Unveiling the Remarkable Impact of Recreation Therapy Month: A Year of Empowering Veterans through Our Program
"We can help many veterans depending on their goals. Whether it's physical, psychological, spiritual, or emotional support, we focus on what is important to the veteran. We determine their goals and priorities in life, and that is where we begin," shares Recreation Therapist Ethan Blumhorst.
In just a few short years, Marion VA Recreation Therapists Ethan Blumhorst and Jasmine Cave have successfully developed a comprehensive outpatient recreation therapy program, as well as supported national VA competitions.
National Therapeutic Recreation Month is observed in February to appreciate the work of recreation therapists. It also focuses on raising awareness of the importance of participating in activities that help people with disabilities recover and maintain their overall health and well-being.
Year in Review:
Summer Sports Clinic
Attended by 2 Veterans from the Marion VA Health Cave System and Jasmine Cave was selected to Coach at the event on Team Mercury (Vision Impaired Team). CDCE donated the hotel rooms for the Veterans and Fisher House donated the Flights for Veterans to attend the event. Activities included surfing, CrossFit, cycling, kayaking, and sailing. The 16th National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic took place in San Diego California.
Creative Arts Fest
On August 18th, 2024, the Marion VA Health Care System held it’s 2nd in-person Creative Arts Festival. The festival took place at the Celebrations Event Center in Marion Illinois, which hosted approximately 80 attendees.
Veterans from all eras showcased their artistic talents and achievements in art, music, and writing competitions. To view the photo album of the visual arts.
We had Four Veterans place in National awards this year for the following categories:
1) Robert Craft: PTSD 1st Place Rhyming Poetry – Military Experience
2) Dave Wall: Overtime 1st Place Short, Short Story (Pic is of him reading story)
3) Nate Gause w/ Ethan Blumhorst: Blue Bossa 2nd Place Instrumental Group Jazz/R&B/Soul
4) Eric McCormack: Portal 3rd Place Glasswork
Whole Health
Whole Health have introduced Veterans to Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation, Guided Imagery, and Fitness. Groups are currently offered Tuesday-Saturday.
https://www.wellvets.com/marion/
About your RT’s
Ethan Blumhorst, MSEd, CTRS
Ethan is a former combat medic with the 173D Airborne Brigade. He currently holds certifications in yoga, adapted tai chi, qigong, canoe/kayak instruction, and several meditation styles. Ethan is the chapter leader for Team River Runner Southern Illinois.
“Here in the Illinois Ozarks, there’s a myriad of opportunities to create and bring national VA programs, making use of our unique region to increase the well-being of our Veterans,” add Ethan Blumhorst.
Jasmine Cave, MPA, MSED, CTRS
Jasmine was a CrossFit Affiliate owner and full-time faculty at Southern Illinois University in the School of Human Science before coming to the VA. She holds certifications in CrossFit, Adaptive Training Academy, Certified Horsemanship Association, 5-Elements Qigong, Yoga, Mindfulness, Chair Chi, and USA Archery.
Jasmine Cave says that she “Came to the Marion VA because I wanted to share my experiences in facilitating different activity interventions like fitness, archery, yoga, mind-body activities, and animal-assisted services.”
Ethan and Jasmine have various research interests in the areas of outdoor recreation, mindfulness, and physical activity. They published a paper together in 2020. https://bctra.org/wp-content/uploads/tr_journals/9954-37549-1-PB.pdf