Moving from Post-traumatic Stress to Post-traumatic Growth

By Joni and Friends|Published On: April 3, 2024|Categories: Warrior Getaway|

What is it like to come home from war?

Just ask Cedric and his wife Michelle. Cedric is a Navy Veteran who served our country for six years as a gunner’s mate and missile technician on the USS Arkansas. His military service included three deployments.

“Families are excited for their Warrior to come home, but when he or she does, they find them to be more distant, separated, and more isolated. It’s a big adjustment for the whole family.

Add PTSD to the dynamic and the Warrior starts to have images—they feel regret, shame, even guilt over things they had to do on mission. It goes against their moral fabric,” says Cedric.

Veterans and their families need safe spaces and support to find healing from visible and invisible injuries sustained through military service. That’s why Joni and Friends holds Warrior Getaways, designed to provide Christ-centered encouragement and help to American servicemen and women, and their family members.

Finding Healing and Giving Back at Warrior Getaway

Cedric and Michelle started attending Warrior Getaway as participants but now they serve as therapists, providing counsel to others. They each shared what makes Warrior Getaway such a powerful experience:

“It’s our opportunity to give back… Let me just say that personally, as a Veteran, I’ve seen both sides, the side of the participant and the side of the facilitator here at Warrior Getaway. I’ve witnessed the changing of lives here, and it’s because of all the love. Warrior Getaway gives Veterans an opportunity to process their experiences in a very safe environment. Our goal is to help Veterans move from post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth. And we’re giving them the tools to do so,” says Cedric.

“Joni and Friends serves our Warriors who don’t know where else to go, and Warrior Getaway is for the entire family. The Veterans’ children are cared for so the adults can concentrate on their healing without worrying about their kids. And Warrior Getaway is founded in Christ, which is so important because Jesus Christ is literally the Answer. Jesus is the firm foundation that healing is built upon,” says Michelle.

You can make a difference for Veterans and their families!

When a Veteran receives Gospel-based help to move from post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth, God’s grace and glory shine brightly. By supporting the Joni and Friends Warrior Getaway program, you can be part of God’s redemptive work in the lives of U.S. Veterans and their families.