“Nearly 20 veterans die every day by suicide. Almost half are Vietnam veterans. Their nightmares continue.”
These words are from Danny Koch, spokesperson for a local veterans advocacy group promoting a concert on October 7 to benefit an organization that helps veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. .
The October gig features the sensational, dynamic teenage trio Blackwater Draw performing country, pop and rock favorites. The trio consists of Garrett and Tiffany Nelson, aged 17 and 15, and Berklee Timmons, 14. The Caldwell Collective will join them for this evening of incredible music, starting at 7:30 p.m. Reserved seating is $25 each. Tickets are available online or through the Cactus Theater box office, (806) 762-3233. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Proceeds from tickets to the show benefit the National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center in Angel Fire, New Mexico, which specializes in the treatment of PTSD and suicide prevention.
Established in 2009, the Wellness and Healing Center’s mission is to create an environment that meets the needs of veterans and military families using therapies and creative processes focused on emotional and physical healing.
“This center is an established PTS treatment center where we have sent several veterans and their spouses for extensive treatment,” Koch said. “The center is expanding, building permanent accommodation for its clients seeking help and treatment. Our effort is to help secure this accommodation.
Koch went on to say that although the recent wars have ended, the nightmares of wars continue.
“The PTS is real. Look at the greatest hero of the 20th century, Audie Murphy. After returning home and going to Hollywood, this fearless warrior was haunted by war. He went to bed every night with a loaded gun under his pillow. War haunted him for years, even for the bravest of the brave. We honor and support our veterans because they raised the flag for those who came after them.
