MILWAUKEE -- An organization called Dryhootch was created nearly a decade ago to help veterans and their families who have survived war, thrive in peace. Deputy Chief Aaron Lipski with the Milwaukee Fire Department and Leah Lockett with Dryhootch joined us live on Daybreak to share more.
This is the second year that Dryhootch has partnered with Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee Fire Department to host the Salute to Service 5K Run/Walk. They want it to be an opportunity for you and your family to honor and remember all those who serve and protect our neighborhoods, communities, and country.
It takes place Sunday, September 10, 2017 at the Milwaukee County War Memorial at 8:30 a.m.
Dryhootch is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, by a Vietnam veteran, with a mission of “Helping veterans and their families who survived the war, thrive in the peace.” The idea of becoming a homefront battle buddy to the new generation of veterans materialized into a successful Peer Support Program, and is the cornerstone of Dryhootch.
The name Dryhootch is derived from two words; "Dry," meaning the organization operates within a sober environment, and "Hootch," military jargon for a safe place where service members live while in combat.
Since opening the first coffeehouse in 2010, Dryhootch has grown to four locations throughout Wisconsin, including two in Milwaukee.
At Dryhootch, veterans enjoy the support of others who have navigated the same pathway home. If they’re experiencing post-deployment challenges, they can learn about programs available to help their transition.
Dryhootch's partnership with Milwaukee Police and Milwaukee Fire Deptartment is important for many reasons. Many veterans face issues as they transition from military service to civilian life. These issues can be related to PTSD, Traumatic Brain injury, military sexual trauma and can lead to homelessness, alcohol and drug abuse, family relationship issues, unemployment, and suicide.
Often, law enforcement officers and first responders are the first to interact with veterans living in the community who may be struggling with the above issues. Also, many veterans go on to become police officers, firefighters and emergency first responders post military service. Just as veterans do, many police officers, firefighters, and first responders also encounter situations through their professions that cause post-traumatic stress.
If you would like to learn more about the Dryhootch 5K run/walk follow this link.
