By Dean Poling
QUITMAN — An area facility is seeking vendors to help American military personnel suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.
Hopes and Dreams Riding Facility needs vendors for an arts-and-crafts event scheduled for Feb. 27, said Jerry Curl, an organizer for the fund-raiser. Vendors can include those dealing in arts, crafts, antiques, food, etc. A $10 fee or donation is requested for vendors, Curl said. Organizers also hope to attract entertainers for the event.
Hopes and Dreams uses horses, camping, and the great outdoors to give affected soldiers a break from their memories of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Founded by Mike Randall, a Vietnam veteran, three of his four sons served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two returned with PTSD. Mike Randall witnessed how getting them back on the horses, back outdoors, released them from the pain and lethargy of PTSD. His sons, wife and a few others help run Hopes and Dreams.
Last October, members of the Warrior Transition Battalion of Fort Campbell, Ky., were the first to spend a weekend riding horses and camping at Hopes and Dreams. Others have since participated in Hopes and Dreams.
In an article following the Fort Campbell visit, Randall said, “Some soldiers feel like they’re forgotten because nobody wants to help them. Well, we remember, and we want to do what we can to help.”
To become a vendor, call Jerry Curl, (229) 292-5270.
