The Highground Veterans Memorial Park Museum will host an open house for the currently installed “Exploring PTSD” exhibit on Sat. Aug. 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to visit the exhibit, meet Veteran artists and listen to presentations on the realities of Post-Traumatic Stress, recovery and the availability of unique local programs.
“Exploring PTSD” presents an overview of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—the history and current thoughts on PTS / PTSD—with a focus on Veterans using creative arts as a way of managing PTS as well as connecting with other Veterans. The Museum gallery is showcasing art works by Veteran artists from across the U.S. Veterans of all eras and their families are encouraged to attend.
At 1 p.m., Michael Orban will be the guest speaker. Michael, a Vietnam Veteran, is a well-known author, speaker and podcast journalist dedicated to helping Veterans transition from the experiences of war. Orban, a 45-year sufferer of PTSD, co-founded The Warrior Partnership, a program that offers Veterans a chance to talk about their traumatic war experiences with medical students to increase understanding and better care for recovering Veterans. He has presented at several Veterans retreats hosted by The Highground and the Vet Center and is also the author of “Souled Out: Conquering Combat PTSD”, a highly regarded book that is part of The Highground’s PTS book program. Michael was presented with the Red Cross Real Heroes Award in 2013.
Michael’s presentation will be a no-nonsense conversation for Veterans of all ages and families dealing with the realities of PTSD. He will also be available to talk with individuals after the presentation.
Following Michael’s presentation, Linda Brey will speak openly about the loss of her son, Army Sgt. Donald Marine, to Veteran suicide due to his struggle with PTSD.
Other presenters include Trinity Equestrian (Horse Therapy for Veterans), Scott Schultz with The Heartbeat Center for Arts & Literature and the Vet Center.
There will also be several Veteran artists in attendance, including: Drew Cameron – Combat Paper (creating “combat paper” out of uniforms); Phil Schladweiler – The Shrapnel Project; Ashley Spangberg – Patriot Beads & Brass (jewelry, watercolor and gunpowder art); Jay Youngdahl – “The Complicated Life of a Veteran.”
“Exploring PTSD” is sponsored by Skip and Debbie Klabon and coordinated with the generous assistance of local Veteran artist, Shawn Ganther.
Artwork by some of the Veteran artists will be available for purchase during the event. More information about the exhibit and artists can be found on the PTSD Exhibit Open House Event Webpage and by contacting Theresa at 715-743-4224 or via email to museum@thehighground.us.