Free Hugs for Vets

Where the heck have I been?

2007-06-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

Home with family.

Fixing things around the house.

Getting new orders.

Moving halfway across the country.

Coordinating technical and design support to produce a better site.

Making business partnerships.

Talking to professionals.

Writing letters to deployed troops... one at a time.

I'm now in my new place, computers are set up, and you'll be hearing and seeing a lot more from me.

For Now,

God Bless!

To your healing!

Mike

You Are Loved!

2007-05-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

If you're a veteran, know that you are loved, supported, and respected.

I'm at the 2007 Milblog Conference with a large group of people working hard to help our troops.

Free Hugs for Vets is about three things:

Welcome Home!
Thank you for your service!
You are loved!

All the best!

Mike

Gathering of Eagles

2007-03-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

We went to the Gathering of Eagles yesterday near the Vietnam memorial.

It was moving to listen to a few of the speakers supporting our troops and their mission.

Of course, the mainstream media spent the bulk of their attention covering the anti-war protest, but to be fair, the local media at least covered both sides fairly.

We put together a short video, trying to capture the feeling of being there.

Thanks to Jesse Greer of www.readinessandfamilysupport.org for the use of his music and his appearance in the video. They are based in Alabama, and do a great job supporting our troops and their families.

Our intention is to welcome home our troops, and help them get reintegrated into their families and civilian lives. Visit www.reintegrationprogram.com, as we'll have some helpful resources available very soon.

Spread the Love!

Mike

I Cried Like A Baby

2007-03-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I saw a video online where "Free Hugs" were being given.

The video and message is about everyone's need for a human connection.

It starts with the man standing alone, offering Free Hugs, and being ignored, avoided and even challenged. Soon, the ice breaks, and he begins to share his hugs, people join him in giving hugs, and joy, peace, acceptance and love follow...

That itself touched me, but as I thought about our returning veterans, I drew parallels that really did bring me to tears. Our veterans are returning from war and suffering from a variety of issues.

Many of our troops have difficulty reconnecting with their friends and family. They have a tough time reintegrating into civilian life.

They feel different. No longer part of a team to keep them safe, they feel alone and detached.
Depression and drug abuse follow much too often.

Free hugs are intended to say "Welcome home, and thank you for your service."

Physically, as well as metaphorically, we wish to welcome our troops.

We intend to help. Give love, acceptance, and support to those in need. Provide them with the understanding that they are not alone.

Let them know that people understand them and what they are going through. They want to help, and the public will welcome them home into open arms.

Imagine how we can take those veterans and envelop them in love, help them work through their issues and send them on their way stronger, standing taller, and smiling.

When you visit the Reintegration Program, you'll discover that we've been working to reduce the suffering of our soldiers dealing with PTSD, Combat Stress, and Anxiety issues.

We'll be giving out free hugs along the way. Join us!

MAJ Mike

P.S. Who am I? I've been in the military for over 18 years in the guard and reserves. I've spent about four of the last five years on active duty, and seen many of my friends go overseas. Seeing their experiences challenge and change them inspired me to seek a way to help.