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Former soldiers find balm for the soul
Warrior's Journey Home provides spiritual healing for veterans
by WKSU's JEFF ST. CLAIR


Morning Edition Host
Jeff St. Clair
 

The experience of war is transformative. Society sends a soldier into combat, hoping they’ll return unchanged. That, we’re finding, is impossible. The physical and emotional experience of war ensures that the returning warrior will never be the same as he or she once was. But by allowing their stories to be heard, we, as a society, can share the burden of what we asked them to do in our name.  

 
WKSU's Jeff St.Clair speaks with some of the veterans who take part in the Warriors Journey Home program in Tallmadge who are rebuilding their lives through sharing their stories. 
Warrior's Journey Home - Veterans Day 2010

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Images with audio

A poem written by Steve Burr on the original Red Cross stationary while he was recovering from his wounds in a military hospital.

A poem written by Steve Burr on the original Red Cross stationary while he was recovering from his wounds in a military hospital.

(Click image for larger view.)

The symbols on Steve Burr's talking stick represent both his war experience, and his civilian life.  Burr says you don't get any medals for being a good husband and provider.
Vietnam veteran Steve Burr with his talking stick.  In the warrior's circle only the person holding the stick may speak, and only from the heart while others listen without judgement.
Shianne Eagleheart (left) drums during the Warrior's Journey Home healing ceremony along with Rev. John Schluep (right).  Eagleheart, a member of the Iroquois tribe, runs the Red Bird veterans center in Southern Ohio.
Rev. John Schluep (left) and Dr. Ed Tick (right) lead the healing and reconciliation ceremony at the Tallmadge First Congregational Church.  The ceremony includes veterans and civilians.
Joe Caley runs Taggart's ice cream shop in Tallmadge.  His visit to Vietnam in the fall of 2010 was his first trip to the country since his combat days.
Community members and veterans take part in a healing and reconciliation ceremony, part of the Warrior's Journey Home ministry.
The inner circle of chairs are for the veterans, the outer circle facing them are for the 'people of the strong heart', civilians who support the veterans in their community.
Hank Skowronski and his wife Rose live in Tallmadge.
France awarded Hank Skowronski the Legion of Honor medal for his service during the Battle of the Bulge.
Hank Skrowronski returned from the war to open a menswear shop in Tallmadge.  Decades later he was awarded the French Legion of Honor, about the time memories of the war returned to haunt him.
Kent State student Dustin Szarell served six years in the military.  Warrior's Journey Home is part of his recovery efforts from both physical trauma and emotional wounds of war.
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