Top

Battle Buddy Response Team

Nonprofit Organization

News

Beyond the Screen: The Importance of In-Person Connections

Two friends hugging.

In today’s technology-driven world, keeping in touch with loved ones is easier than ever. With just a few taps on a screen, we can instantly connect with family and friends through phone calls, video chats, and text messages. While these tools undoubtedly serve a purpose, there is something truly special about visiting a loved one in person.

The Power of Presence

When you visit someone in person, you experience their presence in a way that simply cannot be replicated through technology. Your body language, facial expressions, and even your energy are all communicated and felt more authentically. The tangible connection formed through a hug, a pat on the back, or holding someone’s hand has the power to comfort and soothe in a way that words spoken over the phone or through a screen can’t convey.

A Multisensory Experience

Face-to-face interactions provide a multisensory experience that is absent in phone or video chats. During an in-person visit, you can share a meal, take a walk together, or simply sit side by side in silence. These shared experiences create a bond that is difficult to achieve through virtual communication. The sounds, sights, and even the smells of your environment help to create lasting memories that are much more vivid and meaningful than those formed through remote communication.

Undivided Attention

When you visit a loved one in person, you are giving them your undivided attention. This act of being fully present speaks volumes about the importance of the relationship and the value you place on your time together. While it is possible to be present during a phone or video call, it is far easier to become distracted by our surroundings or multitask during the conversation. In-person visits demonstrate a level of commitment and effort that can be deeply meaningful to both parties.

Creating Lasting Memories

There is something uniquely special about creating memories with loved ones through in-person experiences. These moments tend to leave a lasting impact that is difficult to achieve through phone or video chats. Shared laughter, the warmth of a hug, or the sight of a familiar face can elicit powerful emotions that stay with us long after the visit has ended. These in-person interactions often serve as a foundation for building stronger and more meaningful relationships with those we care about most.

While phone calls and video chats have their place in maintaining connections with loved ones, there is no substitute for the depth of connection achieved through in-person visits. The power of presence, the multisensory experience, the undivided attention, and the lasting memories created all contribute to the unparalleled value of face-to-face interactions. As our world becomes increasingly digitized, it is essential to remember the irreplaceable benefits of spending quality time with those we love in person.

Coping Strategies for PTSD in Military Personnel

Photo of man in military uniform and head bowed.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common condition among military personnel and can be challenging to manage. The symptoms of PTSD can have a significant impact on daily life, affecting sleep, work, and relationships. However, there are many coping strategies that military personnel and their loved ones can use to help manage PTSD symptoms. In this post, we will discuss some self-help strategies that could be included, such as getting moving, self-regulating the nervous system, connecting with others, taking care of the body, dealing with flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts, and working through survivor’s guilt. We will also highlight the importance of seeking professional treatment.

Getting Moving

One effective coping strategy for PTSD is to get moving. Exercise has been shown to help reduce symptoms of PTSD, such as depression and anxiety. Exercise also helps to promote better sleep, which is essential for those with PTSD. Military personnel can try incorporating physical activity into their daily routine, such as running or practicing yoga.

Self-regulating the Nervous System

PTSD can cause hyperarousal, leading to increased anxiety and difficulty relaxing. Learning techniques to self-regulate the nervous system can help manage these symptoms. For example, breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation.

Connecting with Others

Social support can be a critical component of managing PTSD symptoms. Military personnel can benefit from connecting with others who have had similar experiences. Support groups, counseling, and peer support can provide a sense of connection and understanding.

Taking Care of the Body

Taking care of the body is an essential part of managing PTSD symptoms. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Taking care of physical health can also help promote mental health.

Dealing with Flashbacks, Nightmares, and Intrusive Thoughts

PTSD can cause intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares regarding past trauma. It is essential to learn techniques for managing these symptoms. For example, grounding techniques, such as focusing on the present moment or engaging in soothing activities, can help reduce the intensity of flashbacks or intrusive thoughts.

Working Through Survivor’s Guilt

Survivor’s guilt is a common experience for military personnel with PTSD. Working through these feelings and learning to manage them is essential. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help individuals challenge and change negative thoughts related to survivor’s guilt.

Seeking Professional Treatment

While self-help strategies can help manage PTSD symptoms, it is essential to seek professional treatment. Treatment options for PTSD include medication, therapy, and alternative treatments such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Seeking professional treatment can help military personnel manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Coping with PTSD can be challenging, but there are many effective strategies that military personnel and their loved ones can use to manage symptoms. Getting moving, self-regulating the nervous system, connecting with others, taking care of the body, dealing with flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts, and working through survivor’s guilt are all effective self-help strategies. However, seeking professional treatment is crucial for managing PTSD effectively. If you or someone you know is experiencing PTSD symptoms, reach out for help today.

This is intended for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

Harpers Ferry, WV Project

Battle Buddy Response Team® spread hope and love everywhere we go to help others, we landed on a disabled Veterans doorstep. This amazing Veteran has welcomed us in their home, invited us to work for them. One of our services we offer for our Mission is Veteran Advocacy that changes lives in weeks or months. We show the world the needs not wants of our Veterans and how we want to assist them.  Work with the public to gain friends that have skills we do not. The Veteran and their family trust us with their need, a need they do not want to ask for. The romers of the Veteran doesn’t talk with others isn’t true, God paves a way. We are the front line workers for our Veterans and their families.

Harpers Ferry, WV is one of these many Veterans that trust Battle Buddy Response Team® to provide them a hand up in life. Working with this disabled Veteran has been our privilege and honor to give back.

If you are interested in volunteering on this project and are available on Oct. 25th 2022 from 0700 to finish time, please email us info@battlebuddyresponseteam.org .

 

Recognizing Our Business Sponsors

Battle Buddy Response Team® would like to recognize all our business sponsors that have helped us with funding or projects across the united states to helping our organization operate more effectively.

We have various sponsors from those that have donated $100 to $198,785.90 since 2020. Let’s start with a few you may have heard of:

We would like to recognize the private foundation that has recently donated one lump sum of $198,785.90 to us!! This grant was allocated into three sections for us to use; one: a new vehicle, two: a salary for our Executive Director and three: extra funding to use as needed  for the organization.  This private foundation wishes to stay private so we want to thank them for this grant so our organization to keep saving lives everyday a veteran and their families need our assistance.

  Lowe’s has been a sponsor of ours since 2020, multiple different locations have donated a very large amount of materials to our organization across the northern part of the United States for projects we have done for veterans and their families. Thank you Lowe’s for all your help and support! Donated so far an estimated value of $10,800.00

Home Depot Foundation donated in 2021 roofing materials in value of $4,800.00 to our organization so we could put a new roof on a house for a retired Navy Senior Chief Vietnam Veteran in Florida. Thank you Home Depot!

In 2021 Hafer’s Guns out of Falling Waters, WV donated a single family modular home in value of $58,000.00 to us so we may give it to a homeless Army Veteran in Martinsburg, WV to live in. Thank you Hafer’s Guns

R-N-R Auto Body out of Hagerstown, MD has donated their time and materials to us when our Trucks need work done to them since we first started the organization in 2019. Thank you R-N-R Auto Body for keeping our Trucks looking sharp! Value of donations are estimated around $3,200.00

  In 2021 Patriot Roofing in Middleburg, Fl has donated their time and materials to us to help put a new roof on a disabled veterans home in Florida. Thank you Patriot Roofing!! Estimated donations $7,500.00

Hilton Hotels have been sponsoring us since 2021 when needing a place to stay across the United States, we have received donated rooms for us and veterans needing a place to lay their head or somewhere to live while we help them with their living conditions. Thank You Hilton! Estimated value of donations since 2021 $2,100.00

In 2021 Digging & Rigging Inc. donated their time and equipment to help us move a modular home for a disable veteran 16 miles in value of $8,900.00. Thank you Digging & Rigging Inc. for your donations and all your help!!

In 2022 Range 214 donated a whopping $10,000.00 to us in check form to help us with any past due bills and current bills. Thank you Range 214 for this amazing non restricted donation. Thank you Range 214!!!

KCKC in 2021 donated $1,500 to our organization so we could fix our response vehicle when it broke done. Thank you KCKC for keeping our wheels turning!!

 

Metro Wrapz started sponsoring our organization in 2020 once our vehicle was shot twice. They fixed our vehicle and since then has wrapped our newest response team vehicle that we just received. We have received word that they are now offering us a lifetime sponsorship of free wraps moving forward. Thank You Metro for your love! Estimated donation that we received so far is $9,000.00.

American Metal Roofing in 2020 and 2021 has sponsored our organization by traveling to meet us and meet veterans that needed help with their roof. in 2020 they installed a brand new roof on a disabled veterans home for us in Hagerstown, MD. Thank you American Metal Roofing!! Estimated total value of donations $6,700

 

In 2020 Dave The Plumber LLC installed a new water heater and toilet for a disabled veteran in Hagerstown, MD for us. Thank You Dave The Plumber LLC! Estimated value of donation $950

 

Fast Lane Car Sales in Hagerstown, MD and Martinsburg, WV has sponsored us since 2021 with donations that we have used for various veterans around the Maryland and WV areas. Thank you Fast Lane Car Sales! Sponsorship value estimated at $3,500.00

 

Labers Office Furniture has been a sponsor of ours since 2020 and they have went above and beyond by making sure we have all the office materials we need including furniture. Estimated sponsorship value of $18,000.00. Thank you Labers!!

 

Potomac Valley Chiropractic has been a monthly sponsor of ours since 2020, they donate and hold fundraisers for us at their office in Gaithersburg, MD. We have also had the pleasure of them help various veterans that need their services for a very low discounted rate. Thank You Potomac Valley!! Estimated value so far donated $2,800.00

 

Datachieve has been a sponsor of ours since day one. They created our website and all our electronic forms so our organization can operate fully the way we need it to while holding the standard for confidentiality needed for our clients. Thank you Datachieve!! Sponsorship value of $2,400.00 so far.

 

ACMI have been a sponsor of ours since day one, they have helped us stay on track with our books and continue to make sure all our records stay current with all the states we are registered with and the federal government.  Thank You ACMI!!! Estimated sponsorship so far donated is $4,100.00

 

We would like to also recognize all the one time business donations that we also received over the last two years. Advance Auto, Walmart, Sheetz, Martins, Pilot, Ram, Ubora Coffee, Southwest Airlines, Alamo Rental Cars, all the law enforcement agencies local and federal, Fast Signs, Mission BBQ, Bowman Inc, WDVM and all the radio stations that have had us on the air (Eastern Panhandle Live, 96.7FM, 97.5FM, 100.9FM) !

If you would like to become a sponsor please email info@BattleBuddyResponseTeam.org to learn more about our sponsorship packages. By sponsoring us you are helping Veterans and their families live a more meaningful life. Our Vision: “Stop and Prevent All Veteran Suicide” by our Mission: “Serving Veterans and Their Families”!

 

Sponsor a Veteran or their family today!

Did you know it roughly takes us a minimum of $250 to help a local Veteran or their family and minimum $500 to help a Veteran or their family long distance from us?

Today we are asking that you find it in your hearts to sponsor a veteran and their family today!

We would love to see our accounts contiue to rise, currently we have three veterans that need our help that we cannot afford to help due to cost of travel. One is in Norfolk, VA which is roughly $700 for us, another one is in Alabama and that will cost us a minimum of $900 a the last one is in CA which is close to $2,000 for us to get there to help them.

If you could donate to us on a monthly basis that would also help as well. We know times are tough but we are doing our best to save as many lives as possible. Our services require us to show up in person to the veterans and their families residence.

You can stop in our Office at 10 E. Main Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268 to sponsor a veteran today! Or you can donate on our website http://battlebuddyresponseteam.org/doante or you can mail check, money order or cash to our PO Box 77 in Falling Waters, WV 25419.

Thank you for wanting to help save lives and make the world a better plave as we spread HOPE to those that have lost it in their travels through life.

Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers out there in the world!

God Bless You ALL!