I write to you tonight with great sadness and so many emotions that I don’t know what to do with since hearing about recent events in Afghanistan. These tragedies have brought up past and present anxieties, stress and emotions in many of our military, veteran, and their families. I personally had countless temporary duty travel (TDY’s) to dozens of regions in Afghanistan. I spent years working with the local Afghans on a daily basis and made many friends and relationships with so many of them. Today sadly, a lot of them and their families are being hunted down by the Taliban for working with the U.S. as you read this letter. And I fear the worst is yet to come. Please pray for the good people of Afghanistan.

I would also like you all to take a moment to realize that there is still evil in the world and innocent people are suffering. Our military and forces continue to fight the good fight to protect this great nation and our loved ones.

Remember… FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

Please take time in your life in the next 24 hours to reach out to anyone you know that may be affected by these events. Just a simple “Hey, I’m thinking about you given the recent event… I’m here if you need me” will go further than you can ever know.

To my brother and sisters that served in this war with me:

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

It is okay that you are not feeling okay. It’s okay to feel sad, frustrated, and even angry. Take time for yourself over the next few days to reach out to your support system and make time to find a form of self-care like yoga, meditation, a walk, a ride, a hike… or whatever calms your mind.

If you need to talk to someone, call me directly any time of the day or night: (703) 628-7464.

Also please use the VA resources below if needed:

We are proud to all that served and continued server our great country and the sacrifices you have made.

Semper Fidelis,
Justin Blazejewski
CEO, VETOGA

Current Resources from the Veterans Administration (VA)

If you need help, PLEASE reach out for support.  Here are some places you can seek help for a friend or for you.

From the VA: “Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan. They may feel distressed about experiences they had during their service. The Department of Veterans Affairs wants you to know that it’s normal to feel this way and there are resources out there for you. They suggest talking with friends and family, talk to fellow Vets or maybe reach out to someone in mental health services.” Find support | VA homepage

The following resources are available from Veterans Affairs:

• Veterans Crisis Line – If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/. For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
• Vet Centers – Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
• VA Mental Health Services Guide – This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
• MakeTheConnection.net – information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
• RallyPoint – Talk to other Veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?
• Download VA’s self-help apps – Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) –  Request a Peer Mentor
• VA Women Veterans Call Center – Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 6:30PM ET)
• VA Caregiver Support Line – Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 5PM ET)
• Together We Served – Find your battle buddies through unit pages
• George W. Bush Institute – Need help or want to talk? Check In or call:1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org
• Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes – Join the Community
• American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network – Peer Support and Mentoring
• Student Veterans of America – Find a campus chapter to connect with.

The post Letter from the CEO: Given recent events in Afghanistan appeared first on VETOGA.

Hello from VETOGA,

Suicide is a national public Mental Health challenge that causes tremendous pain for individuals, families and communities across the country.

• On average, 132 Americans die by suicide each day accounting for 47,173 suicide deaths in 2017.
• The number of Veteran suicides has exceeded 6,000 each year from 2008-2017.
• Suicide is also the 10^th leading cause of death among all ages and the 2^nd leading cause of death among those ages 10-34 in the United States.

This September, we are excited to be teaming up with Amazon Global Military Affairs to host a 30-day Mental Health and Well-Being Yoga Challenge. Our intention behind this year’s challenge is to have you help us bring awareness to Mental Health and Suicide Awareness in the United States.

What you can expect…

During the 30-day challenge, there will be daily meditation, pranayama (breathing), asana (movement), yoga Nidra (guided relaxation), and journaling. You will start off the first five days with 5-mins of each category and work your way up to 30-mins by the end of the challenge.

If you are joining the 30-Day challenge we are asking that you sign the PREVENTS Pledge to REACH to show our collective support to put an end to suicide in the United States.

By taking this pledge, you are making a commitment to increase awareness of mental health issues in general and prevent suicide for all Americans.

This will be a fun & challenging and we are excited to invite you into our family during the month of September to spread awareness for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

Links to join the 30-Day Challenge FB Group 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Thank you & Namaste,
The VETOGA Family

Suicide is preventable. If you are struggling, or you are concerned about someone you know, please REACH out and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1 if you are a Veteran or Service Member), or chat online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/.

The post Amazon Military and VETOGA 30-Day Yoga Challenge appeared first on VETOGA.

After his return from war, veteran Justin Blazejewski found himself angry, irritated and really unhappy with his life. See what happened when he decided to embrace kindness in his pursuit of happiness and share compassion-and yoga- with verbenas in his community. #fuelhappiness

Share this video!

The post Video: Justin of VEToga Talks Kindness appeared first on VETOGA.