An upcoming workshop offered by The Brookfield Institute’s Care for the Troops program will offer introductory training to people who want to help veterans integrate into civilian life.

The pinning ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, March 15, after the Yoga Warriors class that veteran Roy Dennington credits with giving him a renewed resilience in his post-war and post trauma life. The pinning will begin about 12:30 p.m. at Central Mass Yoga and Wellness, 45 Sterling Street, No. 28, West Boylston, Mass (top floor of Causeway Mall — intersection of Mass. Rtes. 110 and 12).  Belinda Morrone, a retired Air Force colonel and nurse who supported U.S. military air evacuations from the Gulf wars through the ongoing post-911 Mideast conflicts, will present the Vietnam War Veteran pins.

Are you a military family or friend who has faced the death of a service member from the hidden wounds of war, combat or other service-connected losses? Our first Military Friends and Family Bereavement Support Group meeting is March 4.

There are still 20 veterans a day who commit suicide. And 70% of the veterans who take their lives have never contacted the VA for health services.

That is why our outreach and education work is so important.

The gathering was a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs free training for clergy, religious leaders and other community members to assist them with helping veterans and their families.

Veterans’ stories are close to JS, Hobbs’ heart. The director of “Welcome Home” has worked with numerous veterans, veteran organizations and he has heard many, many stories. He worked for several months to write the story the play is based on, listening, watching, reading, compiling.

The stats are stunning. The American Psychological Association says there are only 16 mental health counselors for every 100,000 veterans in rural areas.