Monthly Wellness Challenge: The Power of Affirmations
Challenge: Repeat a Positive Affirmation Each Morning for Two Weeks When was the last time you said something encouraging to yourself? This month’s challenge is about reclaiming your inner voice—shifting from self-criticism to self-respect. As Veterans, we’ve faced adversity, stress, and change. And too often, the toughest battle happens in our own minds. What’s the […]
You’re Not Alone: Mental Health Awareness for Veterans
You’re Not Alone: Mental Health Awareness for Veterans May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the invisible battles many of us face—and to remind every Veteran out there: you are not alone. Whether you’re navigating the effects of PTSD, mTBI, chronic pain, or the transitions of post-military life, your mental […]
GRATITUDE: QUIT IGNORING THE SIMPLEST TOOL FOR A BETTER LIFE
Let’s cut the fluff—gratitude isn’t some feel-good, kumbaya nonsense. It’s a tactical weapon you’re probably not using. And that’s a mistake. Veterans know struggle. You’ve been through hell, seen things most people can’t comprehend, and dealt with challenges that don’t just fade when you hang up the uniform. The anger, the isolation, the feeling that […]
Veteran Volunteer Challenge: Step Up and Serve
Veteran Volunteer Challenge: Step Up and Serve You’ve served before. You’ve put in the blood, sweat, and sacrifice for something bigger than yourself. That fire doesn’t go out just because you’ve taken off the uniform. It’s time to reignite it. This month’s challenge is simple but powerful: Volunteer once a week for the next four […]
Chronic Pain: The Battle Nobody Sees
Living with chronic pain is like fighting a war that no one else knows is happening. It’s invisible to the outside world, making it one of the most isolating and misunderstood experiences a Veteran can face. You may look fine on the outside, but inside, every step, every movement, every single day feels like a […]
Monthly Wellness Challenge: The Importance of Rest and Recovery
At Operation Red Wings Foundation (ORWF), we know that rest and recovery are essential to healing. Many Veterans struggle with sleep, whether due to PTSD, mTBI, chronic pain, or other service-related conditions. Poor sleep can worsen these challenges, affecting both physical and mental health. This month, we challenge you to focus on improving your sleep […]
Female Veteran Testimony
Isolation. Withdrawn. Suicidal ideation…I had been numbing out on anything and everything for years just to keep “those” memories locked up and pushed away. And somehow the links and locks weren’t working. I started to seek help – someone deep inside me wanted to hang on. I finally owned that I was a Veteran. The […]
Boundaries-Navigating the Holidays: A Vet’s Guide to Surviving the Chaos
Boundaries-Navigating the Holidays: A Vet’s Guide to Surviving the Chaos The holidays are supposed to be about joy, family, and togetherness. But let’s be real for a second — for many veterans, it’s just a big ol’ mess of expectations, stress, and endless social demands. And it doesn’t help that everyone around you seems to […]
New Year’s Resolutions for Mental Health: A Veteran’s Guide
The new year is here. It’s time to step forward with a new mindset. For Veterans, the fight for mental health is constant, but the new year brings a fresh opportunity to tackle it head-on. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, mTBI, or the weight of your military service, setting clear, achievable mental health goals can […]
Veteran Wellness Challenge: A Month of Gratitude
Veteran Wellness Challenge: A Month of Gratitude This month, we’re focusing on a powerful yet simple practice: gratitude. For the next 30 days, we challenge you to keep a daily gratitude journal, noting three things you’re thankful for each day. It may sound simple, but the mental health benefits of regularly practicing gratitude are profound, […]
