Leaps Of Faith Welcomes Women Warriors

By Kendra Bobowick

For the first time, Leaps of Faith President Joel Zeisler ran a Wounded Warriors program just for women soldiers both physically and emotionally injured in combat. All the women have served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan and have returned with battle scars, ranging from physical injuries and post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.

“It’s a good story and a little different, and it was a sensitive program and a story that needs to be told,” Mr Zeisler said.

During a three-day period, from September 22 through September 24, 13 wounded “Warrior Sistas,” from all over the country joined Mr Zeisler and volunteers in Sandy Hook to water-ski, kayak, hike, and fish, as well as to heal and bond through a variety of artistic activities.

“This women’s group was special,” Mr Zeisler said. “They all have seen combat; however, most had minimum physical damage. It’s the emotional damage we have been working on,” he said.

Event Coordinator Trina Bayles said, “It was incredible to meet these women.” During a three-day period she was heartened to see “how they really bonded.” Ms Bayles noticed a true camaraderie and “a real understanding between them of what they had experienced in Iraq and Afghanistan and how their experiences here helped them heal.”

She said she cannot imagine or relate to what they went through, but said, “It was loud and clear that they understood each other. A lot of emotions came up as women.” She added that much was resolved through sports activities and through short, guided therapy sessions led by social worker Shauna Smith and therapist Ellen Tracy, both from Sun Valley, Idaho. The two came as guides and mentors.

Referring to the women in the ski clinic Ms Bayles said, “I think they had a wonderful time here, and each took back not only great memories but a sense of healing and bonding.”

Half of these women have been together for one or two prior events kayaking, swimming or skiing out west. This was their first time on a water-skiing event that included a number of symbolic activities to promote healing.

“We got together and made this happen” with the help of the social worker and therapist from Idaho, Mr Zeisler said.

Since the weather proved difficult that week, Mr Zeisler arranged for the women to visit the recently opened 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan, which their military status enabled them to enter.

A New Program

Also joining Mr Zeisler that week were Retired Air Force Colonel Mark McKenzie, who now works at the Pentagon, and his wife, Kris. The couple will be starting a program similar to Leaps of Faith in Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. They wish to serve the military and disabled community.

“I hope to work with him in coordinating his program,” Mr Zeisler said. “[Mr McKenzie] was here to witness and learn.”

Mr Zeisler said, “It was an honor to get the call…”