Page 109 - Total War on PTSD

System found that Veterans who completed a 12-week Connected Warriors Yoga program reported improved behavioral-based pain management, demonstrating a significant decline in opiate use (Veterans Affairs Research
Communications). Additionally, a Connected Warriors-partnered scientific study from 2015 operated in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs found that 62% of participants reported a positive reduction in pain, 70% an increased level of flexibility and balance, and 100% reported an increased level of social interaction and stress management behaviors.
A Nova Southeastern University multi-year study completed in 2015 researching the effectiveness of trauma-conscious Yoga instruction clearly demonstrates the physiological and psychological benefits: participants report that one of the most meaningful outcomes of their time spent in Connected Warriors sessions is the camaraderie they experience as a result of belonging to a group of “brothers and sisters” who are also embracing Yoga to improve their lives. That is, engagement in Connected Warriors sessions helped participants to no longer feel isolated. Social isolation is recognized as a primary contributing factor to suicide. As such, through work with trauma-conscious Yoga instruction, Connected Warriors is directly battling our current suicide epidemic.
“My military story begins in May 2011 where I graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) from The Citadel: The Military College of South Carolina (DMG-top 10% in the entire Nation for Army officers commissioning into service). I served in the Army from October 2011 to November 2016 as a Medical Service Officer. I was a medical platoon leader for 3-187 IN BN, 3rd BCT, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) where I deployed to East Afghanistan and received a Combat Medic Badge and two Army Commendation Medals. I then was given the position as the 3rd Brigade Combat Team-Medical Operations Officer where I was in charge of
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