Why was The Whiskey Charlie Foundation founded?

 

Whether it is the lack of awareness of how to access help, having the means to cover the perceived costs, or even the stigma surrounding “getting help”, there is a dramatic increase in military, healthcare workers and first responders that are suffering from mental illness on a daily basis.  Unfortunately, a far too large number of individuals are either in denial or literally scared to get the help needed.  The Whiskey Charlie Foundation was founded to help address these needs with the mission to improve the lives of those that have served or are currently serving our Nation or local communities.

What leads to this crucial need?

 

Let’s face it, life in general is tough.  Some of us though take on jobs to serve and unfortunately as a result of that service, there are events that occur that can have a lasting negative impact on one, especially if gone untreated.  Jim who worked as a Paramedic at his local fire department experienced the cost of his service firsthand.

Friends and family of Jim knew him as a happy, fun-loving and devoted family man.   Jim got into EMS with a desire to help others in their greatest time of need.  One day Jim experienced an event that could happen to any first responder any given shift that ultimately changed his life and that of his family.

Jim was on shift he and his partner Mike were dispatched to the scene of an accident.  Upon arrival they found a child around 5 years old, the same age of one of Jim’s kids.  To make it worse they find her barely breathing as a result of injuries.

Instinctively, Jim wanted to do everything possible so save this child’s life — after all it is an innocent child.  However, due to the magnitude of the accident Jim had to prioritize taking care of ones that have a better chance of survival.  As he had expected, the next day he learned that she had succumbed to her injuries.

And then…a couple shifts later Jim learns that the patient he decided to treat and transport ended up passing away as well.  When Jim learns of this additional news, he immediately begins to wonder “Did I make the right decision?  Could I have help give that girl a fighting chance?”  Perhaps even a feeling of guilt seeps in.

As days, weeks, and even years pass, the face of that child never leaves Jim.  He starts to see her at times as he lays down at night and closes his eyes.  He begins to have dreams of that call that haunts him.

This once outgoing and fun-loving person begins to uncharacteristically drink more and more.  Overtime, Jim begins to easily angered and struggling for good nights of sleep on a consistent basis.  The strain on Jim’s marriage becomes more amplified.  Unknowlingly he is also pushing his kids away.

You can replace Jim’s name with countless other individuals.  Fortunately, in the case of Jim, his wife was determined to fight for their relationship and learned that he was likely suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  With treatment and the right support system, Jim has been making strides in coping with the nightmare of thoughts about that night which creep up from time to time.  For the first time in months, Jim has a smile on his face that lights up a room.

Do you feel the need to speak to a trained counselor whether for yourself or a loved one?  This is made easy with a counselor available 24/7.

Call or Text

988

Being There For Those Who Serve

 

The mission of The Whiskey Charlie Foundation is “Being there for those who serve.”  Through different channels, the Foundation will assist in raising awareness and provide other support that may be needed surrounding the mental health of those that have served each of us.

Unfortunately, too often, Jim’s story ends differently. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder takes on all different forms.  Symptoms can easily go unnoticed for a period of time to both the person suffering from it and even their family.  There also tends to be an unfair stigma surrounding it preventing the seeking of help.

This is the WHY to why The Whiskey Charlie Foundation was established.  Awareness and education are the first links in creating a positive step forward.  Together, we can make an impact in one life at a time!

Maximizing your donations!

 

We understand that your dollars are hard earned and do not take for granted that any amount you graciously donate.   It is our duty to be stewards of your donated dollars and to maximize the good from those funds.   This said you have our pledge to have transparency on the financials so that you can see the dollars in the door and the dollars out the door — and how they had been allocated.  Additionally, no Board members shall receive and form of compensation.   We are also in a situation currently where no officers will accept any form of compensation.  You can give to a good, and much needed, cause and have the confidence that you are making a difference!