Heroes Freedom Weekend with the Thompson’s

My husband and I just recently returned from the Heroes Freedom Weekend in NYC.  It isn't often that my husband and I get to do anything only the two of us.  This was actually the first time in over two years since we got to get away alone.  My husband was on the fence about going to NYC.  He was worried about crowds and travel.  He suffers from mental health issues, and things like that are very hard for him.  In fact, the night before he was having second thoughts and considering not going.  He was already having panic attacks and he had not even left the house.

The Coalition had made all travel arrangements and thankfully we were able to fly out of our local airport which is smaller and getting through TSA was a breeze.  Once we arrived at the airport in NYC, we were greeted by several of the Veteran and Caregivers that work in the Heroes Thanking Heroes program.  The whole weekend was great from start to finish we were able to spend time getting to know other veteran couples.  We reconnected with some couples we met several years ago. 

It is a great comradery  that veterans have with other veterans.  They don't have to be from the same branch of the military.  They don't have to have experienced the same trauma.  It is often hard when a Veteran gets out of the military.  They struggle to find where they belong because being in the military and with other veterans is what they are used to.  It is what they trained for.  The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes knew that when they were planning this trip.  They knew that sometimes Veterans are not able to do things they want to do alone because it is just too much for them.  Because of all the time and careful planning, we were able to have a once in a lifetime experience. 

The trip was a great combination of couples workshops to work on marriage and communication, as well as getting to experience some of the sights of NYC, spending time alone with my husband and spending time with other couples.  We made some lasting friendships.  I knew when we signed up for this trip that my husband although he always wanted to go to NYC and see the 9/11 Memorial Museum and the Statue of Liberty he wouldn't go alone.  I knew that for him it was too overwhelming and stressful to be in such a busy city.  Something about being with other veterans, and in a large group made it manageable.  Knowing that someone had his back made it a little bit better. 

I can't thank the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes and the Donors that made this trip possible enough.  My husband and I really needed some time to reconnect. 

-Christine Thompson; Heroes Thanking Heroes representative, veteran caregiver and attendee of the 2018 Heroes Freedom Weekend.

To learn how you can help support our mission in rebuilding the lives of severely wounded post 9/11 veterans, visit the Coalition's website at www.saluteheroes.org