Helping CNMI heroes recover

As frontliners during emergencies and disasters, first responders often expose themselves to traumatic situations. They also need help. It is estimated that 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

The hazards that first responders face is at the forefront of the Field of Heroes initiative of the Tan Siu Lin Foundation. It is not only meant to commemorate the events of 9/11 but also to raise funds to help veterans who are suffering from PTSD.

During the Field of Heroes kickoff last week, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang cited the case of one of the first responders in New York City who passed away last month.

“They [first responders] were in front of Congress asking for help for funding for their medical equipment,” Apatang said. “I know it’s hard…being a firefighter, police officers, [emergency medical technician], and all the law enforcement who are out there helping us every day. I have been there and I know how it is.”

Aside from PTSD, there is also moral injury. This is a concern brought to the forefront by combat veteran Tom Voss through his film Almost Sunrise. The film is about his journey from Wisconsin to California to raise awareness of the pain of moral injury that many veterans face.

Northern Marianas Humanities Council executive director L Leo Pangelinan, left, talks about the screening of Almost Sunrise, and the yoga sessions facilitated by its filmmaker, combat veteran Tom Voss, in CNMI last August to help fellow veterans heal. Others in photo are Catherine Attao, TanHoldings vice president for corporate affairs and HR, center, and Jerry Tan, TanHoldings CEO.
(IVA MAURIN)

Northern Marianas Humanities Council executive director Leo Pangelinan, who brought the film to Saipan last August, said that moral injury is a different kind of injury that veterans come back with. “This is when you go to battle and your values are compromised.”

Voss, who was here last August to discuss his experiences with fellow veterans, facilitated yoga sessions and breathing technique meditations as a means of healing.

Pangelinan reported that of the 70 veterans who attended Voss’ yoga sessions, a fraction came wanting to go further and do a certification course.

“There is a strong interest in this as a form of healing. We want to explore that further, and train people in our community,” Pangelinan said. “DPS can have someone trained in yoga, or some other type of healing art. They can teach yoga, meditation, breathing techniques in our community which is what I think our ultimate goal is.”

The Humanities Council, through the support of the Tan Siu Lin Foundation, is exploring bringing the alternative healing program to Guam.