Veterans Day 2024: H&A is working hard to dismantle one of the most prevalent and potentially damaging problems in the veteran community - insomnia. Data shows that sleep disturbance (a) impacts over half of post 9/11 veterans (b) has major negative health consequences when untreated over time. Our research partners are at the forefront of learning how to manage sleep, especially in the context of post traumatic stress. And of course, insomnia is a problem in the civilian world as well. Disentangling the mysteries of sleep and mental health are critical to the long term wellbeing of millions of Americans. (Link in bio: www.heartandarmor.org/sleep) We are deeply grateful to the veterans who power our portfolio of community work. They are the spiritual core of our scientific pursuit. As Heart and Armor evolves to an established and accomplished nonprofit, their openness and generosity towards each other and their fellow citizens remains humbling and inspiring. For those who wish to support our work, please visit our website to learn more and donate. (Link in bio: www.heartandarmor.org/donate) Wishing everyone a peaceful Veterans Day, 2024. (fb)

This weekend, we fondly remember a departed WWII vet from our community, an Army infantry captain who lived through a bulletwound in the chest received while leading his troops into Normandy 80 years ago this weekend. Walter Newman became a San Francisco icon. Business, philanthropy and veterans support were just the tip of the iceberg of his impact on the Bay Area. His name remains on the veterans center at City College of San Francisco (CCSF). For those who had the pleasure to meet him, his most striking and memorable quality was his warmth. He carried the gracious demeanor, broad smile, and good humor of someone hardwired for kindness. He put everyone around him at ease. Two modest public events toward the end of his 91-year life were consequential for the team now known as Heart and Armor. He was a staunch supporter of Veterans Health research, but insisted that young(er) veterans receive immediate attention from the public they serve. He is pictured here at CCSF Student Veteran Day and Veterans’ Day Service + Art at the Presidio of San Francisco in late 2012. We speak of him often. His legacy endures. (fb)