WINCHESTER, Calif., April 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When young men and women return from war, they often bring home more than their duffel bags. Lasting physical and mental injuries along with disabilities will require ongoing rehabilitation for some, and may be considered veterans' invisible baggage for others. With the end of the war in Iraq and the return of hundreds of thousands of new veterans, the mission to provide for their comfort and welfare becomes more paramount.
"War takes something from a person, and in some cases what they lost they'll never get back. When the injured begin questioning their confidence and abilities due to the loss of such things as limb, sight, or the ability to walk, depression can set in and a loss of self esteem often occurs," said Taronda (Renee) Binkerd, a Craft Care Specialist (CCS) at the VA medical center in Marion, Indiana.
"Something as simple as completing a therapeutic arts & crafts kit can make a positive impact on someone who has self-esteem issues," Binkerd added.
Binkerd has made it her mission to put smiles on the faces of hospitalized veterans through the power of arts & crafts provided by national nonprofit Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV).
"I try to cheer up those veterans who seem down or depressed by working on arts & crafts with them. The difference in their appearance and attitude when they complete the kit is remarkable," said Binkerd. "Some of the veterans tell of their days in the service and I have to remind myself that these aren't stories; these are memories," she added.
Binkerd, employed by HHV and stationed at the Marion, Indiana VA Medical Center said that when an individual no longer feels able to successfully contribute to society is when they lose a piece of themselves. "But when these veterans start getting involved in the HHV arts & crafts program, they realize an increase in self-esteem which gives them a sense of purpose and hope. And with each new completed kit, a renewed sense of confidence is found. A young veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder reported that if it weren't for the people who donate to HHV, he wouldn't have access to the kits which soothe his frayed nerves enabling him to relax," Binkerd added.
Since 1971, HHV has donated over 27 million kits to VA and military hospitals worldwide. HHV employs approximately 60 Craft Care Specialists nationally who administer the arts & crafts program. For more information visit www.hhv.org or call (888) 567-VETS.
CONTACT:Frank Cimorelli 928-771-2071 v4vconcerts@cableone.net