Veterans Coming Home WHRO

“Many have made the ultimate sacrifice, including more than 150 women who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan – patriots whose sacrifices show that valor has no gender.” President Barack Obama, Jan. 24, 2013. Nancy Lacore, USN Reservist and mother of six embarks on a 160 mile run, honoring the 160 US military women who died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Chuck Rotenberry’s scars are invisible to the average person, but they are very real to Chuck and his family. Like millions of veterans, Chuck suffers with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Richard Casper wanted to do something to assist other veterans transitioning from service to civilian life, so he founded Creativets. With the help of professional singer/songwriters, Richard uses music and arts as a means of therapy for veterans. Creativets takes veterans to Nashville, where they share their war time experience with talented musicians, who help them tell their story through song.

Dan Hallock’s journey took this veteran from drug abuse and homelessness to complete restoration. Dan attributes much of his turn around to his relationship with VetsHouse and Executive Director of the Virginia Beach Program, William “Smitty” Smith.

Sharaya Martin is one of thousands of veterans who has successfully transitioned from serving her country to serving her community as a volunteer. For so many veterans, the mission to improve the lives of others continues each and everyday through volunteering.

While serving his country in Saudi Arabia, Airman Dwayne Parker lost vision in his right eye. Like thousands of our servicemen and women wounded in action in Iraq and Afghanistan, Dwayne returned home to a life filled with challenges. For Dwayne, frustration and depression soon followed. It wasn’t until he got involved with Adaptive Sports that things started to turn around. Now he has his own non-profit to help other wounded warriors learn new skills and gear up for competition.