Congressman Vela Honors Valley Veterans Support Group

Statement

Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) met with the Military Heroes' Relief PTSD Peer to Peer Support Group and thanked the organization for their service to veterans and their families. Congressman Vela then presented the group with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. in their honor.

"Throughout our nation's history, members of the armed forces have proudly stepped forward and made enormous sacrifices to protect our country and way of life," said Congressman Vela. "However, many veterans find it difficult to re-adjust to civilian life after they return home. Local organizations like the Valley Veterans Peer to Peer group are critical to filling that gap, and I am proud to honor their service to the veteran community."

The Military Heroes' Relief PTSD Peer to Peer Support Group was founded by Tony Garcia at a local McDonald's with just three members in February 2012. Now meeting at the Brownsville Parks and Recreation building, the group has grown to 26 veterans who participate in frequent meetings. Consisting of veterans from the pre-Vietnam era to the most recent Iraq and Afghanistan wars, many veterans in the group will only speak about their Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) issues with other combat veterans.

"The Peer to Peer group has made a difference for so many veterans and their families. PTSD and TBI are silent burdens, and we want to make sure that veterans receive the support they need," said Edward Saldivar, founder of Military Heroes' Relief. "We are also very thankful to the Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department and Congressman Vela for their continued support."

Any veterans who would like more information about the Peer to Peer Support Group should visit www.valley-veterans.org or send an email to info@valley-veterans.org.

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