New documentary to highlight the return to Vietnam 50 years later
In November 2023, 10 Vietnam veterans embarked on a journey they never thought possible, returning to Vietnam, and exploring the locations and memories that for 50 years have held deep significance for each of them. Mission Veteran Expedition, a collaborative venture between CDLLife, FASTPORT, and nonprofits Waypoint Vets and Wreaths Across America, made this journey possible and, together, proudly announce the upcoming release of a new documentary of the trip, “Mission Veteran Expedition: Honoring Vietnam Veterans in the Transportation Industry.”
The documentary, captured and produced by U.S. Army veteran Nicholas Mott, owner of Seven Five Media, was released this morning and is available for anyone to view at no cost on Wreaths Across America’s YouTube channel Today recognizing National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
“The documentary offers an intimate and compelling look at the journey of these veterans,” said videographer Nicholas Mott. “Capturing the essence of their experiences and the profound impact of the Mission Veteran Expedition was truly an honor. I hope other Vietnam veterans will watch it and find it healing.”
“The Mission Veteran Expedition successfully commemorated these veterans’ valiant contributions while allowing them to experience the beauty of Vietnam’s landscapes and the richness of its culture,” said Sarah Lee, Army combat veteran and founder of Waypoint Vets. “For many veterans, the memories associated with Vietnam are often intertwined with the challenges of war. This expedition redefined these associations and replaced them with new, healing memories. By engaging with Vietnam on a deep, personal level, the trip forged lasting connections and helped veterans find solace in the beauty of a nation at peace.”
As commemorative partners of The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, FASTPORT and Wreaths Across America have had the honor of “Welcoming Home” more than 7,500 Vietnam veterans. “I feel the trip’s culmination was an important piece of closure for the participant’s journey,” said Brad Bentley, President of FASTPORT, who traveled to Vietnam with the group. “These men returned to the United States to a hero’s welcome, and for millions who never received this show of gratitude for answering the call of duty, it was truly an honor to say, ‘Welcome Home.’”
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LAKEPORT
The ‘Power of Caregiving’ — A workshop designed for family caregivers
Hospice Services of Lake County and the Redwood Caregivers Resource Center will present a free two-part workshop designed to help individuals caring for a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other neurocognitive disorder.
The “Power of Caregiving” workshop by Janine Smith-Citron is slated for Saturdays, April 20 and 27, 10 a.m.to 2 p.m., at 1862 Parallel Drive. Lunch and snacks will be provided for participants, and arrangements for respite care may be available with advance notice.
The presenting agencies recognize that caring for a loved one or client with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other neurocognitive disorder can forever change the lives of families and caregivers. There can be devastating effects on those providing long-term care, from financial pressures and legal quandaries to health problems and emotional turmoil.
The workshop is intended to provide a supportive, educational opportunity to help participants increase peace of mind and understanding of caregiving and to feel less isolated and stressed by providing awareness of resources and widening their support systems.
In this two-part series, individuals who care for persons with dementia and other neurocognitive disorders will be given tools to increase their abilities to understand the challenging dementia-related behaviors. The tools will also aid the caregivers in efforts to communicate and remain “connected” with the family members and to understand common causes for family members’ resistance to allowing caregivers to provide personal care.
Workshop instructor Alexis Glidewell, LCSW, will help participants explore feelings of denial and guilt and will offer tools for handling frustration that may occur for the full-time caregiver. She will offer suggestions for self-care activities and encourage participants to share their own successful tools for maintaining energy and compassion while providing care for a loved one or special client.
Glidewell, a member of the Geriatric Medicine Clinic in Santa Rosa, is associated with the Redwood Caregivers Resource Center, sharing her expertise in teaching classes and facilitating workshops and support groups.
For more information about the workshop and to register, call (707) 263-6222, or email jscitron@lakecountyhospice.org.
Hospice Services of Lake County’s mission is to support people by providing the highest quality medical, emotional and spiritual care that helps patients and their families who are navigating the end-of-life journey. For more information, call Hospice Services of Lake County, (707) 263-6222. Find us on Facebook or visit the organization’s website at www.lakecountyhospice.org.
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