I remember meeting the first Chiver who had it. I’ve met hundreds now. You don’t forget these encounters.

Coming back from war and adjusting to the ‘new normal’ isn’t easy. Often, the tiniest things can trigger split second changes in the body. Sometimes, it manifests itself in darker things. The gamut of traumatic incidents our service men and women can be exposed to during war is frighteningly broad. Many bring home the invisible wounds of war.

The stigma we attach to mental disorders in America doesn’t help things. Friends and family can have trouble coping with a loved one with PTSD almost as much as the sufferer. Each case is different and the treatments vary. Nobody has pinpointed the exact cause – genes and specific areas of the brain seem to be the culprits.

And so we arrive back with the first soldier I met with PTSD. His name was Steven.  Steven looked at me and told me how important it was to make PTSD a national talking point, maybe we could help get the word out. This sentiment has resonated with every service man and woman we’ve met.

With support for the Chive Fund growing, Chive Charities wanted to make an impact on PTSD in a big way.  Today we’re announcing a $40,000 grant to the Wounded Warrior Project. Specifically, the Combat Stress Recovery Program for PTSD.

The Wounded Warrior Project approaches PTSD from the warrior’s perspective. We’re especially excited to be able to help Project Odyssey. Pictured above, the program uses the healing power of nature, along with support from mental health professionals and staff, to help wounded service members gain perspective on life through outdoor activities and retreats.