Marines and VFW host recovery center Veterans

The Las Vegas VA Residential Recovery and Renewal Center is VA’s first residential program in southern Nevada and the second residential gambling addiction recovery center in the nation.

Last week, Veterans from the center were invited to a special Thanksgiving lunch. The Leatherneck Club in Las Vegas and VFW Post 12198 provided the holiday meal.

There’s a kindred connection among Veterans as they have shared experiences from basic training to deployments, duty locations and more.

“No longer a stranger here.”

“We have a lot of people who are looking for some place to belong,” said Thomas “Ghost” Martin, owner of the Leatherneck Club. “Within five minutes of sitting next to someone, you are no longer a stranger here. This club was established specifically to take care of Veterans. We have the ability to reach out to all Veterans whether it’s an event like this meal or just socializing.”

Meals were cooked and served by Leatherneck Club staff. VFW Post 12198 provided the meal, which included turkey, ham and all the fixings of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

“This is our third year here with Ghost and the Leatherneck. Every year we serve all of the outpatients and have unrestrictive meals,” said Tony Marshall, VFW Post 12198 adjutant.

Connecting with others important for treatment

Marshall, a former VA patient, said he thought it would be nice to have Veterans out in public to see what other Veterans are doing on a positive note.

Throughout their military service, Veterans spend a lot of time away from their families during the holidays. “It reminds me of the camaraderie when I was deployed away from my family,” said Mark Blum, a Veteran in the  Residential Recovery and Renewal program. “It makes us tighter and more family-like.”

“I see Veterans who are experiencing a sense of community, independence and autonomy when they step outside of the treatment cycle,” said Alexandria Marshall, occupational therapist with the program. “Thanksgiving and the holidays are times when connecting with others matters. It’s so important for their ongoing treatment.”