Wellsville Veterans Project - Recently Updated Pageshttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/pageSearch/updatedRecently Updated Pages on http://wellvets.wetpaint.comen-usinfo@wetpaint.comTue, 01 Jul 2008 11:13:26 CDTTue, 01 Jul 2008 11:13:26 CDTwetpaint.com60Wellsville Veterans Projecthttp://www.wetpaint.com/img/logo.gifhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.comveterans of the war with Iraq - reintegrationContact Ushttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/Contact+Uskvanhuysenhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/Contact+UsTue, 01 Jul 2008 11:13:26 CDTThe physical location for our project is Upstate NY.
We appreciate hearing from you and welcome sincere inquiries, comments, suggestions.

WELLsville Veterans Project
11332 39th Ave. NE
Seattle,WA 98125


E-mail contact via: www.wellvets.org
wellsvillevp@gmail.com
comments and questions can be emailed via the commentary box
We thank you for your patience as we build our "real" site

Phone: 206-851-6448


Caring for our Warriors and their loved ones ensures a healthier future for all of us. Join us in this dedicated mission.



]]>WELLsville ROAD TRIPhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/WELLsville+ROAD+TRIPkvanhuysenhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/WELLsville+ROAD+TRIPTue, 01 Jul 2008 11:12:00 CDTOn the road with Om Dog and Morgan--bringing our love and info to Idaho, Colorado,Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, the Carolinas, DC, and all the places 12,000 miles between there and home.

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.

I rolled into Seattle just before Turkey Day. Dragged my butt up I-5 from Portland, not too excited to end this experience. What now?
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".

Laurie Ott hopes to visit Justin when she goes to WR in Jan. 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.

"Real chocolate" seems to mean "milk choc."--and was requested.

But, when some tasted the organic dark stuff I passed out, there were expressions of delight.

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.

A woman said to me,"Oh, my brother loves that and I did not have a chance to get some for him." It felt good to give up a bottle of sugared green familiarity for her to take to her brother's bedside.
The families are inspiring.

The nurses are goodness immeasurable.

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

Visited Adam--he scarfed two apples , perked up when he saw Reese's cups, and accepted all the gifts I had scored from the Greenies.
I enjoy this intelligent, determined young man--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 asked me to go with him to the Capitol Hill Dinner Club next week. I suggested he might prefer a younger gal, and perhaps I can find one to accompany him. "Yeah, that sounds good...but I want you to go ..." Perhaps he will reconsider when the pain meds wear off. The Dinner Club is a very exclusive restaurant that generously invites wounded soldiers for dinner and meeting.

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."

I am honored to accompany Adam; to have the friendship of a brave Warrior; glad to be here when his family cannot....he reminds me of my own boys....

Upstairs, I met Brian, just home from the sandbox. Had to gown up, no contact rules (just in case). 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. One is from Portland---when he comes into your cafe, Raighan, feed him well. He does not consume caffeine--I gave him a Cliff bar.

Savannah is a lovely young mother, just arrived to be with her husband. Her baby has eyes like my son, Raighan. "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. Dynacorp 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---One of her boss-officers mentioned that Colonel Rice is in charge of something we wish to have connection with, so Brenda and I went (fruitlessly) searching for him. (The Convention Hall is HUGE!!!!--and the entire place was Army people and stuff--and me...)

She called me later to say she had sat with Colonel Rice on the train that evening.....typical syncronicity of the week....

Rachel accompanied me to Walter Reed.

My gratitude to her, and to the Powers That Be for connecting us, 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 her 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 folk 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.

I will fill in more later

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--thank you, sir--connecting me to another concerned individual.
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.

Tomorrow-Sat.- on the road again. Many folks I wish to see--limiting my time, as I have committed to a workshop in Austin, TX during Halloween week.
I will visit people in the southwest, and continue the weaving.

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.
til next time, i wish you peaceful and warm
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. Michael was there, ---he knows WELLsville, after spending some of the winter at Grover St.
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.
Ispent 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.
We got a lead on 400 acres north of here.
I will comment on the pristine condition of the first farm, here in WELLsville.
The second farm will be a humorous story for some time. (let's just say...."Appalachia...")

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.
All donations of clothing must be new. Rachel has the address to send stuff.
This is an opportunity for my creative friends to whip up some artsy duds for the troops.
Integrative/alternative care is not available. There is a bar in the Mologne House, she tells me.....

I miss Om Dog and Morgan. It was odd driving without them to laugh and grumble with me.

I wrote to Generals and diplomats today. Some have responded and I am grateful for the connection with "establishment". We are all part of the great Community, and it is encouraging to have communication.
It is nice to take time "off" for a moment.

kvh



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 famiilies 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 from concussion and electrocution challenge his speaking.
His papers have been misplaced, and he must begin his filing for disability all over again---in this new facility. His back is pained from battle, and the 15' fall to concrete when he was electricuted. He fell on his head.
His family is not able to visit 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 manuever about his room.
He is sharp, a leader. No whining, no complaints. Had to stop and breathe, rub his legs---phantom pain is 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...and in love.
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..."
Thank you for sharing your heart with me, Brian. 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 (thank you, Donald!).
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 recreating a retreat center for Warriors to delve into their experiences and reclaim their souls.

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 and gave me a home. We visited the house in Guerneville that will become the initial Veterans Village facility.
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. (He has been called up from IRR)

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 lifted my spirits a bit, and I chose to take it as a positive sign.
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 unifrom, or in the wheelchair, or on the street with a thousand yard starecould be your son, sister, neighbor, best friend, you.
Then what?

Be kind.
k



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 tellls 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 another Justin, 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.
I visit the Guerneville house and see where Veterans Village will commence soon. There is a warm home for some of our young 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



]]>Friends and Comradeshttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/Friends+and+Comradeskvanhuysenhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/Friends+and+ComradesTue, 01 Jul 2008 11:01:06 CDT WELLsville Veterans Project is pleased to be collaborating with Nadia McCaffrey and Veterans Village to establish a Reintegration Program beginning in WELLsville.

Veterans Village is the vision of Nadia McCaffrey, Gold Star mother of Patrick Ryan McCaffrey.


DAN RATHER REPORTS ON LINE: HEROES AT HOME
One Mother's Story, A Wife's Story


Hello Friends,
My wedding picture (with Patrick's Father) is displayed in the begining of the below video. After viewing this picture please be patient for a few minutes or forward it (it looks like part of another show was add-it at the beginning of the piece by mistake).

P.S. There is a small inexact detail in the story: Patrick was shot 8 times from three directions at the same time, front and back this information isaccording to Patrick's autopsy report.

Nadia McCaffrey, Gold Star Mother

Please click on the following link to view the interview with Dan Rather: Patrick Ryan McCaffrey

Veterans Village video created by LunaParks Productions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q7cTlRjGeU






Farmers, Veterans, Gold Star Mothers and representatives of Farms Not Arms gather to build an alliance in Santa Cruz, CA.

Swords to Plowshares – One Soldier’s Story
by
PVC Matt McCue


























My hoe strikes the ground every time I take a step. A local woman follows behind, tossing seeds in the holes that I dig. The West African sun beats down without mercy but I keep working. The soil is a well-weathered remnant of the jungle that used to dominate the arid land that is now known as the Sahel. I am planting millet, one of the most robust crops known to man. I cannot create or even fully control what will spring up from this seemingly barren field. I can only guide it.

You can cover a soldier with night vision, Kevlar, GPS tracking systems, advanced infantry weapons, put him in a Bradley fighting vehicle, and send him in to battle but without his or her personal force and motivation the equipment reveals itself for what it is: lifeless machinery. If I tell you of my experience in combat surely you will be able to read a story with more bravado, more blood, more adrenaline, and more pain. I can tell you that to kill you have to shut off a piece of your heart, and to see another soldier die will shatter what is left of it. To function you have to become immersed in the machine that is killing you and keeping you alive at the same time. You have to bring life to the machine.

Rather then thinking of Iraq as the place where my heart was broken and my mind was controlled I prefer to think of Iraq as the place where I discovered the key to my freedom. I prefer to remember the trucks full of watermelons and pomegranates that would pass through our checkpoints. I felt strangely human as I waved cars by with pomegranate seeds stuck to my Kevlar vest.
I witnessed many unforgettable things in Iraq but the aspect that changed my life more than any other was the way the farmers kept working and selling their produce through the chaos of a regime change. Farmers have a quiet power that made me realize that I could not accomplish anything good for the world with my M16 in hand. It was in Iraq eating fruit that I realized that I needed to find a new way to think. It was also in Iraq that I learned to hide how I felt.

I returned to Fort Hood, Texas a newly promoted sergeant. I spent the next seven months training kids how to kill. At night I would find myself in my room listening to anti-war music as I prepared for the next day of training. When my time was up and I left, I had no clue what to do. As an accomplished infantryman I could become a cop, private soldier or oilrig worker. I chose to collect unemployment and climb mountains in the Pacific Northwest. Unemployment ran out and through a series of events that included a summer stint in Alaska as a commercial fisherman, I found myself in Pahoa, Hawaii. I came to volunteer on a five-acre permaculture farm owned by a friend of a friend. It was there that I stopped being a soldier. I learned about the concept of sustainability and how to compost. I saw so many beautiful plants and learned so much I was almost overwhelmed. I was secretly still afraid of getting mortared or running over an IED, as we would drive into Hilo. I took up boogie boarding and faced a very real and logical fear of drowning because I am a weak swimmer.

As I look back, my time in Hawaii was priceless. It was there that I applied for the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. Because of my lack of experience and formal education I really had no idea if they would let me into their six-month apprentice program, but in April 2006 I found myself setting up my two-person tent on the edge of one of the fields.
It took about three seconds for me to realize that I had found a very special place. I spent the next six months with the smartest group I have ever worked with and ended up in a heated discussion about every day. My most frequent debate partners were the people I loved the most. Just about everyone knew more about horticulture than me. Everybody taught me something. I would still go to sleep afraid of mortars but the joy of the present and anticipation of the next harvest made the past seem to loosen its grip on my life. I learned more from six months on a college farm in Santa Cruz than four years in the Military.

I escaped the army without a scratch -- but before learning to care for life I was caught in a slow death with nothing to watch but my own mortality and the horrifying news. I feel like the luckiest person alive because as I work in my field in West Africa my body becomes stronger and I am no longer an observer of the quiet beauty, I am a caretaker. Having been very effectively conditioned to kill and accept death, taking care of plants has had a kind of opposite effect on my mind, heart, and soul. Sometimes I feel that the torment that has plagued me during and after my time in Iraq was just the plowing of the field of my heart before the deep-rooted seed of peace and sustainability could grow within my soul. The quiet power of farming has overtaken me and I no longer live in fear.

PVC Matthew Mccueis an Iraq War vet turned farmer and member of Farm Not Arms. He is now teaching Agriculture for the Peace Corps in Niger, Africa.
He can be reached by email: mattmccue@hotmail.com


Farms Not Arms is made up of farmers seeking a more peaceful world. Our Swords to Plowshares project makes our farms available to Iraq and Afghan War vets looking for employment, job training and places to heal.

In California we are forming a non-political Farmer-Veteran Coalition, bringing together the farming community with veterans, their advocates and their survivors so we can help care for the disproportionately large number of veterans that are returning to rural America, and bring new energy to our farms. Farms Not Arms and the Farmer-Veteran Coalition will offer scholarship assistance to any returning veterans that wish to attend the Agroecology apprentice program that Matthew did at the University of California Santa Cruz.
Contact- Linda Speel
(707) 765-0196
Linda@farmsnotarms.org

www.farmsnotarms.org



Michael O'Gorman (behind the table, on the left) with Farms Not Arms members.
O'Gorman"s efforts and organization have been the catalyst for the Farmer-Veteran Coalition.

AP Article : Farmer-Veteran Coalition meeting prior to Farm Aid Concert (Sept.8, 2007)

NEW YORK, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Matt McCue had a moment of enlightenment in Iraq while guarding the back door of a house where his fellow soldiers were hunting Saddam Hussein -- he bit into a sweet lime and discovered an interest in horticulture. Now he's part of a movement seeking to help returning U.S. veterans find peace in civilian life by tilling the land.

"You take someone who has been walking around the street looking for insurgents, who's basically trained to capture people, to kill them ... you can't put them in some ordinary job and expect them to grasp on to it," McCue said. "To go from that to watching things grow, to taking care of life, has been a very important step for me," he said by telephone from Niger in West Africa, where he is a Peace Corps volunteer teaching agriculture. "It's beautiful to go to that nurture mode," he said, recalling how his curiosity was sparked by the produce in farmers' markets in Iraq. "I had no idea there was a variety of lime that tasted like that."

McCue will be in New York this weekend for a forum on the impact of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on rural communities. Organized by a group called Farms Not Arms, the forum is part of the buildup to Sunday's Farm Aid concert, a benefit for family farmers that was first launched in 1985. McCue, who grew up in the suburbs of Albuquerque, New Mexico, said it was hard to leave his field of millet, sesame and beans in the village of Garbey Kourou, even for a short trip. He is hoping his story may be an example to others.

William O'Hare, senior fellow at the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire, analyzed U.S. military casualties in a report last year and found the number of war deaths of soldiers from rural areas was disproportionately high. "About 19 percent of the soldier-age population live in rural America but they account for 27 percent of the deaths," O'Hare told Reuters. He linked that to a scarcity of jobs in poor rural areas where people were less likely to go to college or work full-time jobs, making a military career more appealing.

POLITICS OF WAR One of the biggest names associated with Farm Aid, musician Willie Nelson, has long been an anti-war campaigner and Farms Not Arms says it opposes the war in Iraq. But McCue and others involved in Saturday's forum said they were politically neutral and focused on how farmers can work with veterans to their mutual advantage.

"Our farmers are in trouble right now and so are our soldiers," said Nadia McCaffrey, whose son Patrick was killed in Iraq in 2004 -- one of at least 3,750 U.S. military deaths there since the March 2003 invasion. She founded a group called Veterans Village to help soldiers returning with post traumatic stress disorder and other problems. The group plans to set up a self-sustaining organic farm in North Carolina for veterans.

"The farm is going to be a safe place for them to be," said McCaffrey. "Many of them thought they were going to go back to life and put the war behind them but it didn't quite work this way." Saturday's event will mark the launch of a politically neutral group called the Farmer-Veteran Coalition to provide farm jobs, training and land for veterans, organizers said.

Steve Ledwell, a U.S. Navy veteran and recovering alcoholic and drug addict, runs a shelter in New Hampshire called the Veterans Victory Farm which houses up to 19 veterans. "Getting back to the basics of farm life is very therapeutic," Ledwell said. A similar facility for as many as 200 veterans is planned for Long Island, New York. When McCue looks back on his time in Iraq, he likes to recall farmers passing through checkpoints to take their crops of watermelons or pomegranates to markets that continued to function despite the violence and chaos. "I realized there was a power in that," he said. "There are more soldiers in the United States than farmers at this point. Five years down the line maybe it won't be rare for vets to take this path."



]]>Donationshttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/Donationskvanhuysenhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/DonationsTue, 01 Jul 2008 10:51:44 CDT We have received determination from Internal Revenue Service that we are able to receive tax deductible contributions under section 170 of "the Code".


It is possible to make a difference. Each of us has something to offer.

Private sector grants, donations, gifts, and resources are essential components of WELLsville Veterans Project.
As government agencies strain to provide for Veterans' programs, the men and women who served, and now bear the repercussions of combat experience, can be left lacking guidance, care, and other essentials of life for themselves and their families.
Leaving the Military can be stressful, confusing, intimidating. Veterans and their families may be unaware of the services and benefits available for them.
Some Veterans are uncomfortable returning to their home of origin, or may have no home to welcome them.


Contemporary Veteran issues affect each of us. We have the opportunity to affect our future by honoring and caring for our Warriors today.
Each of us can make a difference in the life of a returning Warrior.
Consider what you have to offer a young Veteran--it can be as simple as smiling and saying "hello".
(If you find it challenging to recall what you have to share, send us a message via the commentary space at www.wellvets.org. We welcome sincere participation from compassionate community.)

WELLsville Veterans Project Needs:

  • Building Contractors--ideally, Veteran directed ; eco-friendly ; passionate ; patient

  • Health Care Providers/ Educators

  • Networking assistance--Who do you know ; How can you/ they help?

  • Materials- Construction supplies and tools; Furnishings; Computers; Musical instruments; Art supplies; Health Care supplies

  • Funding--For Eco-Reconstruction; Health Care Practitioners and Instructors; Residential needs (food and personal care items); Business needs; Transportation; Research and Development; Public Relations; etc.

  • Vehicles--Allternative fueled; Other-abled friendly

  • Airmiles

  • Veterans and Families to join us

  • Concerned, Responsible Participants from all walks of life, who choose to share their time, energy, skills, and experience to make a difference

If you have suggestions, resources, information, or desire to help, please contact us.

Contact:
Kristin Van Huysen
www.wellvets.org
206-851-6448







]]>Missionhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/Missionkvanhuysenhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/MissionTue, 01 Jan 2008 17:08:41 CST
WELLsville Veterans Project provides safe haven for Reintegration and Wellbeing of contemporary Military Veterans and their loved ones.

Comaraderie-Purpose-Potential-Hope

WELLsville Veteran Community offers Warriors time and space to reconnect with a core sense of Self and Spirit

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead

Our intention is to weave a rich Tapestry of Warriors, Families, and Community by fostering understanding, acceptance, honor, and compassion.
WELLsville encourages Veterans to learn methods of care and expression to share with one another ; to continue the powerful bond of brother/sister-hood formed through military experience by being present for one another ; to unfold into full potential by utilizing life experience for growth and healing.

WELLsville has no borders or boundaries. The Mission is individual, local, national, international.

"Veterans are the light at the tip of the candle, illuminating the way for the whole nation. If veterans
can achieve awareness, transformation, understanding, and peace, they can share with the rest
of society the realities of war. And they can teach us how to make peace with ourselves and
each other, so we never have to use violence to resolve conflicts again".
Thich Nhat Hanh


learn:About Us
Other folks with similar intention

]]>Shared Visionhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/Shared+Visionkvanhuysenhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/Shared+Visionremove river of lightMon, 12 Nov 2007 22:43:50 CSTJoining us in Vision are these dedicated individuals and organizations:
(Clicking on the below links will take you outside of this site.)
WELLsville Veterans Project is POLITICALLY NEUTRAL. We appreciate, share, learn, and communicate with individuals and organizations to support and heal HUMANITY affected by war.

Veterans Village

Farmer-Veteran Coalition

Soldier's Heart

Coming Home Project

Raven Drum Foundation

Heal Our Warriors

Honor A Veteran

Hope For The Warriors

Operation Comfort

Operation Ward 57

Iraq Afghanistan Veterans of America

Volunteers For Peace



]]>About Ushttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/About+Uskvanhuysenhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/About+UsSat, 06 Oct 2007 22:32:02 CDT

When others are in need, it is human nature to respond with compassion.

Personal suffering can be alleviated by helping another overcome suffering.

WELLsville Veterans Project is about providing the "tools" and space for assuaging the demons of combat experience.

The war is not over when the Warrior comes home.

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans reminds us:

The most effective programs for homeless and at-risk veterans are community-based, nonprofit, "veterans helping veterans" groups. Programs that seem to work best feature transitional housing with the camaraderie of living in structured, substance-free environments with fellow veterans who are succeeding at bettering themselves. Because government money for homeless veterans is currently limited and serves only one in 10 of those in need, it is critical that community groups reach out to help provide the support, resources and opportunities most Americans take for granted: housing, employment and health care.


WELLsville Veterans Project was commenced by Kristin Van Huysen in response to the growing number of Warriors returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Young men and women with a life perspective affected by military experience can use guidance and support while they research and explore educational/occupational/creative paths. Values, perspective, desires tend to evolve and change while "in theater"---what was important before deployment may no longer be of value.WELLsville provides space and time to research and discover new interests and possibilities.


Initial intention is to utilize seven existing dwellings in the Village of WELLsville, NY for Transitional Housing/Healing space for service men and women. We will enlist Integrative and Allopathic Healthcare Providers to share their skills and knowledge with residents to relieve Reintegration Anxiety/ Post Traumatic Stress/ Combat Related Issues.
WELLsville encourages artistic/creative expression and exploration. We will host seminars and workshops to teach methods of care to Warriors, so they may continue to care for one another.



WELLsville Veterans Project encourages participation of Veterans in all aspects of creation, organization, function. We recognize and encourage the intelligence, capability, experience, and fortitude displayed by our Warriors, and view it as a valuable resource for Warriors to support and heal one another. Healing happens when one has understanding comrades to process and listen, in a safe, nourishing environment. Including family, friends, and fellow community members in the process supports the Warrior to come fully back to self.


"Caring means sharing the burden" --soldiersheart.net


Iraq/Afghanistan era Veterans are our future. Let's cherish them well.

We help set the standard for care and compassion to all people, beginning with our valuable young men and women Warriors.

WELLsville is about Welcoming our Warriors all the way Home.

Wellsville, NY is a rural village in Upstate NY--90 miles South of Buffalo/Rochester ; 300 miles Northwest of NYC

There is a well respected, newly expanded Veterans Clinic in Wellsville, and the Bath Veterans Facility within 50 miles

Alfred State College and Alfred University are close, with a Technical Annex for ASC in the village of Wellsville

We have the opportunity to revitalize rural America, while revitalizing our Warriors.

The health of our nation depends on the health of our citizens.

m ore about WELLsville

Other folks with similar intention

Stories, videos, information

Get involved





Photograph by Anton Corbijn



]]>Homehttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/Homekvanhuysenhttp://wellvets.wetpaint.com/page/HomequakersSat, 15 Sep 2007 11:36:13 CDT
Reintegration and WELLbeing Community

for Contemporary Combat Veterans and Their Families

Located in beautiful Allegany County New York, WELLsville Veterans Project is creating welcoming, safe Community for War Activity Service Participants, and their loved ones.



"IN WAR THERE ARE NO
UNWOUNDED SOLDIERS"
-- JOSE NAROSKY





To find out more, go to the about us page.


WELLsville Veterans Project
--Revitalizing our Warriors as we Revitalize Rural America--


{WELLsville Veterans Project is Apolitical / POLITICALLY NEUTRAL. We communicate, share ideas, and learn from all persons expressing concern for the HUMAN and PLANETARY affects of war.}


























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