'We’re Still Standing': Veterans and first responders offer support through connection

Most know that Alaska is home to the greatest number of veterans per capita. The vast space, the quiet, the opportunities for fishing, hunting, living off-grid are just some of the reasons veterans chose to call Alaska home.

Anyone who lives with or loves a veteran knows that there is often more that they bring in the duffel bags. Whether it’s the shock of the battlefield, experiences in the medical bay, or maybe a trauma of a more personal nature, nearly every veteran has a story. But that doesn’t mean they are in a place to share their story, or that they have found a space where there are others who might understand.

There is a support group that might provide that space. The Veterans and First Responders Support Group began meeting last month. It is meant to be a safe place for veterans and first responders to come together.

“It is a safe space, it’s comfortable, and there is a comradery there that lets people speak. Or not, if they’re not ready, but still want connection,” says Colleen Darrell, the facilitator of the group. She herself served in the Navy as a welder from 1980-1987 and knows how hard it can be for some people to share.

“People needed an environment where it’s quiet, where there’s trust,” Darrell says.

She says the mission of the support group is to have an opportunity to build new friendships, build a community, strengthen bonds with others through shared experiences, and find solutions to challenges, regardless of age, service, sex, or how you served.

Darrell says there are plans to have activities such as fishing or group dog walking, perhaps even yoga.

“We’re trying to think of various activities to promote wellness and get people involved if they choose to,” she says. Darrell adds they are thinking of officially naming the group to “Still Standing,” and would like to have a logo created to represent the name.

“Because that’s what we are doing after we served, we’re all still standing.”

The group meets on Thursday evenings from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Palmer Senior Center, Activity Room A. Confidentiality required, a. Please provide your own coffee or water.

For more information, please contact Colleen Darrell at (907) 715-0390