"Bringing wounded soldiers together in order to heal and allowing a community to help and share in this healing process is probably the greatest gift that could be bestowed upon a veteran," says one veteran, who prefers to remain anonymous, who took part in the first Wounded Warriors Weekend in Nipawin, in 2012.
Air force veteran Blake Emmons saw a need for veterans to be able to spend time together, with people who understood what they had been through, and with the opportunity to relax, have fun and enjoy life. Nipawin hosted more than 120 wounded veterans, serving and retired, from Canada and the United States in August of 2012 - the first Wounded Warriors Weekend.
The weekend was described as "a transforming experience" for both the veterans and the hosts and volunteers. Organizers stated, "The healing of damaged souls was visible and it was clear how nature, music, compassion and support refreshed, nurtured and strengthened the delegates. Friendships were struck, families bonded and networks were created."
A second Wounded Warriors Weekend was held in Nipawin in 2013 and this year Royal Canadian Legion Branch 120 passed the Wounded Warriors flag to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 110 in Slave Lake, Alta., where Wounded Warriors Weekend 2014 was hosted.
Marlene Oleshko of North Battleford has organized a fundraising event in support of Wounded Warriors Weekend. Jeff Bodner, an Elvis tribute artist, and Appaloosa, a band from Chilliwack, B.C., will be performing in North Battleford Nov. 8. There will also be a special guest appearance by Blake Emmons, who is a country music artist as well as a founder/director of Wounded Warriors Weekend. Tickets are $45 each or a table of 10 for $400 and can be purchased by calling Oleshko at 306-445-7781 or Amanda Humenny at 306-441-9602.
Veterans attend Wounded Warriors Weekend at no cost to them and this fundraiser is to enable more veterans to attend.
Cpt. Wayne Johnston, founder of Wounded Warriors Canada, has said "For every one who has lost an arm or leg, there are 100 who have lost their souls." The weekend is all about helping those veterans regain some sense of the people they once were and some sense of self-worth.
In a thank you to the Town of Nipawin and the Province of Saskatchewan, veteran and Wounded Warrior Weekend participant, retired MCpl. Deborah Kent, who served for 32 years, listed lessons learned over the course of the weekend: "We are still valuable, we are still useful, we are still needed, we can be repaired, we are loved."
Kent described rural Saskatchewan culture as a benefit to the veterans, saying, "Unfortunately the North American city culture is that, when something is broken, it just gets tossed aside on the garbage heap and you get a new one. The great thing about coming to the West and rural Saskatchewan is that you have reminded us that no, you don't throw things out when they break; you find some baling twine, chewing gum, a new bolt or whatever it takes to get the machine working again. It may not look so brand new anymore and may have a bit of a wobble but it still works and is valuable How can someone ever say thank you enough to ones who have helped to give back a life with meaning, a sense of purpose and a reason to carry on?"
Retired Cpl. Jim Quinlan of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., said, "It has made this veteran and others feel more at peace."
As well as being about rest, relaxation and finding peace, the weekend also helps veterans reconnect with their past in a positive way. Clarence Grear, a retired corporal with 15 and a half years of service, said, "This weekend gave me the opportunity to find a lost piece of me again and bring him to life instead of keeping it buried deep inside." Former warrant officer Andy G. was able to once again open up his box of medals - closed up seven years prior - and wear them with pride.
Fundraiser organizer Oleshko says, "This fundraiser is all about ensuring quality after care for our veterans. When I first heard of Wounded Warriors Weekend I had no idea of the impact it had on wounded warriors with post-traumatic stress disorder and their families. When I realized the significance of this weekend, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to do something to help them out."
Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield has served as Honorary Patron of Wounded Warrior Weekend and said, "This impressive organization is, quite literally, saving lives."
Whether it is learning to re-take pride in their accomplishments, finding a new sense of purpose or starting to once again enjoy the simple things in life such as a day on the lake, veterans gifted with a Wounded Wariror Weekend deeply appreciate the opportunity.
If anyone would like more information, Oleshko can be contacted at 306-445-7781 or by e-mail at [email protected].
We'll give the last word to a veteran who prefers only to be known as Isabelle: "Sitting quietly and comfortably on the boat, listening to the water gently rolling on the port side, enjoying the sun sizzling my skin until it burns, I felt alive again, engaging in conversation and enjoying the opportunity given to me, by allowing myself to put aside my demons for a while."
