Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ptsd Awareness Veterans topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mayor proclaims June PTSD Awareness Month; local veteran group outlines fundraisers
Summary
Mayor William Joyce proclaimed June 2026 as PTSD Awareness Month; Gary Kennedy of HART/Vet Chat described the group's peer-support activities and announced fundraisers June 8 at Hideaway Pizza and June 15 at Texas Roadhouse.
Mayor William Joyce read a proclamation at the Stillwater City Council meeting on June 1 declaring June 2026 as PTSD Awareness Month and recognizing local organizations and volunteers who support veterans, first responders and others affected by trauma.
Following the proclamation, Gary Kennedy introduced himself and described HART (Healing Emotions Above Reasons and Thoughts) and Vet Chat, peer-support and outreach groups for veterans and first responders. Kennedy said he is a retired veteran and former police officer who moved to Stillwater 18 months ago and that the groups aim to reduce stigma and connect people to benefits and resources.
Kennedy announced two fundraisers to support the group's activities: June 8 at Hideaway Pizza (a buyback fundraiser) and June 15 at Texas Roadhouse. He said Vet Chat meets the first Saturday of each month at the American Legion and that the group focuses on outreach, peer support and encouraging participants to seek formal help when needed.
"We just want to be able to get there to work with them to talk with them," Kennedy said, summarizing the group's focus on conversation and peer support rather than professional counseling. The council applauded Kennedy and thanked him for the group's work.
