Camp Freedom gives back to veterans
CARBONDALE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A monthly event focusing on the veteran community kicked off in Lackawanna County.
Camp Freedom in Carbondale has been giving back to the veteran and first responders community for years, but this year they decided to take it a step further and host a day of resources for them.
One of the organizers who is also a veteran says this is something near and dear to him.
“To be surrounded by true American heroes that have they have done so much in their lives, and have sacrificed so much for each and every one of us and to be able to help them you know getting outdoors and then find a respite and find some peace is just absolute blessing,” said Jamie Byrd the organizer.
Equines for Freedom is a nonprofit organization treating active and former military personnel who are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. They were among the organizations here and one man who took part in the free program says it’s helped him a lot.
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“I don’t have a lot of fits anymore like nightmares, or flashbacks I go to stores a lot. before I would never go to stores or anything like that I’m not as nervous as I was a long time ago,” says William Banks.
“At first, I thought was a little weird because I was in regular therapy for about 30 years, and then when you go to this place, it’s totally different,” stated Banks
To anyone who may be considering it but is also skeptical Banks offer this advice.
“Get up there and give it a try cause I waited months and people tried talking me into going up and I’m like no, I went up I wish I went those four months earlier because it does work and it helps a lot so I’d tell them to give it a shot it’s free and not wasting any money,” continued Banks.
Byrd says he hopes veterans come out to take advantage of all the resources Camp Freedom has to offer.
“I think it’s it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to come up here. a lot of our veterans and first responders are very familiar with Camp Freedom but we have as we have 2,350 acres here of outdoor space where they can come and just enjoy the outdoors and it’s a very open and very caring community,” added Byrd.
Camp Freedom will be offering the event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, weather permitting, for the rest of the year.
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