Author David W. Powell ("My Tour In Hell") is headlining this unique event on March 3rd, 2007 designed to educate Vermont area service members, veterans, and their loved ones about the dangers of combat stress and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Speakers will emphasize the need for psychoeducation, monitoring for symptoms, and cutting-edge treatments available for PTSD. A brief introduction to Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) by Ragnhild Malnati, MSW follows Mr. Powell's speech. TIR is a brief, one-on-one, non-hypnotic therapy for traumatic stress and is used by social workers, psychologists, and clerical counselors around the world.

Hope and healing are possible with correct identification and treatment of symptoms.

Montpelier, VT (PRWeb) January 29, 2007 -- On March 3rd, 2007, David W. Powell (Tucson, AZ) will be the special guest speaker at the Vermont Veterans Combat Stress Symposium in Montpelier, VT. Powell knows his subject quite well owing to his personal two decade struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a two-year enlistment at the peak of the Vietnam struggle. His overall message about PTSD is that "Hope and healing are possible with correct identification and treatment of symptoms."

His memoir, My Tour In Hell: A Marine's Battle with Combat Trauma, has become a clarion call to acknowledge the effects of combat stress on veterans. David's own PTSD nightmare resulted in broken marriages, unemployment, alcohol abuse, and eventually bankruptcy. His journey to redemption began with a technique known as Traumatic Incident Reduction. A lifelong patriot, he has since become a national spokesman for combat PTSD, appearing on such networks as The Pentagon Channel and Retirement Living TV as well as radio stations around the U.S.A. In addition to his unique firsthand perspective, David will be presenting specific tips and techniques that you can use to support the veteran in your life. He will be available for media interviews on March 1st-2nd in Burlington and Montpelier, VT.

Also appearing onstage at the Capitol Plaza will be Travis Jones speaking about the effects of "BattleMind" and coping skills that veterans can use to defuse themselves. Last, D.C.-area social worker Ragnhild Malnati will share specific information about Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) that veterans and families can use to help themselves. Ms. Malnati is a senior trainer and Vice-President of the TIR Association, an international group devoted to addressing traumatic stress worldwide.

Lisa Farber-Silk, the event's organizer and whose own son is in the Air Force, initiated the Vermont Veterans Combat Stress Symposium: This project began foremost as a result of my own personal goal to help and support the troops. It is my belief that there has been an inadequate response for families and veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan in the current conflict--especially in the Vermont National Guard units.

The event is free to the public and will take place from noon to 5pm on March 3rd, 2007 at the Capitol Plaza in downtown Montpelier. For more information about this event, contact Lisa Farber-Silk at 802-472-6444.

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