In this episode of the Veterans for Recovery podcast, Major John Donovan sits down with U.S. Army veteran Jen Tregarthen to discuss the healing power of community and the "singular focus" of golf. From her experience as a Mental Health Specialist during the 2003 Iraq invasion to her current work with Tee It Up for the Troops, Jen shares how sports rehabilitation is saving lives.
Inside This Episode:
- Combat Mental Health: Jen reflects on providing grassroots stress debriefs at the front lines and the importance of processing trauma early.
- The Power of the GI Bill: A look at how education benefits serve as a bridge to civilian success for veterans and their families.
- Why Golf? How the mindfulness and social connection of the fairway provide a mental reset for those struggling with PTSD and transition.
- Tee It Up for the Troops: An overview of their six pillars of support, including suicide prevention, housing, and employment.
- The Reunion Weekend: A spotlight on the annual Orlando event where combat veterans and caregivers reconnect, heal, and even write songs with Creative Vets.
Connect with the Mission:
- Learn More/Apply: teeitupforthetroops.org
- Get Involved: Explore sponsorship opportunities or find a local fundraising event to support veterans in your community.
"Golf mirrors mindfulness. It requires a singular focus that helps quiet the noise of trauma."
Veterans 4 Recovery
All Things Recovery! Join your host, Maj. (Retired) John Donovan, a noted author, lecturer and person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder, as he and his guests will breakdown current trending topics and research along with all things related to increasing recovery resilience and capital within our Veteran and service-member communities.
Major John Donovan is the co-founder of the Recovery Community Network (RCN) in St. Cloud, Minnesota, an organization devoted to serving and advocating for the recovery community of Central Minnesota. John is a person in long-term recovery with over 45 years of recovery. He is a highly decorated 27-year veteran of the Armed Forces and has deployed three times in the service of our nation since 9-11. He holds an associate’s and bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University and a master’s degree from Boston University. John serves on several recovery related boards and he is an active and energetic advocate for recovery. He is a popular speaker and workshop facilitator and he contributes monthly to a recovery blog. John’s book, “A Soldier’s Recovery Journey”, was published in April of 2021 and he was a contributing author to Hazelden's veterans' daily meditation book entitled "Leave No One Behind."