Andrews leader shows support for Horses for Heroes

  • Published
  • By Steven R. Doty
  • 316th Wing Public Affairs photographer
ANDREWS AFB, Md. --  The horse has been the most widely used animal throughout military history. They were used to pull chariots and to carry some of the military's finest leaders into battle. With the appearance of modern ranged weapons and motorized vehicles, the use of the horse for military purposes has declined. However, the military continues to use the horse for a purpose of a different color: therapy.

Air Force District of Washington Commander, Major Gen. Ralph Jodice and his wife, Judy, visited the Maryland Therapeutic Riding facility recently to observe the effects of equestrian activities on the wellbeing of wounded warriors.

"I found the effects of the MTR on the recovery of our wounded warriors both simple and complex," General Jodice said. "At first glance, it appears it is simply riding a horse, yet when you study what the riding does for our wounded warriors, you see it is very complex."

The program is known as hippo-therapy, and involves using the horse as a treatment tool to achieve physical, psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication goals. Together, with the horse and a team of professional therapists, health professionals and a wide variety of volunteers, the therapy helps wounded warriors with the fundamentals of physical movement and the mind-body-spirit connection.

In the spring of 2009, MTR launched a program, called Horses for Heroes, and dedicated it to the honorable service of the nation's heroes.

The Horses for Heroes program offers equine-assisted activities and therapies to injured servicemembers returning home from overseas. Riders have been noted to experience increased self-confidence and improvement in strength, balance, coordination and attention span.

As of June 18, more than 18,635 servicemembers have returned from OPERATIONS IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM because they were wounded in action. From amputees to servicemembers struggling with various stress disorders, these wounded warriors returned home hoping for resources to ease their pain and assist in the healing process.

General Jodice feels that he should understand every aspect of wounded warrior care, as he is host to the 779th Aeromedical Staging Flight at Andrews. The 779 ASF receives all wounded warriors arriving into the United States from OIF and OEF. "This is not just any action for AFDW, but the opportunity through AFDW to work and talk with our joint partners in the National Capital Region," General Jodice said. "My plan is to let people know about this program so they are aware of its importance, and perhaps some might want to volunteer or support it in another way."

MTR is part of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, which was founded in 1969. NARHA Horses for Heroes states that its mission is to "assist military veterans through services provided by NARHA members and by providing leadership and guidance for equine assisted activities and therapies." Since the program started 11 weeks ago, MTR has helped more than 13 servicemen.

"We are achieving far beyond any goal or vision we had previously set forth," said Anne Joyner, MTR development director. "We are very satisfied and honored to serve in our own way, and look forward to continual growth and expansion within the farm as well as assisting disabled veterans."

The program offers a chance for servicemembers, like Army Capt. Jaison Bloom, Warrior in Transition unit commander, Fort Meade, Md., to experience a level of healing not found inside a hospital.

"It is a remarkable opportunity for our Soldiers to get out of the cold white walls of the hospitals and do something different to ease the pain," Captain Bloom said. "There's no guarantee that this program will heal 100 percent of the cases, or even promise full reintegration back into Active Duty, but it does give back the confidence and strength they need."

Army Col. (ret.) Ken McCreedy, a MTR board member and chairman of Horses for Heroes, is proud of the program's mission and its results.

"I was introduced to MTR several years ago and was immediately overwhelmed by the magic I saw happening between participant and horse in the months that followed. The Horses for Heroes idea generated and grew," Colonel McCreedy said. "I vowed to find ways in retirement to honor and assist wounded warriors, and this is a wonderful way to give back to those who have given so much."

"It is a wonderful benefit to the spouses of our wounded warriors," Ms. Jodice said. "An injury, physical or psychological, affects the entire family. Consequently, the healing process affects not only the wounded, but the entire family and the spouse, parent and child will see the improvements and feel the hope MTR provides."

General Jodice and his wife are excited to have had the opportunity to work with MTR. They hope to create a stronger relationship with the organization and open a venue that offers more opportunities for volunteers and support from members of the NCR.

For information on how to volunteer or support MTR and Horses For Heroes, visit www.horsesthatheal.org or contact 410-923-1187.