CVCRNov2017

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Volume 18 z Issue 11 z November 2017 z Since 1999

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Creating Community By Connecting Neighbors Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Ps 100:4

A Homeless Veteran: Tom’s Story Photo and Article by Cherie Elaine

M

eet Tom. Tom is a middle-aged man who served in the United States Army. He fought the war in Afghanistan after the events of 9/11 threatened to steal our freedom. He suffered scathing injuries, and was medically and honorably discharged. His body healed, but his mind hasn’t yet caught up. He now suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. PTSD is Tom’s official diagnosis. He suffers mental instability due to the physical trauma of war. Aside from his physical pain, he came home suffering from night terrors and severe social anxiety. He became incapable of normal daily activity or communication. Within months his family and friends had given up hope that the Tom they knew before the war would ever return. I made Tom’s acquaintance when I saw him sitting against a wall on a very cold afternoon. Although he was bundled up in a coat, his head was bare. I had recently started a project called Hats for the Homeless. I purchase hand-woven wool hats, ironically, from a population of Afghani widows who lost their husbands in the war. I had one with me the day I introduced myself to Tom. His ears looked frostbitten, and his tattered coat had some neatly folded papers sticking out of his pocket. When asked about them, Tom says,

“Everything I own are in these pockets. I served in the military and I have my release docs with me. I have letters and personal records that I always carry with me. I have treasures in some of my other pockets, trinkets I protect so they don’t get stolen. You have to keep them close to you out here or someone will take it like it’s their own.” Not only does this include his personal items, but his medication.

Holiday

TOYDRIVE

Tom stays close to medical clinics so that he can seek help if he needs it. I asked if it would be alright to put a warm hat on his head. Requesting permission to touch him, he responded, “Yes, ma’am.” With tears in his eyes he continued, “That’d be real nice. No one wants to touch us. Like what we have is contagious. You can’t catch being homeless.” At this I put my arms around him. He’s right, it isn’t contagious. Tom did what he had to in order to support his country and insure the safety of his family. In the process he has lost everything. Veterans who have faced the atrocities of war rarely return the same as they were when they left. There are some of them who cannot shake the things they experienced, nor forget the sights and sounds they were exposed to. These remain haunted by memories. Tom has nothing but his discharge papers, the coat on his back, a hat and a hug. Tom, I don’t know where you are now. I hope you are staying warm. To Tom, and ALL of our faithful veterans, thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten, nor will what you have endured for the freedom we live in everyday be dismissed. Tom, it was an honor to meet you. Hugs.

Veteran's Day November 11th

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eterans Day is an official United States public holiday, observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is, persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The United States previously observed Armistice Day. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service.[1] It is also not to be confused with Armed Forces Day, a minor U.S. remembrance that also occurs in May, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_Day

Actual Local Patient Laylah

DROP OFF DONATIONS BY NOV. 19, 2017

The new home community of Barefoot Lakes invites you to help spread holiday joy this season with a Holiday Toy Drive as part of the Carbon Valley Santa Cops program. This holiday program supplies gifts, warm clothing and other necessities to underprivileged kids in the Carbon Valley area. Requested donations include new and unopened children’s toys and clothing (for ages 0 to 16 years), as well as hats, gloves, jackets, and school supplies. Go to BAREFOOTLAKES.com for more information.

Free Orthodontic Exam DROP OFF DONATIONS AT ANY OF THE 8 MODEL HOMES BY Brookfield Residential | CalAtlantic Homes | Richmond American Homes Take I-25 to Exit #240 then head east and take your first left onto the Frontage Road/County Road 9 and follow the signs. New Homes from the mid $300s to high $700s Pricing product specifications, amenities and landscaping are subject to change without prior notice. ©2017 Brookfield Residential

Free Kids’ Exams (ages 2 and under)

303.848.3633 8310 Colorado Blvd Ste 200 Firestone, Colorado www.firestoneteeth.com 303-848-3633

We accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid.


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