Military

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PTSD Awareness : Combat Injured Troops

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In honor of June being PTSD Awareness Month, we at The Life Chest want to call attention to some of the issues our American soldiers face as the realities of combat. The statistics are jarring, but we believe that there is power in being informed, and understand that there are many who are unaware of the spectrum of problems that may follow our troops home.

For every US soldier killed in World Wars I and II, there were 1.7 soldiers wounded. In Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, for every US soldier killed, seven were wounded. Combined, over 48,000 servicemen and women have been physically injured in the recent military conflicts.

In addition to physical wounds, it’s estimated as many as 400,000 service members live with invisible wounds of war, including combat-related stress, major depression, and PTSD. Another 320,000 are believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while deployed.

PTSD is claiming the lives of 22 veterans PER DAY. The numbers continue to rise and we must remember that without our veterans we would not have the freedoms that have become the norm of our everyday lives.



22 a Day – An Image from Combat Injured Troops

Transitioning back into “normal” life can be difficult for veterans upon arriving home, and that transition may prove to be even tougher for those injured in combat or dealing with PTSD. Luckily, there are many charities and organizations who strive to make a difference in these wounded veteran’s lives.

One such organization is the All Veteran Group. They are focused on representing military veterans through parachute demonstrations, tandem parachute experiences, brand ambassador programs, sponsorships & special events. They have a program called Therapy in the Air, where combat-injured troops have the opportunity to skydive with the All Veteran Group founder, Mike Elliott. Therapy in the Air is both therapeutic and rewarding to veterans. The All Veteran Group’s Therapy in the Air skydiving program “… helps warriors thrive through post-traumatic growth (PTG)…  [It] inspires individuals during rehabilitation, reintegration and during the healing process.”

The All Veteran Group

One such positively impacted combat-injured veteran is Todd Love, a testament to both the power of the human spirit as well as the impact that Therapy in the Air produces.Todd Love was a U.S. Marine, and was injured in an IED explosion while he was deployed in Afghanistan. As a triple amputee, Todd dreamed of being able to skydive with Mike Elliott; however, his doctors told him it wasn’t a possibility. With the help and training of Mike Elliott, the invention of a special tandem harness, and the joy of the jump, Todd proved them wrong. Todd has completed over 200 skydives with Mike Elliott to date, and the happiness it brings him is incredible.

Mike Elliott and Todd Love

Todd Love is a USMC veteran who lost both of his legs and his left hand to an IED in Afghanistan, who's determined to not let that get in the way of ANYTHING (Watch Todd's story: http://vimeo.com/23424390). He has been surfing, skiing, scuba diving, wrestling alligators, and now learning to skydive.

The Life Chest is currently holding a CrowdRise campaign in order to raise money to donate Life Chests to combat-injured veterans. Life Chests serve to provide a special place for those who have served or are currently serving in the military to keep their most treasured mementos and keepsakes. By having their very own Life Chest, they will have the opportunity to constantly be reminded of major milestones, and intimate memories. With the help of your donations, after the combat-injured solders complete their skydive with Mike Elliott through Therapy in the Air, they will be presented a Life Chest.

Save a life and leave a legacy… Please donate today to The Life Chest and give our incredible veterans something special. Visit our CrowdRise page at CrowdRise.com/LeaveaLegacy and make a difference!



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“Living the Dream” with Mark “Ranger” Jones

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Mark “Ranger” Jones is a retired Master Sergeant who describes his experience in the military as “living the dream.”

While in his sophomore year of college Ranger joined the Army as a cook with the Airborne Rangers because of his wife (and high school sweetheart) Lorries medical condition, she had suffered an aneurism and he wanted to be able to provide her with good medical benefits.

Before arriving at the Fort Benning Jump School Ranger had no idea that he would have to jump out of a perfectly good aircraft. Ranger has said “It was probably noon, but it was my first night jump because my eyes were closed tight the whole way down.”

In addition to serving in Desert Storm, Desert Shield and the Haitian Campaign, Ranger Jones went on to become the Senior Aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, General Hugh Shelton. In his US Army career Jones has completed more than 4,000 airborne jumps, even jumping with former President Bush.

Interesting Facts:

To this day, Ranger Jones remains the only Airborne and High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO) jump-qualified cook in US Army history.

After his retirement Ranger Jones continued to be a strong advocate for service men and women alike, recently he appeared in the Veterans Business Journal to discuss opportunities in the Federal Government for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and has assisted in a major ad campaign for the US Army’s recruiting efforts.

Mark “Ranger” Jones in Todays Military Ad

Jones serves as a Board Member for the Greater Southeast Hospital Foundation and Salute America’s Heroes Foundation as well as the Fisher House™ Foundation.

“You can’t judge an individual by how much money they make, but you can always judge someone by their character,” Jones has said, and it’s obvious that he applies this to his company The Ranger Group.

“The Ranger Group is a global general construction and commissioning services company founded in 2006 by U.S. Army veteran Mark “Ranger” Jones. It is a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) company as well as a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) with Virginia-Certified Small Minority Owned Business (SWaM), Maryland Department of Transportation® (MDOT), and South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency™ (SCTRCA).” – http://www.ranger-group.com/

The Ranger Group Foundation is a proud supporter of the Fisher House(TM) Foundation, with Ranger Jones serving on the Board of Trustees. The Fisher House(TM) is an organization that shares our commitment to military and veteran communities and their families, providing a “home-away-from-home” for more than 10,000 families of patients receiving care at major military and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Our support also included negotiating a new roof for the West Palm Beach, FL Fisher House(TM) at no cost. To find out more about the program or to contribute to the Fisher House(TM), please visit www.fisherhouse.org

Ranger with Ken Fisher in Iraq 2008, visiting troops and hospitals to learn first hand how to better help Soldiers in their time of need.

The Life Chest team had the pleasure of spending this years Grand Prix in Michigan with Mark “Ranger” Jones.

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PTSD Awareness Month

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At The Life Chest our soldiers are very important to us. That is why, this month of June, we would like to recognize that it is PTSD awareness month.

PTSD is known as post-traumatic stress disorder. It can occur following a life-threatening event such as military combat. Those who suffer from PTSD often suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and feeling emotionally numb. The disorder is the catalyst for many difficulties within a person’s life.

According to the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, about 60 percent of men and 50 percent of women will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime and the numbers are even higher for members of the armed forces.

It has been reported that our veterans are committing suicide at a rate of 22 lost each day, a staggering statistic that means we’re losing a hero every 65 minutes. At The Life Chest, we have partnered with the All Veteran Group to combine the healing potentials of our Chests with their amazing skydiving program called Therapy in the Air. With programs like Therapy in The Air, our veterans are getting the support they need to find hope in the aftermath of traumatic events and live their lives to fullest.

It is important that those suffering from PTSD can be reminded about the happier moments they’ve had throughout their lifetime. The Life Chest is currently holding a CrowdRise campaign in order to raise money to donate Life Chests to combat injured veterans who have served in the military. Our Life Chests serve to provide a special place for those who have served, or are serving in the military to keep their most treasured mementos and keepsakes. By having their very own Life Chest, they will have the opportunity to constantly be reminded of major milestones, and intimate memories.

The All Veterans group and the LifeChest is hoping to donate LifeChests to soldiers after completing the Therapy in the Air program. Therapy in the Air is “…[a skydiving program that] helps warriors thrive through post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG refers to positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances… Therapy in the Air inspires individuals during rehabilitation, reintegration and during the healing process… they have the power to tell new stories that will help them overcome adversity and move forward. Through telling new stories, warriors are able to rebuild a sense of self—to reconstruct an understanding of who they are, their place in the world and what their expectations of the world are.” After the combat injured solders complete Therapy in the Air, they will be presented a LifeChest with the help of your donations.

Everyone has a story worth telling, and we can’t think of anyone better to help preserve his or her most treasured moments than our American veterans. Your donation ensures that their legacy lives on. Save a life and help our veterans leave a legacy! Donate today in any amount you can, and give our incredible veterans something special.

Fundraising Websites – Crowdrise

Armed Forces Day

A History:

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department — the Department of Defense.

According to a New York Times article published on May 17, 1952: “This is the day on which we have the welcome opportunity to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces … to all the individuals who are in the service of their country all over the world. Armed Forces Day won’t be a matter of parades and receptions for a good many of them. They will all be in line of duty and some of them may give their lives in that duty.”

When is it Celebrated?

Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. Armed Forces Week begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May. Because of their unique training schedules, National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in May.



Have You Heard of The All Veteran Group?

“AVG is comprised of dedicated individuals of both; active and retired military. In addition to supporting our clients and sponsors, our team provides Therapy in the Air in support of Combat Injured Troops,” – Mike Elliot. Mike is the Founder of AVG and has created a Team of incredible Veterans who have focused on representing companies and military veterans with the highest level of professionalism through parachute demonstrations, tandem parachute experiences, brand ambassador programs, sponsorships & special events.

AVG’s Therapy in the Air Program

22 veterans a day commit suicide, which means we lose a hero every 65 minutes. That statistic is something that the All Veteran Group is working to turn around through their Therapy in the Air program.

Therapy in the Air is “…[a skydiving program that] helps warriors thrive through post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG refers to positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. Skydiving has an unparalleled sense of freedom mingled with excitement unlike that of any other sport. Therapy in the Air inspires individuals during rehabilitation, reintegration and during the healing process. They assist with helping individuals realize that they have the power to tell new stories that will help them overcome adversity and move forward. Through telling new stories, warriors are able to rebuild a sense of self—to reconstruct an understanding of who they are, their place in the world and what their expectations of the world are.”

Through creating our Crowdrise campaign and partnering with the All Veteran Group, our goal at The Life Chest is to complement the Therapy in the Air program with the donation of one hundred Freedom Life Chests. A Life Chest would serve as a physical manifestation of everything a veteran has accomplished in their life. With a Life Chest, they can store or display their awards, accolades, and other memorabilia collected while defending their country.

Thank you to our Armed Forces for your service to our Country, The United States of America and its wonderful people, we salute you!

and in the words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953

“Today let us, as Americans, honor the American fighting man. For it is he–the soldier, the sailor, the Airman, the Marine– who has fought to preserve freedom. It is his valor that has given renewed hope to the free world that by working together in discipline and faith our ideals of freedom will always prevail.”

Please consider donating to our CrowdRise Campaign

Fundraising Websites – Crowdrise

 

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An Inspiration, A Legacy, Barbie Ritzco

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Barbie Ritzco was an American Hero, not only for serving her country in a military sense, but for being able to publicized her battle with breast cancer, her mastectomy, and her courage to go without reconstruction. Her positive outlook helped her touch and inspire many people to press on and keep pursuing what they wanted in life.

Barbie was in Aviation Administration in the Marines for over 20 years, just like her father and uncle before her. While she was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan she found a cyst and it was soon discovered that this cyst was actually breast cancer and she had to immediately start chemotherapy. After an unreal amount of medical treatments that year including a mastectomy and radiation she began to push her doctors and then herself to allow her to run, compete and stay active. She put herself back into her element in order to persevere and was able to help other women in turn through inspiration and motivation, she was even coined Marathon Barbie!

Barbie Ritzco died at the age of 39 after a recurrence of breast cancer, her legacy lives on through her stories, her photographs and her incredible mission: to prove to other women that life after a mastectomy can be fabulous. 

Barbie Ritzco we salute you!

To Learn More:

Flat and Fabulous Group–  Co- Founded by Barbie as a source of empowerment for other women looking for information or support for living breast free.

USAA Athletic Inspiration Award Video

The Warrior Queen : 10 things to learn about Barbie

‘Flat and fabulous': Topless tattoo selfie inspires cancer survivors

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Legacy Monday with Mike Elliott and Therapy in the Air

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With the launch of our CrowdRise Campaign this week we would like to introduce you to Mike Elliott,  Founder of The All Veteran Group.

Mike Elliott with Former President George H.W. Bush Sr. After Their Tandem Jump on his 90th Birthday


Mike Elliott’s mission is one of hope and inspiration,  “With AVG, we are changing directions and changing lives. We provide a blueprint to translate aspiration for change into action, and a new sense of freedom. Traditional values of teamwork, effort, accountability, trust and selflessness are the cornerstones of AVG’s Programs.”

95% of the All Veteran Group is comprised of Golden Knights, Mike Elliott himself is a Golden Knight who served a Combat Tour in the Persian Gulf War, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Mike has completed more than 8,000 freefall parachute jumps, 2,000 tandem jumps and 92 military static line jumps. He is also a military Jump Master, a certified Federal Aviation Administration Parachute Rigger and a Tandem Instructor Examiner and Accelerated Free Fall Instructor. Mike has  jumped with former President George H.W. Bush three times, the last time was on on the former Presidents 90th birthday and we were lucky to attend and gift our Freedom Life Chest to George H.W. Bush when they landed! (Check out our post about this event here)

Mike made a great video which allows you to take a look at his greatest accomplishments and cherished memories, he keeps them inside his Freedom Life Chest and we are honored.

Through creating our CrowdRise campaign and partnering with the All Veteran Group, our goal at The Life Chest is to complement the Therapy in the Air program with the donation of one hundred Freedom Life Chests. 

The AVG program for Veterans, Therapy in the Air is “…[a skydiving program that] helps warriors thrive through post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG refers to positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. Skydiving has an unparalleled sense of freedom mingled with excitement unlike that of any other sport. Therapy in the Air inspires individuals during rehabilitation, reintegration and during the healing process. They assist with helping individuals realize that they have the power to tell new stories that will help them overcome adversity and move forward. Through telling new stories, warriors are able to rebuild a sense of self—to reconstruct an understanding of who they are, their place in the world and what their expectations of the world are.”

Here are a few other exciting stories from Mike Elliott and the All Veteran Group:

A Jump with Harry Rosen

A Jump with Bob McGrath from Sesame Street

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NPR: VA Steps Up Programs As More Veterans Enter Hospice Care

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This is a great article about the We Honor Veterans Program and about the care needed for Veterans who haven’t yet approached their PTSD.

“Shreve says only half the community hospices nationwide are taking advantage of the We Honor Veterans program, which is free. He’d like to see more of them get on board. That’s because half a million veterans will be needing end-of-life care each year for the next five years.”

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/01/28/381938804/va-steps-up-programs-as-more-veterans-enter-hospice-care?utm_source=npr_email_a_friend&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20150128&utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_term=

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Mike Elliott Shares The Contents of His Life Chest

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To look inside Mike Elliott’s Life Chest is to travel through time and see each of his accomplishments, experiences and moments of inspiration. Through the carefully selected items he has placed inside of his Freedom Chest you are able learn so much about his life and of his passion to make a difference. Mike’s story is incredibly deep and touching, he is an American Hero and we are honored to know him.

Please watch this video to learn more about Mike and Visit the All Veteran Group on their website or Facebook Page.

Thank you Mike Elliott, Founder and President of the All Veteran Group, for not only sharing your memories and mementos but for also inspiring us to create meaningful Life Chest Moments of our own.

As Mike always says..

Blue Skies!

The All Veteran Veteran Group is a unique collection of highly experienced parachutists who represent the essence of what it means to be an American: patriotism, creativity, initiative, professionalism and dedication to excellence.

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Harris Rosen: A Legacy And A Birthday Jump With AVG

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For his birthday Mr. Harris Rosen did the jump with Mike Elliot and his AVG team.

Rosen was born in 1939 in Manhattan. He attended Cornell University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from their School of Hotel Administration. He then served in the United States Army for three years in Germany and South Korea.

In 2002, Rosen donated a 20-acre (0.081 km2) site and $25 million to the University of Central Florida to develop the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

His efforts extend far beyond UCF, including large involvement in Tangelo Park. These efforts include scholarships for members of the community who are accepted to vocational school, college or university in the state of Florida, and an alternative spring break for Cornell students who wish to spend their vacation mentoring students from Tangelo Park.

Please Visit these links for more information and to donate to the Tangelo Park Program:

http://www.tangeloparkprogram.com/about/harris-rosen/

http://www.today.com/news/millionaire-uses-fortune-help-kids-struggling-town-1C9373666

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harris_Rosen