For Warriors, by Warriors: Sourcing Healing for Those who Serve
The public often perceives our nation’s servicemen and women as stoic protectors who do not succumb to stress or pressure—yet they face an unprecedented and impossible amount of stress daily that often eventually affects the mental health of even the strongest of warriors. It can be difficult for veterans and first responders to seek help and, in many cases, financially impossible.
The purpose of the Warrior’s Heart Foundation is to remove the financial barrier to warriors and service members needing healing from addiction and mental health crises. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, The Foundation supports programs that give individuals and communities the tools they need to be self-sufficient and assist Warriors who may not have the means to seek out and fund their own healing.
Tom Spooner spent decades in the U.S. Army, with most of his time dedicated to serving in the Special Operations Forces. He co-founded the Warrior’s Heart Foundation to subsidize treatment costs for veterans, first responders, and protectors who struggle as he once did with addiction and stress. Veterans helping veterans.
“Injuries from war come in all kinds of ways - physical, emotional, and moral.” says Pat Lynch, VP, Mission and Ops at Anthem Snacks. “The Warrior's Heart Foundation works to address all of them. I have close friends who have attended their programs and are still with us today as a direct result of the foundation.”
One such program funded by the Foundation is the Warrior’s Heart program—a treatment center in San Antonio, Texas. Here, active military, veterans, and first responders access treatment for chemical dependency, alcohol abuse, and mental health issues related to post-traumatic stress. The 30-day inpatient program was created with a holistic approach to care, incorporating time outdoors, opportunities for healing through the arts, and K9 therapy, with medical professionals, therapists, and psychologists on site.
"I HAVE CLOSE FRIENDS WHO HAVE ATTENDED THEIR PROGRAMS AND ARE STILL WITH US TODAY AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE FOUNDATION.”
One such program funded by the Foundation is the Warrior’s Heart program—a treatment center in San Antonio, Texas. Here, active military, veterans, and first responders access treatment for chemical dependency, alcohol abuse, and mental health issues related to post-traumatic stress. The 30-day inpatient program was created with a holistic approach to care, incorporating time outdoors, opportunities for healing through the arts, and K9 therapy, with medical professionals, therapists, and psychologists on site.
Anthem Snacks believes in the benefits of an active lifestyle to healing and maintaining a healthy mind and body. To raise money and awareness for the Warrior’s Heart Foundation, Anthem is running a four-day campaign during PTSD Awareness Month , June 21-24, encouraging its community to be active in both a physical sense and a supportive sense.
“This pull-up challenge is an amazing way for the team at Anthem and all of our partners to be involved with the difficulties our veterans face. Whatever the number is today for veteran suicide, it is always one too many. That's why all of you who show up and support this cause are literally saving a life and making a difference,” says Lynch.
For every 10k pull-ups completed by the Anthem Snacks team and participating partners, Anthem donated $2,500 to the Warrior’s Heart Foundation for a total of $10,000 over the four days. Watch highlight reel.
