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As we join the global community in recognizing World Mental Health Day, we are reminded that there is no health without mental health.
This year’s theme — Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies — strikes close to home for all of us who serve those on the front lines of crisis and recovery.
Whether it’s a veteran navigating invisible wounds of war, a first responder carrying the weight of trauma, a young person facing instability or an individual rebuilding life after addiction — we see every day that the effects of crisis extend far beyond the physical. Emotional distress, isolation and exhaustion often follow, yet within these same stories, we also witness resilience, hope and healing.
At Warrior Spirit, we believe that healing begins in community — when people feel seen, safe and supported. That’s why we stand beside you, our fellow advocates, counselors, peer specialists and community leaders, who pour into others day after day. Your work brings light to those in their darkest moments and helps rebuild the human spirit piece by piece.
On this World Mental Health Day, let us recommit to creating spaces of compassion and connection — where every person affected by crisis can find strength, safety and a path toward renewal. Together, we can ensure that mental health support is not a privilege, but a lifeline for all.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Gabe & Ashley Onofre
Warrior Spirit: A Servant's Heart
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Upcoming Events
Wings Over Houston
Ellington Airport
October 18-19 - Houston, TX
Operation Honor Our Local Veterans
Veterans Awards Luncheon
College of the Mainland
October 18 - Texas City, TX
Thunder Hooves Veterans Equine Program
Open House
10 am - 2 pm, Rainbow of Hope Ranch
November 8 - Rosharon, TX
Backing the Brave TX
2nd Annual Fall Festival
November 15 - Magnolia, TX
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World Mental Health Day Spotlight: Hell or High Seas
In honor of World Mental Health Day, we invite you to take a moment to watch a film that truly embodies the spirit of healing and resilience. Check out the powerful documentary HELL OR HIGH SEAS, created by U.S. Navy veteran Taylor Grieger, founder of one of our incredible partners — Skeleton Crew Adventures. HELL OR HIGH SEAS follows Taylor and writer Stephen O’Shea as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime — sailing around Cape Horn, the world’s most treacherous waters. But this isn’t just an adventure film — it’s a story of healing, resilience, and hope as Taylor turns his own battle with PTSD into a mission to help other veterans find their way home. Through Skeleton Crew Adventures, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Taylor and his team continue to provide transformative sailing expeditions and seminars, helping thousands of veterans and first responders rediscover confidence, connection and peace through the healing power of the sea. Watch HELL OR HIGH SEAS now on Prime Video, Vet TV and more. Learn more at https://www.hellorhighseas.com
| | Warrior Spirit recently presented Trigger Discipline, a mental health and wellness class, for staff and residents at Cloudbreak Communities in Houston. We explored strategies for recognizing and overcoming triggers and cultivating lasting peace and joy. Grateful for the opportunity, and meaningful conversations. | Powerful connections at the Bay Area Spiritual Care Network meeting! Grateful to Bay Area SCN and Claudia Dominguez from Optum for her incredible QPR Suicide Prevention training. | | | Patch Up with Purpose: Warrior Spirit & Super Patch Company | | |
Warrior Spirit officially debuted our exciting new partnership with The Super Patch Company at the League City Chamber of Commerce Mental Wellness Expo—and WOW, what a phenomenal success!
What went down:
⚖️ Balance testing demos that amazed attendees
💬 Inspiring conversations with community members and mental health providers
🌿 Hands-on discovery of the ultimate Warrior Spirit wellness combo: Peace, Victory and Liberty patches for enhanced mental health — plus Focus, Boost (for energy), REM (for better sleep) and Joy!
A huge thank you to Courtney Sapp for introducing us to this incredible, drug-free addition to our peer support and mental wellness services.
Why we’re excited:
Super Patches aren’t your average wellness product - they’re all-natural, drug-free and designed to activate your brain-body connection.
✅ No chemicals.
✅ No side effects.
✅ Just pure, natural support for balance, sleep, pain management and performance.
Used by professional athletes, military personnel, healthcare providers and everyday people, these patches are changing the way we think about wellness.
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Ready to feel the difference?
Call or text Warrior Spirit at 979-571-2771. Order at: https://iron.superpatch.com/
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Warrior Spirit: Servant Spotlight
Stay Tuned for Vets: Healing Through Creativity & Community
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In the heart of veteran support services, a unique nonprofit is making waves by combining the transformative power of creativity with the healing journey of military service members and their families. Stay Tuned for Vets, founded by the dynamic father-daughter team of Tim Stroud, a U.S. Army combat medic veteran, and Amber Stroud, a digital marketer and creative, is revolutionizing how we approach veteran care through connection, creativity and community.
Mission-Driven Innovation
Stay Tuned for Vets operates on a powerful belief: that the arts can serve as a bridge between healing and hope, particularly for those navigating the invisible wounds of military service. This innovative approach recognizes that traditional support methods, while valuable, may not resonate with every veteran's unique journey toward wellness and self-expression.
"We use creativity, from art and music to storytelling and digital media, to help veterans reconnect with themselves and others in a safe, supportive space," said Tim Stroud, highlighting their commitment to providing
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alternative pathways to healing.
The organization's impact is delivered through a diverse range of carefully crafted programs:
Creative Workshops form the cornerstone of their offerings, encompassing painting, journaling, music, andphotography sessions that allow veterans to explore new forms of self-expression and emotional release.
Veteran-Led Events create opportunities for participants to share their talents, stories, and skills with their peers, fostering a sense of purpose and community leadership.
Virtual Programs extend their reach through online classes in design, storytelling, and digital expression, ensuring accessibility for veterans regardless of geographic location or mobility challenges.
Support Navigation services connect veterans with mental health and peer support resources through trustedpartner organizations, creating a comprehensive support network.
Measuring What Matters
Stay Tuned for Vets takes a holistic approach to measuring their impact, combining quantitative metrics with meaningful qualitative assessments. They track participant surveys and testimonials, event attendance and community engagement, long-term connections formed through programs and creative output shared by participants.
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IThey focus on qualitative impact - how veterans feel seen, supported and empowered to express themselves authentically. This approach recognizes that healing isn't just about numbers; it’s about human transformation.
The Power of Testimony
The organization's impact is perhaps best captured in the words of one participant, a U.S. Army veteran who shared: "I didn't think painting would be the thing to help me open up, but it was. Being part of this community gave me a space to talk about things I've never shared—not even with my family. I've made friends here I wouldn't have met otherwise."
Community-Centered Approach
Community involvement isn't just a program component - it's the heartbeat of Stay Tuned for Vets. The organization partners with local artists, veteran service organizations, sponsors and volunteers to co-create programs that truly matter to their participants. Their commitment to veteran voices is evident in everything fromsocial media content to workshop design, ensuring that programs are shaped by the very people they serve.
Join the Mission
For those inspired to support this innovative approach to veteran care, Stay Tuned for Vets offers numerous volunteer opportunities!
Connect and Learn More
Email: info@staytunedforvets.org
Website: www.staytunedforvets.org
| | Warrior Spirit: Community Partners | | | | |
