Retreat Testimonial

Former Marine Corps Sgt Brian Fricke

My name is Brian Fricke. I am an Iraq War Veteran and a former Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. I am one of thousands that have been affected by the US Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" statute while deployed to the Middle East.

Since my return, I had an opportunity to attend a 2008 workshop in Salt Lake City, Utah, led by Jeff Key. He brought together disenfranchised, wounded warriors to a peaceful, safe environment, where we could express our fear, pain and hopes as group, all of whom have walked in the same boots; protecting the same flag.

The techniques and lessons learned while at the intensive workshop were invaluable to my personal development and healing. The Mehadi Foundation diligently fills the void, guiding LGBTQ Veterans through a safe and holistic transition to life at home.

There are a great number of veterans who return from this current era of conflict without an underpinning structure of support. They may not know they have been affected by their activites abroad or who to turn to. It is often only other veterans who understand the unexplained details.

The Mehadi Foundation's workshops gave me opportunity to share my experience and shoulder the experiences of others that have served. I saw new perspectives and learned from other people's self discovery. I forged new friendships, made new revelations and departed having been changed for the better.

The Mehadi Foundation's work is truly unique and I am thankful to have participated.

> More Testimonials coming soon!