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Cleburne reaches out to Waco; American Legion donates to female veterans

Cleburne Times-Review - 4/27/2022

Apr. 26—Members of Cleburne's Unit 50 American Legion Auxiliary and Squadron 50 6th District Sons of American Legion wanted to make a difference locally and assist female veterans in need.

For those reasons, both recently donated $2,000 each to Women's RISE (Recovery in a Secure Environment Center) located within Waco'sVA hospital.

"This center benefits women who were in the military and their trauma may have been sexual trauma in the military," Unit 50 ALA member Marty Peters said. "It may have been PTSD developed prior to or during their military experience."

The center, previously located in Temple, only recently relocated to Waco and is one of only three such centers nationwide that deal with female sexual trauma in the military, Peters said.

Unit 50 ALA and Squadron 50 6th District Sons donated two heated massage recliner chairs, two CD players, yoga supplies and other equipment to the center.

"An individual donated $2,000 to [Unit 50 ALA] toward Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation," Peters said. "And we chose, rather than just put it in a national fund and never know what happened to it, we chose to hold it until we found a special project use for it.

"So we knew of RISE and reached out to them to see if there was anything special we could do to help enhance their rehabilitation services."

The Squadron 50 6th District Sons had previously donated to RISE giving money for personal hygiene products and other supplies for the women.

"VA funds are limited and so donations from [6th District Sons] and others like them assist in helping the women there with their personal and physical needs, which in turn help them with their emotional needs."

Squadron 50 6th District Sons of American Legion Commander Ken Peters Jr. said he and his are thrilled to make a difference locally.

"We were doing our fundraiser and contacted then [American Legion National Commander John Hines] to see what needed the most help," Ken Peters Jr. said. "The RISE Center, having moved from Temple was in need of help getting set up. And we were absolutely happy to do that. We could've donated nationally, but you don't know what happens there and we really wanted to make an impact in Texas. So, it's been great to see where our donation went and the difference it's going to make for these women."

Marty and Ken Peters visited the center on Wednesday.

"The chairs are going to be a big help for them," Marty Peters said. "While we were there they told us that not only is it a relaxation technique for the women but a form or rehabilitation too. Because so many of these women with sexual trauma or PTSD have an aversion to being touched. But by sitting in the recliners and having the massage take place and becoming more comfortable with that they can move on to people touching them."

Marty Peters said it was also important to make a local difference to her and her fellow Unit 50 ALA members.

"ALA permits female veterans to join our organization," Marty Peters said. "So we have a special place in our hearts for female veterans.

"Normally, this is an eight-week program for the women though some stay longer or shorter. Some up to a year because they need more time to deal with their issues. We and the [Squadron 50 6th District Sons] just want to support them in any way we can."

Individuals or groups wishing to donate money or supplies are welcome as well, Marty Peters added.

"Anyone can donate," Peters said. "And they can donate through [Cleburne'sAmerican Legion Post 50]. We're in contact with full-time reps that are at the VA in Waco everyday, which is how we find out what their needs are. So we're happy to take or send donations their way."

To make donations or for information, contact American Legion Post 50 at 817-645-6053.

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(c)2022 the Cleburne Times-Review (Cleburne, Texas)

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