Fred Kalfon, an 81-year-old Vietnam War veteran with Parkinson’s disease and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), experienced significant improvements in his physical and mental health after participating in a 90-day program run by the Grey Team veterans center in Boca Raton, Florida. The center, which has aided about 700 veterans of all ages, offers personalized workouts, mental health support, and community outings as part of its comprehensive approach to veteran rehabilitation.Â
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Key Points:Â
- The Grey Team veterans center, a 7-year-old nonprofit organization located in Boca Raton, Florida, aims to improve both physical and mental health of veterans through a 90-day program. This program includes personalized workouts, camaraderie, community outings, and various therapies.
- The Grey Team’s participants have often suffered from issues such as PTSD or battle-induced head trauma. The organization’s ultimate goal is to reduce veterans’ dependency on medication for their ailments where possible.
- Since joining the program, Vietnam War veteran Fred Kalfon has reported significant improvements in his physical and mental health. Formerly housebound due to Parkinson’s disease and PTSD, he is now socializing more and has transitioned from a walker to a cane.
- The center’s efforts play an important role in combatting high suicide rates among veterans, who are reported to be 50% more likely to take their own lives compared to non-veterans. Co-founder Cary Reichbach emphasizes the center’s proactive stance, aiming to “tackle the suicidal ideation before it even starts”.
- The Grey Team does not accept veterans who are homeless or have uncontrolled addictions, which co-founder Cary Reichbach concedes makes suicide prevention efforts easier.
