According to a study that was conducted by the Rand Corporation, 2.5 million men and women have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan over the last 13 years, and it is estimated that nearly 450,000 suffer from mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a result of their service. Rand Corporation predicts TBI in 20 % of our military. (www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9336/index1.html)

It is also estimated that 22 veterans per day are committing suicide.

“The “invisible” wounds of war have afflicted service members of all our nation’s wars. After thirteen years of persistent conflict, PTSD and TBI have come to the forefront as the signature wounds of this war. As a result more research to unlock the mysteries of these wounds and treatment strategies prevail more today than any other time in our history. Conventional treatment strategies and prescribed medications do not always adequately treat these conditions. Alternative methods that enable service members to rally around their strengths such as camaraderie, mission purpose and accomplishment and physical activity (training) have proven therapeutic and successful. Partnerships between public and private entities pull the collective resources and talents of care providers. Ultimately, these partnerships best serve those who have sacrificed on our behalf and provide a gateway to return to life as close as possible to the way it was before they experienced the wounds of war” (Col. Tim Gorrell, Director, Ohio Department of Veterans Services).

These statistics are staggering enough without including the toll that multiple deployments and the effects of war have taken on marriages and families, while contributing to a tremendous increase rate of alcohol, drug, and spousal abuse. It is becoming more and more apparent that our military heroes are returning to the home front with what is now being called “soul injury” or “moral injury.” These are wounds that are deep within the mind, soul, and psyche of the human being, but are reachable with healing techniques that are being developed in both the secular and faith-based communities. The mission of Warriors First is to provide opportunities for veterans and/or their families/spouses to find healing from these soul/moral injuries through retreats, guest speakers, and healing ceremonies.