The Crosses of Lafayette and Operation Wounded Minds Joint Press Conference to Announce Alliance for Supporting Soldiers Returning With PTSD

LAFAYETTE, CA–(Marketwired – Feb 17, 2014) – Operation Wounded Minds (OWM) is pleased to announce their not-for-profit organization whose mission is “to remove the shame and stigma from mental illness and the destructive cycles of PTSD so people will seek treatment.”

60% of all men and 50% of all women will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime, nearly 10% of those men and 20% of those women will develop PTSD.

The official launch will commence with a press conference at the Crosses of Lafayette in Lafayette, CA at 3P.M. P.T. today. Several members of the OWM Advisory Board and local hero U.S. Staff Sargeant Medal of Honor recipient Ty Carter’s father will be present. 

“We chose to use the Crosses of Lafayette as our backdrop to launch today because the crosses on this hillside inspired me to actually do something and take a risk by creating Operation Wounded Minds,” Founder and Executive Director Dwayne Jones said. “We are a non-profit startup for the men and women who risked their lives and are now returning from the war in the Middle East with PTSD, suffering from the hidden wounds of war. It’s my hope that we can really make a difference by challenging the way we have always done things and try to do better by our kids coming home.” 

Crosses of Lafayette spokesperson Jeff Heaton says, “Learning to heal post-traumatic stress with compassion is one of the most important callings. The lasting effects of trauma on our relationships can be devastating. Even the strained diplomatic relationships that can lead to war are unconsciously governed by past trauma. Only the bravest among us is willing to shed light on this often dreaded topic.”

The organization’s short-term 6-month plan is to be an active voice during June PTSD Awareness Month by building a national campaign to support and complement the military and Veteran’s Administration’s PTSD treatment program, support and benefit efforts to Veterans and their families. The organization, and the website, will be a resource center for information regarding various treatment options; facilitating community involvement; and creating programs that work for both veterans and civilians seeking treatment and healing from traumatic events that occur on the battlefield and in our backyards. A 2-year plan to build-out a state of the art treatment center for the “Research and Advancement for the Treatment of PTSD” is in the works.

“… It’s about the Angels on the hill that come to build the vision that has come for Operation Wounded Minds so that we as a nation take care of our soldiers who return home with the hidden wounds of PTSD. Operation Wounded Minds will teach, train, treat, liberate and advocate on behalf of people suffering from the traumatic effects of PTSD in both the Veteran and Civilian population,” Dwayne Jones, Founder and Executive Director said.

The Advisor / Startup team of Operation Wounded Minds includes Founder Dwayne Jones, John James, and Dannah Lewis. Dwayne Jones is a serial entrepreneur and has taken several start-ups from conception to completion in addition to working on gubernatorial and congressional races. His entrepreneurial spirit, tenacity and personal journey through PTSD make him the perfect leader for OWM. Leveraging 25 years in human performance improvement, John James provides the organization with the leadership and vision it needs to succeed. Dannah Lewis merges her 20+ years of corporate marketing, branding and operations knowledge with her innate sense of energetic healing work to provide OWM with strategic awareness, social media savvy and creative framework.

“We are here to give a voice to people with PTSD, help communities build support systems, lobby to advocate for more resources, and financially assist partners that help heal people suffering from PTSD.” – John James, OWM Advisory & Startup Team

All three members of the Advisor / Startup Team have personal experience and/or have known someone close to them who suffered from PTSD. Additionally, the team members all know and have experience with various treatments for PTSD ranging from Western to Eastern medicine and a variety of alternative therapies.

“I have a bright, expansive view of the world and from my own experience through PTSD I am inspired to empower people to find the resource and tools to change what doesn’t work in their lives.” – Dannah Lewis, OWM Advisory & Startup Team

For more information, to donate or contribute to Operation Wounded Minds in any way, please visit www.OperationWoundedMinds.org