Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Free retreat offered for TBI vets, families

The deadline is July 27 for troops with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, and their families, to register for a free getaway near Big Bear Lake in California’s San Bernardino Mountains.

The Survive & Thrive Veterans and Families Project, launched by Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation, will hold its first session Sept. 17 to 20. Additional sessions for other families will be held in the spring and fall of 2010. The retreat is designed to help troops adjust to home life and community life in a relaxing environment. The number of slots at the camp was not immediately available.

Casa Colina’s rehabilitation physicians and licensed therapists will work with participants to find ways to live a more successful and productive home life. The troops and their families will participate in sports and outdoor activities, and talk with other TBI families.

The camp is open to veterans and active-duty members who served in Iraq or Afghanistan and have traumatic brain injury. Interested families should call the Survive & Thrive office at 909-596-7733, ext. 5577, or toll-free 1-800-926-5462, ext. 5577; or send e-mail to Survive & Thrive.

Although the registration deadline is July 27, additional applicants will be considered if spaces are available after that date, officials said.

The McCormick Foundation’s “Welcome Back Veterans” Initiative has given Casa Colina a grant to pay for camp-related costs of troops and their families, including housing, meals, activities and sports. Travel scholarships are also available. All meals and amenities will be provided, officials said.