VeteranQuest

The 2009 Highground healing journey with the unique VesteranQuest taken on June 2, 3, and 4th for the WWII, Korean, Vietnam and Iraq War veterans and their spouses or significant others is over.  The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for these veterans and subsequently how it affects family members was not a "cure" and not totally over for these warriors, but during the three days and two nights spent encountering and identifying lessons of how to cope offered healing and understanding to all of the participants. Courage that helped them in combat now helped them meet the challenge of PTSD.

Through the experienced direction of Dr. Murray Bernstein, the groups were led through Native American techniques that addressed emotions and behaviors.

The sacredness of the symbols by focusing on the use of smudging, to cleanse; a drumming circle to communicate with self and the group; the pipe ceremony, making of tobacco bags, crafting the dream catchers, instruction of meditation for the one and half hours the first day and two and half hours of the vision quest was eagerly practiced.  The teaching of holistic approaches to healing to be used after their departure of this experience was finalized by the exit circle.  The symbolic stick of the veterans healing was deposited on the blanket in the middle of the circle and then taken by the women into the woods and completed by a fond welcome home ceremony that signaled the rekindling of the spirit to relax and enjoy and find a healing place for each.  The last evening meal shared together at the motel (which also served as the headquarters for the group,) brought positive responses to the surveys completed before the departure the next day.  Coming to terms with the post traumatic stress disorder provided a final promise of great hope for the year that lies ahead.

Additional Veteran-Quests are scheduled for 2009 and 2010. In November a one day Veteran-Quest for “PTSD & the Family” is scheduled for November in Watertown, and a Milwaukee based “PTSD & the Family”  for February.