Oct 14, 2022
A VFW Post in the Peach State is making a 12-week-long combat trauma course free of charge for veterans and their families.
VFW Post 5376 in Calhoun, Georgia's, Post Commander Johnathan Brown – a staff sergeant of the Georgia National Guard’s 1st Sqdn., 108th Cav, 48th Inf. BCT – said that only a handful of people have signed up for the program but is confident more will join. Brown, currently an active guard reserve soldier, added that the classes, which had its first session on Oct. 6, allow for new participants up to the third week.
“Each week will have a video presentation that goes with the workbooks and then there will be group discussion and sharing,” said Brown, who served in Afghanistan from 2018 to 2019. “The last night will be a graduation that is just for fellowship. There are additional materials through the week that make up a mid-week check-in. There will also occasionally be homework in the books.”
Brown said there has been “a growing need” for a combat trauma course in the Calhoun area.
"Our service officer, Randy Boatner; chaplain, Sean Hudson; and I have fielded several calls for assistance during our tenure,” Brown said. “We have been referred to for assistance from the local organizations we work closely with, such as the Family Resource Center, Child Advocacy Center, Police Department, Sheriff’s Department and local churches.”
Brown added that Randy Boatner, a retired Army captain, received the VFW Department of Georgia’s Service Officer of the Year for 2021-2022 for his efforts.
Brown said the trauma course is a first for the Post and the town of Calhoun. Post 5376 will provide dinner and childcare for attendees.
“Our community has committed resources to the course,” Brown said. “Once we have a final count and know the cost, several small businesses are going to contribute to the cost. Whatever is left will be covered by the Post in some fashion, most likely through a donation drive.”