Healing Field of Honor 2012, a tribute to the men and women of the military, returned to Rotary Hill in downtown Naperville this past November for the second time since it was first introduced in 2009. The event was sponsored by OSOT-America, the Naperville Park District, community groups, individuals and local businesses. The patriotic exhibit featured 2,012 3 x 5- foot American flags displayed as an awe inspiring tribute to the people who sacrifice for our freedom and this great land, organizers said. Every flag honored of an American hero.
The goal of Healing Field of Honor 2012 was to raise research funds for new and better treatments for veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries, (TBI), the leading injury of the last decade of wars, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Young men and women are returning home from a tour of duty often without proper diagnosis of these conditions and very limited resources for treatment.
In December, Deb Rickert, President of OSOT-America, presented a check in the amount of $100,000 from monies raised through the sale of flags and matching funds from OSOT-America, to Dr. James Kelly, Director of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, in Washington, D.C.
According to Kelly, “OSOT America’s support of our research efforts at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence
will allow us to partner with colleagues at Harvard in the study of biological and genetic effects of the innovative treatments we are able to offer military service members who suffer from TBI and PTSD after returning from war.”
OSOT-America’s mission is to support the morale and wellbeing of American forces by providing comfort, resources and education to them and their families both while they are deployed in harm’s way and after their return.
For additional information about all the programs and initiatives started by OSOT America as well as Rockin’ for the Troops in July, visit www.osotamerica.org/.
