We do not view success in terms of dollars raised, but by relationships maintained.
Team Red, White & Blue, a non-profit veteran support organization, whose mission is to enrich the lives of wounded veterans and their families, with ultimate goals to transform the way wounded veterans are reintegrated into society upon returning from combat.
More than 2 million active duty service personnel have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11, with 1/3rd of these soldiers deployed more than once. In a recent study of veterans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, up to 50% reported difficulty in social functioning, productivity and community involvement. In fact, difficulty in social relations such as confiding in others and getting along with spouses, children and friends were common. One-third reported divorce, dangerous driving, increased substance abuse and increased anger control problems since deployment, with an estimated 40% being screened positive for signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These problems can be compounded by veterans’ feelings of isolation from no longer being part of a “unit” or team. Reintegration problems, if left untreated, could have devastating effects not only on the individuals but also on their families, communities and society as a whole. At the same time, almost all veterans surveyed expressed interest in services to help adjust to civilian life. This is why Team Red, White & Blue (Former Vets) feel it’s our time – our turn – to give something back.
We offer a different kind of veteran support, one that is rooted in a deep understanding with willingness to listen to veterans and their families, and aid in their reintegration into the society they fought so honorably to defend and protect. Our special community of athletes, advocates and concerned citizens (corporate, non-profit and individual) are all committed to serving those who have served our great nation. Together with wounded veterans and their families and friends, we will develop meaningful, one-on-one relationships that transcend traditional short-term fundraising efforts.
The above so stated by Team RW&B, the sandy shores of Crystal Beach TX, became the playground for several challenged veterans, and their families during the sunny and clear Autumn weekend of September 24th. Hosted by “Out by the Sea of Crystal Beach” and “Grace Manor of Galveston” Bed & Breakfast’s, Team RW&B, and their veteran groups were treated to several activities that involved seminar classes, sight seeing tours, guided fishing trips for shark, with meals and housing provided by Crystal Beach businesses.
“Out By The Sea B&B” headquartered Chris Widell and Team, Red, White and Blue to help with their first challenged Veterans get-away week-end as a group. Their goal was to fish for shark during the evening with daytime set aside spending time with their families and children to enjoy the warm sand and waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
“Fun Carts” provided golf carts, at a discount, for families to enjoy “cruising“ the scenic shoreline with its feathered bird and sea-life. The families, eight in all , arrived Friday with an evening of fishing for sharks with guides, Daniel and Patrick Sherman, who volunteered their fishing expertise and kayaks to run lines out several hundred feet from shore. Using stingrays for bait, the vets managed to land several large sharks, including a 5ft-8inch Bull shark, their largest of the ten sharks caught on this trip. ALL were released.
On Saturday afternoon, The “Tiki Grill“ provided a delicious BBQ for the veterans and their families with Saturday night spent at a sunset dinner at Stingarees’. Sunday morning the entire RWB team enjoyed a breakfast and camaraderie at “Out By The Sea” before departing to the respective destinations.
This was the beginning of what we hope will be an annual event for this dynamic veterans support group who welcomes all who wish to help and dedicate time and support there projects. At, Out By The Sea, we were deeply honored and thankful that we could participate in making this week-end a success for Team Red, White and Blue and salute these challenged veterans for the Hero’s that they are!!
For More Info: click to www.teamrwb.org