For those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), everyday life can be severely disrupted; PTSD often affects jobs, health, personal relationships and enjoyment of everyday activities. PTSD sufferers can experience depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts and actions. For military veterans, PTSD can occur following a life-threatening event like military combat, and the effects can be hard to overcome. Overcoming PTSD is a process that can take some time. Luckily, there are ways to cope and those who are living with PTSD can have hope for recovery. Later this month, the Lone Survivor Foundation will present “Artists of War,” showcasing the artwork of veterans, their family members and friends who have been affected by PTSD. Through this event, various artists will share their interpretations of war, patriotism, freedom, resiliency, empowerment and renewed hope. “Artists of War” will provide a venue for veteran artists to sell their work, while raising awareness and funds for the treatment and prevention of PTSD, TBI, MST, and suicide among veterans. The event will take place November 29th from 6-11 p.m. at the Coronado Marriott overlooking the San Diego bay with views of the Coronado Bridge, naval shipyard and downtown San Diego.
Many of those suffering from PTSD have found that music, art and poetry have been integral in the healing process. The featured artist for the event, Michael Simonetti, is a Navy diver who has supported the Naval Special Warfare community for over 20 years. Simonetti spent eleven and a half years as a helicopter rescue swimmer and an additional eleven and a half as a hard-helmet diver. He also holds a Masters degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling and hopes to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on the design and research & development of assistive technology/prosthetics.
Stacey Thompson, USMC veteran and professional artist will be the keynote speaker. Thompson is a published author, accomplished public speaker and a performance poet. She wrote “A War” for her husband, who suffers from PTSD. She is best known for her work as an advocacy committee member for the National Veterans organization “Protect our Defenders,” for which she recently appeared in Washington, DC., alongside New York Senator Kristen Gillibrand, to lend her voice as a survivor of military sexual trauma (MST). She currently resides with her family in Oceanside, California. For more information please visit www.ImageryArtworks.com.
“Artists of War” will also feature a variety of live musical acts, including San Diego’s own Cash’d Out, tribute band to the legendary Johnny Cash. Artwork will be for sale and there will also be a silent auction with proceeds benefitting the Lone Survivor Foundation.
“This will be a very fun, interactive event, not like your typical gala,” explains Kristine Vera, event coordinator for “Artists of War.”
Approximately 85% of the art for the event will be created by veterans or those close to them.
The number of Veterans with PTSD varies by service era. About 11-20 out of every 100 veterans (or between 11-20%) who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom suffer from PTSD in a given year. About 12 out of every 100 Gulf War Veterans (or 12%) and 15 out of every 100 Vietnam Veterans (or 15%) were currently diagnosed with PTSD at the time of the most recent study in the late 1980s. It is estimated that about 30 out of every 100 (or 30%) of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime. (Source: US Department of Veteran Affairs)
For tickets and additional event information, please visit www.lonesurvivorfoundation.org/aowauction. Additional artists, auction items, donations and sponsors are welcomed. Contact [email protected] for information.
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Mary Douglas
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
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