NY is leading edge in this.
Spent time with Ethan, who has refocused his activism into Americorp Disaster Training. Years in the military, and an intense year of marching and speaking out, have readjusted his focus. Good on ya, Easy.....

Drove to Slidell, looking for Gordon, and Camp Liberty. Met a few young Veterans instead.

Austin,Texas has been base for a week of Conscious Language training.
Visited Ft. Hood in Killeen to meet Carissa and Caynnan Picard.
Military Spouses For Change is the organization Carissa has created--Welcoming Presidential Candidates to Ft. Hood to answer the questions of Military members and their families.
Right on, Carissa!!!!

early Nov. 2007

I left Austin Sat. morning, feeling a bit lost and direction-less. Saw a kid holding advertising on the corner--my kids did that once--boring job. I offered him some water and fruit. We talked. He has been living under a bridge for months, a lost soul dealing with his demons. I gave him a ride to somewhere and left him with a bag of food...and worried about him....
Amy Palmer, Operation Homefront, welcomed me to her home for the night. Looking at the van, with various messages and decorations, she asked where I stand on the politics of the wars. "For me, this is about the people. It is not about politics."

Texas is a big state. I passed through several "Border Patrol" check points. Pleaseant, suprised reaction from the guards as they read the WELLsville sign on the van.
I imagine how it feels for Iraqis to pass through checkpoints...

Tucson, AZ was hot. I met with Michael Wagner at a lovely monastery near there. The tranquility is appropriate for healing.
As a psychologist at WR, he realized the importance of reconnection with SOUL to alleviate PTS. Michael is joining Veteran Village.

I drove through the smoke filled canyons of S. CA, to Camp Pendelton, and the home of my friends, Tonia and Sgt. Major Kenneth Sargent.
Kenny was wounded three years ago. With Tonia's constant encouragement and guidance, he is now functioning well, working out daily, providing example for other Marines dealing with their issues. His sense of humor is sharp.
Tonia counsels and guides Marines and spouses who come to her with their pain.
For two years, as Kenny learned to walk, talk, and function again, NO ONE visited them. On a Marine base, living right next to Marine families, in an american neighborhood as american as it can get, not one person came to say "hello". No extended family came to see them. Old friends evaporated.
It can be frightening to face pain, compromised ability, emotional confusion.

Veterans Day wkend I spent with Raven Drum Foundation--moving, drumming, honoring. This group of friends impressed me grealy. We had a great time! Drumming at the top of Topanga Canyon created some magic!!
A Vietnam Veteran was deeply moved by the experience, and thanked us for encouraging him to participate. In a safe environment, the old ways can lead to significant healing.

Nadia McCaffrey took me in.
Michael O'Gorman and Matt McCue were searching for the proper farm for our returning Warriors. It was great to see this gentle young veteran just returned from planting Peace Corps seeds in Niger, Africa.

Stopped in Ashland--The Welcome Home Project is created by Bill McMillan and Kim Shelton (a Memorial Day retreat for Veterans and their Families) . The idea of Veterans and Community is building.

Eugene is closer to home, and I began to drag my feet. As I questioned the validity of my 12,000 mile journey, it began to rain, and I found myself driving through rainbows.
It was great to see my boys--those blood related and those related by tribe. Looking at my sons and their friends with whole bodies and minds unmarred by witness to death and destruction, I was deeply grateful. And deeply sad, for their peers in uniform.


This journey was about dropping facades and meeting one another on common ground---Every person I have met--soldier, nurse, mother, diplomat--has shown sincere concern for the PEOPLE affected personally by the chaos. Put a face on "troops", and it becomes personal.
Recognize that kid in uniform, or in the wheelchair, or on the street with a thousand yard stare could be your son, sister, neighbor, best friend, you.
Then what?

Be kind.
k