Veteran’s Voice — Hey vets, need some saddle time?

Camp McCormick is a St. Cloud-based 12-week group course program for veterans that includes both mounted activities and therapeutic foundations, conducted by McCormick Research Institute. Enrollment for Camp McCormick – Fall 2023 will open in early August. Visit www.McCormick.us for more information and registration details or call 407-933-7433.

Participants attend sessions once a week for three hours. A certified therapeutic riding instructor facilitates group sessions, teaching proper equine care and horseback riding. Every veteran is partnered with their own therapy horse, creating a consistent and positive bonding experience for both rider and horse. Group and individual counseling sessions are also a part of the weekly routine with a licensed mental health professional. The program activities are designed to improve mental health and foster successful relationships in civilian society.

Osceola Veterans on the move

At the recent Because of the Brave veterans’ festival in St. Cloud, in addition to the event organizer, Operation Vets First, who are fighting veteran homelessness, I also spent some time with the founders of the I Got Your 6 Foundation (IGY6). Some may know the expression “I got your 6” was originally military aviation slang for “I got your back,” and has now permeated throughout the military in general. The IGY6 foundation specializes in no-cost “adventure therapy” for veterans, current and former law enforcement officers, firefighters, and workers on the frontline in the medical field. It is heartening that for a city the size of St. Cloud, we have so much good veterans’ activity happening. To learn more about IGY6 and sign up for an activity, see https:// bit.ly/3ONh2kJ

Yellow Ribbon Program college/trade school financial aid

Are you a current or prospective student Veteran? With the Yellow Ribbon Program, you can receive educational aid to help avoid out-of-pocket expenses if costs exceed your Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement. The program can help you afford tuition for out-of-state college, graduate school, and various training programs that your VA benefits may not cover. Just a quick search of schools in the Orlando area that participate in the program showed most major colleges, universities, and several trade schools. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply for the Yellow Ribbon program at https://bit.ly/3Kul5j6

Expanded Breast Cancer Screening Options for Veterans

The Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans in Combat Environment (SERVICE) Act, signed into law on June 7, 2022, expanded breast cancer screening and mammogram eligibility for Veterans who have experienced toxic exposure, and ensures research continues to advance knowledge of toxic exposures and breast cancer. The VA uses, and will continue to use, the American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer screening for average-risk women. For more information, you can contact Lisa Martel, the Women Veterans Program Manager for VA Orlando health care at 407631-4088, or email Lisa.Martel2@va.gov.

As always, please pass along your events, comments, and feedback to osceolavets@gmail.com.