Base, local helping agencies team up to build 'Community of Caring'

  • Published
  • By Jet Fabara
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
TEHACHAPI, Calif. --  Since the Edwards Air Force Base Integrated Delivery System was established, the  committee of all of the base's helping agencies has reached out to the Edwards workforce and community in order to remind everyone of all the available services they may turn to for assistance with any personal issues, not only on base, but off base as well.

On the eve of September 11, several representatives from the various base helping agencies took time to visit Healing Horses and Armed Forces (HHAAF), a 501c3 non-profit organization at Rising Moon Ranch, to improve the collaboration between the two helping agencies and to better understand the services offered to veterans, servicemembers and their families by HHAAF.

"The IDS is working with local downtown community resources to accomplish our goal of 'Building a Community of Caring.' We want the Edwards community to know that we do care about each and every one. We also want to inform and educate them not only about the helping agencies on base, but what is available and at their disposal in the local area as well," said Nancy Koch-Castillo, 412th Test Wing community support coordinator. "It is a win-win for everyone to develop the rapport and relationships with the local area resources."

"I've wanted to work with Edwards for a long time now, more than two years to be specific and I'm glad that we're starting to collaborate more and more with the base helping agencies and that base representatives were able to come out and see what we're all about," added Charisse Rudolph, HHAAF founder.  

According to Rudolph, HHAAF utilizes the effective and collaborative model of equine-assisted and adventure-based counseling along with yoga, therapeutic art, cooking, drumming and other non-traditional wellness tools that have proven to be effective in dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and Military Sexual Trauma.

"The value of having a program like Healing Horses for the Edwards community is invaluable. An Airman has the option with this program of receiving additional, or a new type of assistance, off base in the community," Koch-Castillo said. "Furthermore, this is yet another valuable resource our veterans can gain further resilience and insight from; whether they participate in the activities once, twice or multiple times."

During the meeting, Rudolph reminded base helping agency representatives that the rehabilitation services and resiliency training offered at the ranch also extends beyond those who may think it's only for combat veterans or servicemembers with PTSD.

"PTSD doesn't just mean that it was combat-related, but it could also be from any type of trauma and that's something most people don't realize," said Rudolph. "I've had different veterans that feel they don't have the right to be considered for PTSD because they haven't been injured in combat or don't have a Purple Heart. I always remind folks that if they're part of a unit that experiences a loss or traumatic experience, it affects the whole unit and it affects families as well."

After the meeting, Rudolph and Koch-Castillo went into detail to describe who qualified for the programs available there.

"All post 9/11 Veterans, active duty servicemembers and their families can use the Healing Horses program," said Koch-Castillo. "The military member has to register through the WWP website before being entered into a program. Charisse will then call with their name and birthdate to make sure they have registered through the WWP."

Additionally, Rudolph noted that for veterans or servicemembers who are interested, it is essential that they first sign up with the Wounded Warrior Project online by completing the registration and submitting proof of service.

"The Wounded Warrior Project has agreed to give those who qualify a scholarship to our program of up to 10 lessons of equine activities. If you are a wounded warrior, Project alumni, family member, care taker, or were injured or ill post 9/11, you would qualify for this project," Rudolph said. "All information that a person shares will remain confidential with HHAAF and the Wounded Warrior Project."  

For more information, go to www.hhaaf.org. If a person is interested in using the services provided from Healing Horses, contact Nancy Koch-Castillo at 661-277-6711 or Charisse Rudolph at 661-821-0482.