




| © 2007-2008, Nadia McCaffrey, the Patrick McCaffrey Foundation & the Veteran's Village, all rights reserved © Formed in 2006, the organization is a peace based organization for members of the military who have served in the war, we are focusing on the Iraq & Afghanistan conflicts, however, this foundation is to help all war veterans . We believe the best way to support our troops is to bring them home now and take care of them when they get here. |

| A home for vets EDITOR: Thanks for Guy Kovner's article on the Veterans Village project coming to Guerneville ("A home for those who served," Nov. 23). Members of Sonoma County Veterans For Peace have been searching for just such a concrete form of outreach for returning veterans for a long time. We're delighted that this first seedling of Nadia McCaffrey's vision is taking root here in our county. The Veterans Administration does many things well, but it is overwhelmed by the large numbers of returnees and the depth of their needs. New vets today are given insufficient tools and time to transition from war zone to civilian life, just as it was in the past. The lesson of the Vietnam veteran has only been half-learned: We don't confuse the warrior with the war, check. But if we don't actively bring the returnee into the folds of the community, we fail those who have served, and we fail the community. Neighborhoods will be torn by alienation, suffering and homelessness. We owe it to ourselves to engage. To learn more about the vision, goals and development of the Guerneville project and others across the United States look to VeteransVillage.org. The project is completely apolitical. Ted Sexauer Co-President, Veterans For Peace, Sonoma County Chapter |
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| Conferences, Meets, Retreats, Ressources etc... |


Hello Everyone Since I have started my long walk home legislation has been passed (the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention act), 200 million dollars has been allocated for its programs and with in a month or two we will get what they propose for programs for our opinion. We want to send you that proposal for your input. We felt that the next logical step in the evolution of the long walk home was to form a coalition so that with unity our voice will be heard more clearly. I know not everyone shares my passion or how to go about achieving it, but I do know that we all want something better then we have now and I want your voice heard and your organization to be recognized. Check out the 2 attachments I have sent, one shows how we can help you and the other shows some of the issues and goals we are working now. If you have trouble opening them please let me know so that we can change it so that you can. If you do not want to receive anymore correspondence from me please let me know so that I may take you off my list. Those of you that are with us on this please pass this on to as many others who you think would be interested. I would like to thank you all, for almost everyone who I am sending this to I have talked to, been listened to, been supported by, encouraged, inspired, and given hope...... Sincerely Ron PS We are also working on a media event for Sept 20 near the Ground Zero site to create awareness and network with politicians, we hope you can make it or be involved in some way. ronzaleski@gmail.com ron@thelongwalkhome.org 305 852 4782 www.thelongwalkhome.org |
| Through the arts helping Iraq Veterans create new beginnings The foundation for this project is the creative spirit of God that weaves hope and peace in the midst of daunting circumstances. We invite all who are moved by compassion to help our wounded veterans and their families as they try to build new beginnings. The vision for Rabbit Run Studio is to provide a tranquil setting for those who are drawn to the creative and visual arts. The goal for this country place is to provide a nurturing haven for rejuvenation and vision building for all that come. www.flyingrabbit.org Hi Nadia, I just got off the phone with Brigid and she said to touch base with you about the upcoming Mother's Day Women's Day Retreat we are putting together for wives and mothers who are caring for their sons or husbands from the Iraq war. The event will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2008. We plan on having around 7-10 women attend. The day retreat we held in Santa Cruz was wonderful and look forward to continuing to provide support and nurturing for all you caregivers!! We are looking for a little support/funding for goodie bags we like to give to each woman. Brigid said you offered to put this on your web site. Thank you so much. My hope is to continue to develop day/weekend retreats for women and eventually for the wounded vets using art/writing as part of the healing process. Since I am comfortable with day workshops/retreats, I am starting off small and growing as the needs arise. Hope all is well with you!!! I have colleagues and friends who live in New York and Pennsylvania. One of these days I would like to brainstorm with you about doing some retreats in Rochester and Albany. I know a lot is unfolding as to your vision in these areas. Future dreams..... Hope to talk with you soon. Tama Dumlao Telephone #760-749-0342 |


