Spokane Fire Fighters Help Returning Vets Readjust

October 13, 2009 – After the nation’s military proudly serve their country in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, many come home to find few services available to help them readjust to life at home.

With a brother and some friends who had completed some military service, Spokane Valley, WA local 876 fire fighter Darrin Coldiron is responding to the call for the services.

After he delivered a donation from the Spokane Valley Firefighters Benevolent Association to the Spokane Veterans Outreach Center. Coldiron was inspired to develop a veterans retreat to provide fun physical challenges and recreation, as well as psychological and peer support.

“When I visited the center for the first time, one of the coordinators showed me a video of the Wounded Warrior Project’s outdoor rehabilitative effort – Project Odyssey,” says Coldiron, “I was so impressed that I asked if something like that was offered in the Spokane area. When the coordinator told me ‘no,’ it motivated me to create one.”

Modeling the retreat – which was held over three days in September -- after Project Odyssey, Coldiron developed “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon 2009” with the help of his fellow Local 876 fire fighters and members of Spokane Valley Chiefs Association Local 3701 and Spokane County Fire District 8 Local 3711..

“When something traumatic happens, military personnel often don’t have the opportunity to deal with it immediately because they are still inside a war zone,” Coldiron explains. “Once they return, many are reluctant to discuss what they’ve seen, even with their own families. What this retreat does is help to rebuild trust and confidence so that veterans can talk about it with qualified counselors.”

Participating in the event were 18 veterans, three veterans’ center staff and 20 fire fighters. Fire fighters provided food and set up bonding activities, including kayaking, skeet shooting, cow roping, rock climbing and water skiing.

Veterans center staff report that the retreat was very successful. “Now may of our veterans are getting together on their own and that is big for us,” says Mike Ogle, an outreach counselor of Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans at the center.

“Fire fighters really can make a difference,” says Coldiron. “That’s why I am challenging other IAFF locals to plan their own veterans’ retreats.” For more information, contact Coldiron at darrincoldiron@gmail.com.