The Lake Blue Ridge Detachment of the Marine Corps League raised $2,000 for The Shepherd’s Men’s SHARE Military Initiative during a fundraiser at Buckbald Brewing in Copperhill Saturday, August 22.
Shepherd’s Men describe the SHARE initiative, which takes place at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, as “a comprehensive, 8 to 12-week rehabilitation program that focuses on assessment and treatment for service members who have sustained a mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) from military service since September 11, 2001, including symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Other mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety, are also addressed as part of each client’s customized treatment program.”
The initiative provides the treatment and tools needed to successfully rehabilitate and return veterans home to their families and communities.
This care includes housing, physical and rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language pathology, recreation therapy, nursing, case management, neuropsychology, psychology and counseling, chaplaincy and counseling for those in recovery for substance abuse.
A life coach will also work with clients after they are discharged to ensure they have the resources they need to continue their recovery.
Shepherd’s Men Executive Director Travis Ellis said, “Shepherd’s Men is amazed by the continued support we receive from the Fannin County and Copperhill community. We have very loyal and committed partners, in this region, who help Shepherd’s Men advocate for our injured warfighters and see that we raise the funds needed to guarantee that the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center is able to render life saving treatment, to our veteran community, on a daily basis.”
Buckbald’s owner, Patrick Keenan, brewed a special beer for the event, which was named 22 Pale Ale. The beer is named with the number 22 in recognition of the 22 veterans who commit suicide every day.
Suicide prevention is one of the key cornerstones of The Shepherd’s Men’s mission.
“Since being chartered five years ago, the Lake Blue Ridge Detachment of the Marine Corps League has contributed annually to fundraisers for Shepherd’s Men, increasing every year to $2,000 this year,” Marine Corps League Commandant Jim Brumbelow. “Shepherd’s Men is committed to reducing, or eliminating, the 22 suicide deaths per day by veterans. This year’s event held at Buckbald Brewery in Copperhill raised in excess of $30,000. We are very proud and honored to be involved in this endeavor and feel it is our duty to help wherever possible. I urge all the veterans organizations in Fannin County to engage with Shepherd’s Men.”