Posted on Dec 1, 2014
Agricultural "therapy" for veterans. What are your thoughts?
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How do many of you feel about the use of farming as a form of therapy for veterans with TBI and PTSD? My organization has been using bottle calves and other forms of farming to help struggling veterans for the last two years but always looking for advice to make it better and more successful. Our goal is to empower veterans interested in farming to know that they can farm on their own with proper knowledge and training. Nothing more satisfying to me than helping a fellow veteran follow their dreams
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Agriculture
Agriculture
Posted 10 y ago
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SPC Mathew Brady, animals have long been used for therapy, so I'm not surprised to hear that you are using bottle calves to help struggling veterans. That sounds like a great idea!
My question would be this: Going from "therapy" with bottle calves to running your own farm seems to be quite a giant step. I'm sure I'm not the first person to think or say that. Do you have a program or a training plan to go from "therapy" with bottle calves to farming on one's own?
My question would be this: Going from "therapy" with bottle calves to running your own farm seems to be quite a giant step. I'm sure I'm not the first person to think or say that. Do you have a program or a training plan to go from "therapy" with bottle calves to farming on one's own?
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SPC Mathew Brady
Yes we do, since we raise our calves all the way to finishing weight, we produce our own hay and grain for them all naturally and grow a big organic garden to teach them urban farming techniques as well so they can learn about local farmers markets. Next year we're hoping to add equine therapy to our program. We focus on all aspects of farming. From the proper training on running and fixing equipment to growing and raising crops and animals.
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SPC Mathew Brady
You can find pictures about what we do and more about us on our company Facebook page. Just search for Purple Heart Acres LLC "No Soldier Left Behind"
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SPC Gary Scott
I believe this program could be used for treatment of veterans with these type of injuries. As nature is relaxing and you can be in the presence of God.
I know individuals may not agree with me about the presence of God but I am a Christian who believes in the power of Christ to heal soldiers and all hurting from their trials and tribulations.
I know individuals may not agree with me about the presence of God but I am a Christian who believes in the power of Christ to heal soldiers and all hurting from their trials and tribulations.
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PO3 Stephen Sparks
Farming is an excellent career pursuit. Working outdoors with mother nature offers a spiritual connection that is often a healing experience for post trauma affected warriors. http://www.survivethriveptsd.com
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SPC Mathew Brady for those who live in the city with a small yard teach them the Square Foot Garden method. I have been doing this for years and I love it. You do NOT need a garden tiller or tractor just some 4'x4'x1' boxes and good soil. 120 green onions will fit into 1sqft,1 bell pepper in 1sqft and so on. There is a book with this title by Mel Bartholomew.
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SPC Mathew Brady
Yea and you can't forget pole beans! Easiest to grow with small space yet so healthy for you. All you need is two pots and some undone hangers and they grow out of the pots across the hangers to each other
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This is an amazing thing that you are doing, definitely productive, and we definitely need more people in Agriculture today. We have way too many that want to focus on Technology/desk jobs, albeit some may be important. We still need those that are willing to take up the Agricultural fields as well....
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