February 3, 2017 Knoxville, Tennessee
Pastor Ed King addresses the attendees at When War Comes Home Forum
The first “When War Comes Home Forum” was presented by the Knoxville Regional Veterans Mental Health Council in May 2014. The Council presented their Veteran Friendly Congregation Friendly Initiative. After three years. the Council has developed a follow up forum; the Veteran/Military Friendly Congregation Boot Camp. on March 24, 2017.
Tennessee has over 485,000 veterans plus family members living in Tennessee, and the exact number of those who attend your church are probably not known to you or your staff
The Boot Camp is hosted by Knoxville Regional Veterans Mental Health Council and led by Vet to Vet Tennessee. These two organizations wish to invite clergy and lay leaders to the Boot Camp. The purpose is to serve clergy of all-faiths to be a more skilled and trained with an information base to provide expert pastoral care to veterans and their families. At the camp, you can become a referral source to experts who can best advance the well-being of veterans.
The VA Chaplaincy is providing critical “take away” tools for the clergy and the presenting agenda will be most helpful to providing pastoral care in fighting the rippling effects of stigma and PTSD!!!
DO SOMETHING! IF YOU HAVE ONE OR MORE VETERANS IN YOUR MINISTRY – Please BE THERE! Research validates that the ripple effects of stigma impact on families and communities are REAL. Veterans come home with a “civilian camouflage” and the injured often seek clergy counsel first, as you are the front line at home. The six hours that you will spend at the boot camp learning essential skills just may save the life of someone who has risked his or hers for our freedom!!!
Remember, like it or not, you are their first responders. Be prepared! For more information about the event click here. We look forward to your being part of this very special event planned for you.
When: Friday, March 24, 2017, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Knox County Community Action Committee Center (CAC), 2247 Western Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921
Register online here. Follow registration instructions and you will be notified instantly once your registration is complete. You may call Committee Chairman Rev. Dr. V.P. Travis office 865-336-262 4 for additional assistance. REFRESHMENTS: Drinks, donuts, snacks . COST: FREE
Sincerely, The Veterans/Military Friendly Congregation/Ministry Team
