WELCOME

I’m Judi Combs, founder of the “American Healing Arts Foundation” (AHAF).  It all began with our beloved soldiers in mind.  As a small family business owner of two art producing companies (Thunderbird Artists and the Arizona Fine Art EXPO), I find that during these difficult economic times, my hours of working have increased tremendously leaving little time to donate my time to veterans.  I have a huge commitment to many artists that rely on me for their income opportunities, which I cannot let down.

As a U.S. citizen, I felt the need to volunteer my services for our veterans even though I had limited available time to donate.  When I see a veteran, I always make a special point to thank him or her for my freedom.  But this was just not enough.  So, I began thinking about what I could do to show my support. That’s when I thought I could provide free art classes to vets during the Arizona Fine Art EXPO event.

I am confident that we can help veterans that have faced combat stress, life threatening traumas or just devoted years of their lives to serving our country.  Art is proven to be good therapy for the mind, body and soul.

The men and woman serving our country have a great need to release their painful war memories, even if it’s only a temporary escape.  Our goal is that, by the end of a series of classes, their temporary escape will turn into self satisfaction, inspiration and move their mind outside the box for those that hold those ugly war memories and will lead them to a more peaceful and healing place.

AHAF is my way of giving back to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. They have given me freedom to own my own business as a woman, voice my opinions and the liberty to vote.  So, this is my way of saying “thank you veterans”.  The articles of incorporation were written to eventually include first responders (firemen, policemen, etc.) who also offer remarkable service for our country and communities. I believe AHAF can make a difference in the lives of our great veterans!

Kindest Regards,

Judi Combs

American Healing Arts Foundation

Suicide rates soar among US veterans: official

WASHINGTON — The economic downturn and the trauma of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have pushed more US veterans to suicide, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki said.

Suicides claimed the lives of a record 309 service members last year, up from 267 in 2008, according to Pentagon numbers. The number of suicides between 2005 and 2009 — 1,100 — exceeded that of the number of US military members killed in Afghanistan since 2001.

“We have PTSD treatment going on with veterans that go back to World War II, Korea and Vietnam. So it’s a large generational issue.”