This month The Mehadi Foundation helped to facilitate a retreat for Iraq era vets from all over the United States. The retreat was held in a beautiful scenic location in Marin County, California. There were fourteen in attendance, some were vets and some were their significant others. At the retreat, the participants sat in circles and took uninterrupted speaking turns and spoke about whatever may be on their minds; the war, their relationships or lack of them, money issues and many other subjects. This allows people to share deeply from their heart without censoring themselves out of concern for how those listening will respond. There were tears and a lot of laughter too. No one really understands veterans like other veterans. It wasn't all Òwork,Ó the setting allowed for long walks through the hills and along the beach. At night there were campfires where we sat around and swapped stories and talked about the future of how we can better support each other and how we can be ready to help others as they return from Iraq and Afghanistan. As more of them come home, they will be looking for ways to assimilate back into life after war. The next step we want to make is to establish some permanent meeting spaces so that those veterans who attend retreats and workshops will have places to meet in their own hometowns and cities. At the beginning of August, Mehadi Foundation founder, Jeff Key will be relocating from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. Since there are veterans everywhere, he will be looking to reach out to Utahan veterans who have served since 9/11. Things are really starting to get moving. Thanks for all the support. Keep it up!