2017 DCoE Summit Registration is Now Open
Registration is now open for the 2017 Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Summit, “Advances in the State of the Science and Best Practices.” This year's event will provide real-time access to more than 28 hours of state-of-the-science programming, where participants can earn up to 14 hours of continuing education credits during the live event by attending psychological health sessions, TBI sessions, or a combination of both.
Caregiver Horse Powered Rejuvenation – August 5
Blue Star Families hosts a Caregivers Empowering Caregivers event: Horse Powered Rejuvenation. Join fellow caregivers and their families for a one-of-a-kind experience in equine therapy and activities for the whole family. Saturday, August 5, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Loudoun Therapeutic Riding at Morven Park (41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg, VA 20176). Lunch and transportation will be provided. Space is limited, so register now!
Veterans Recognition & Resource Day July 10th Frederick, MD
Veterans, family members and the community invited to the Frederick County Department of Aging's Veteran Recognition & Resource Day event. Monday, July 10th from 9am-2pm at the Frederick Senior Center. Lunch provided. Registration required.
Shenandoah River Overnight Camping & Kayaking Trip – July 6-9
Come join the George Washington Chapter of Heroes on the Water on the beautiful Shenandoah River for three nights of camping at Shenandoah River State Park July 6-9. FREE kayak fishing excursion for injured or sick service members and veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces and their family members.
Caregivers Coffee Chat – July 11
Come relax with other caregivers and enjoy a free cup of coffee, courtesy of Blue Star Families
Serve Our Willing Warriors in need of volunteers
Serve Our Willing Warriors is growing and we have been approved to construct an additional home on our land. This will enable SOWW to serve two services members and their families simultaneously. With this approval comes the need for more dedicated volunteers.
Melwood Veteran Services Operation: Tohidu Retreats
Retreats for veterans and active duty who are suffering from PTS(d), traumatic brain injury, anxiety and/or depression related to military service including MST survivors.
Operation: Tohidu – Veterans Retreat
Operation: Tohidu retreats are held at Melwood's 108-acre Retreat and Recreation Center in Nanjemoy, Maryland. There, veterans use ropes courses, zip lines, rock wall, equine therapy and many other physically challenging activities to augment the educational sessions, social interactions, and spiritual reinforcement throughout the retreat week that helps them manage their own healing naturally.
SURVIVING SECONDARY TRAUMA AND COMPASSION FATIGUE IN TURBULENT TIMES – JUNE 15, 2017
Today’s unprecedented environment of uncertainty affects both clients and mental health professionals in unique ways. This dynamic and interactive training will provide information on how to recognize secondary trauma and compassion fatigue in mental health professionals and how to overcome these through self-care and self-soothing techniques. June 15, 2017 9am - 12noon, Rockville, MD. Registration is required.
Caregiver Mani/Pedi Spa Day – June 3
Blue Star Families will be holding a Mani/Pedi Spa Day event for caregivers on Saturday, June 3 at Tyson’s Corner from 11 am - 1 pm.