With a staggering number of local veterans dealing with mental health issues and loneliness, Memorial Day can be especially hard. While most people are enjoying the long weekend at the beach or with friends at a BBQ, veterans are left with painful memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This is not just challenging for the veteran who is experiencing this, but it often puts strain on their spouse and children. Operation Warrior Resolution is honoring those who paid these sacrifices in a different way—to heal veterans so they can live life to the fullest in honor of their battle buddy who is no longer here. Veterans are provided with access to resources, innovative therapies, and programs so the whole family can begin to successfully heal and thrive in civilian life. One couple that Operation Warrior Resolution helped was Eric and Laura Tomlinson. Eric left the military after two deployments and was struggling with depression and anxiety. It spiraled out of control, so he enrolled at the VA in various counseling programs and traditional talk therapy but hadn't
made much progress. It was taking a toll on his marriage. Eric took part in a program with Operation Warrior Resolution. “I noticed a huge change in Eric after the retreat and ever since. OWR saved him and saved our marriage,” Laura explained. It helped Eric through his struggles, and he was able to address the underlying issues that were causing him to spiral out of control. Laura received her own therapy sessions, and at the Couple’s Retreat, they were able to relearn how to communicate with each other while working through the issues he had been dealing with during his service. “I love how OWR also takes care of the spouses,” Laura expressed. Since 2018, Operation Warrior Resolution has been helping veterans heal by providing innovative therapies and specialized brain-based healing to resolve PTSD. The nonprofit was started by veteran therapist and wellness expert Kendra Simpkins, who saw an immense need for this type of support in the veteran community. Operation Warrior Resolution has helped over 100 veterans through their retreat program and almost one thousand veterans and their families through other activities and events in the Sarasota area. The organization is funded through grants, donations, and fundraisers so everything is at no cost to the veteran and their family. Operation Warrior Resolution also partners with local businesses to provide discounts on services for veterans.

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