The Highground hosts a monthly peer support group for Veterans who are managing post-traumatic stress (PTS) as well as family and loved ones of Veterans with PTS.

The next Veteran & Family PTSD Peer Support Group will meet at The Highground on Sunday, July 16 at 2pm with special presenter Chaplain Fr. Conrad Targonski leading the group discussion. Veteran Father Targonski is the University Chaplain at Viterbo University in La Crosse. During his military service, he traveled with enlisted men and women to many parts of the world including deployments in war zones. Father Targonski served in the Marine Corps for 22 years, retiring in September 2010 from the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps with a rank of captain.

During his time as a military chaplain, Father Targonski served two tours in Iraq. He deployed with the Seventh Marine regiment during the Battle of Fallujah in 2004, one of the bloodiest actions of the war, in which 110 coalition forces and thousands of civilians were killed. As supervisory chaplain and the only Catholic priest, Father Targonski had to make his way through the streets, during combat, from unit to unit and minister to 14 other chaplains.

Father Targonski is involved in many programs that help Veterans manage post-traumatic stress, including pilgrimages to Assisi in Italy for combat Veterans. Through his experiences during combat and his current ministry to Veterans, he has led the way in healing programs that include assisting The Highground with advice and program leadership at the beginning of their Veterans Retreat program. This program is now in its 6th year.

The Peer Support Group provides a confidential and casual gathering for attendees to learn from others who are “in their shoes”, to listen to speakers on topics chosen by the group and to obtain resources. The group offers an opportunity to find support and comfort in a welcoming environment, to share experiences and make new friendships. Families and Veteran supporters do not need to attend with a Veteran.

Funding for the Veteran & Family PTSD Peer Support Group is supported by grants from the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and the Charles E. Kubly Foundation.

Those who would like more information about the Peer Support Group can email Theresa at museum@thehighground.us or call 715-743-4224.

The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456.