complex issues surrounding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder( PTSD). The emotional toll of anxiety, stress, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, survivor’ s guilt and emotional numbness can be devastating to both the veteran and their family. Suicide rates among veterans is alarming. Also, far too many veterans self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to dull horrific memories and deal with the overwhelming effects of PTSD.
Camp Jack not only provides access to nature therapy, but trained therapist, drug and alcohol treatment and other programs to help with mental challenges. They have found that veterans working together to refurbish electric wheelchairs, build handicap ramps and repair furniture, cars and other items for veterans in need is a very effective method of lowering PTSD symptoms. It gives them purpose, pride and a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
Camp Jack’ s home is an historic, 16,000 sq. ft. Arkansas National Guard Armory built in 1942 now owned by the City of Harrison. While the artillery unit stationed here was sent to Equipe during World War II to fight the Nazis, it was used as a garment factory sewing blankets and uniforms for servicemen. In later years it was used as a school and recently underwent a major renovation to better serve veterans. Camp Jack was named after local hero and Navy Corpsman, Jack Williams. During the Battle of Iwo Jima, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to care for wounded Marines. Even after being wounded himself, he once again rushed into harm’ s way to treat a Marine when a sniper’ s bullet ended his life. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor. It is his example of putting the needs of others ahead of his own that inspires Camp Jack volunteers.
Russell credits the rapid success of Camp Jack to dedicated volunteers and overwhelming support from the community. They have helped thousands of local veterans live better lives including providing several tons of food, helping dozens of homeless veterans find affordable housing, building countless handicap ramps and providing over 100 refurbished electric wheelchairs. This is in addition to helping veterans obtain disability benefits, proper healthcare, transportation and ensuring their utilities don’ t get turned off.
Camp Jack also serves the community as home to several scouting groups, veteran service organizations, the Recovery Center of the Ozarks and numerous civic organizations. They additionally offer use of their facilities to the public for weddings, parties, reunions, dances, meetings and concerts. Every Tuesday at 6PM, they host“ Camp Jack Bingo” which is a big hit among the locals often having over 100 players. All proceeds go to help veterans.
“ We owe our veterans and their families much more than just gratitude,” concluded Russell.“ We owe them action. These men and women stood in harm’ s way so others wouldn’ t have to. They carry the heavy weight of duty, sacrifice and war. They had our backs and now it is our turn to have theirs. We are very proud of all we do for veterans, their families and the community but maybe the most important thing is that Camp Jack is a place of healing.”
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