Author: Sharon Luse

Texoma’s Veteran Peer Networking Center (aka “Walker House”) is open for walk-ins on Monday – Thursday from 9am – 1pm.  All other times are by appointment 903-267-0166. 

Since volunteers run the program, our walk-in hours may vary, depending on volunteer availability.   Our services are always free. 

***All events are held at WALKER HOUSE 1100 W. Walker Denison TX, unless outlined in blue.

***Locations for events in blue are indicated in description

EVERY THURSDAY & SUNDAY:

5:00pm Gaming Veterans (online).  Email gamingveterans@yahoo.com to get connected. No need to feel alone.

TUES JANUARY 3

11:30-1:00: Clint’s Café: Veterans & their immediate family are invited to join us for peer networking and camraderie, as we bond over lunch. Meet other family members of veterans, and leave knowing that you’re growing your support system.

MON JANUARY 9

1:00pm Men’s Group A casual, small group for men who want to discuss things that are on their mind in life.

TUES JANUARY 10

11:30 – 1pm Clint’s Café: Veterans & their immediate family are invited to join us for peer networking and camraderie, as we bond over lunch.. Meet other family members of veterans, and leave knowing that you’re growing your support system.

12:30 PTSD Group Co-Ed It’s okay to take a deep dive into the hard things that you experience as a result of PTSD.

THURS JANUARY 12

Doors open at 5:30pm Veterans of Fantasy Role Play games

SAT JANUARY 14

8:30am-10:00am  Veteran & Family Breakfast: Bring your family for a home-made breakfast. Enjoy peer support with other veterans and their family members.

10:00am – 12:00pm MILITARY CULTURAL COMPETENCY TRAINING: Required for all volunteers. This is a Saturday event to accommodate work schedules. If you cannot make it to this one, we will be offering more training in future months.

MON JAN 16

1pm Men’s Group A casual, small group for men who want to discuss things that are on their mind in life.

TUES JAN 17

11:30am – 1pm Men’s Lunch: Women are welcome to gather for lunch in the training room. This is a chance for male veterans to have some male-bonding on their own terms over lunch. Females, leave knowing that you’re growing your support system also.

12:30pm PTSD Group Co-Ed It’s okay to take a deep dive into the hard things that you experience as a result of PTSD.

1:00pm – 2:00pm  VOLUNTEER MEETING: It’s easy to feel like a close-knit family when you volunteer for MPVN. This meeting is for current and future volunteers. Get the latest volunteer updates about MVPN, specific volunteer needs, upcoming events, and get plugged in.

THURS JAN 19

6:00pm – 7:00pm PHOTO BOOTH FUN at American Legion Post 62 (419 W. Crawford, Denison TX): Memorable fun for all ages. Grab your family & get in front of the camera to make silly memories together. Or bring a group of friends. You provide the smiles & we provide the accessories & camera. (Or you can bring your own accessories).

FRI JAN 20

VETERANS COURT GRAYSON 100 W. Houston St Sherman, TX  2^nd floor  (arrive at annex room by 8:30am for networking & breakfast)  Be in West courtroom no later than 9:30am. 

VETERANS COURT FANNIN 101 E. Sam Rayburn Dr. Bonham TX 2^nd Floor arrive by 1:30pm

MON JAN 23

1pm MEN’S GROUP A casual, small group for men who want to discuss things that are on their mind in life.

TUES JAN 24

11:30 – 1pm CLINT’S CAFÉ: Veterans & their immediate family are invited to join us for peer networking and camraderie, as we bond over lunch. Meet other family members of veterans, and leave knowing that you’re growing your support system.

12:30 PTSD GROUP Co-Ed It’s okay to take a deep dive into the hard things that you experience as a result of PTSD.

THURS JAN 26

Doors open at 5:30pm  Veterans of Fantasy Role Play games

MON JAN 30

1pm MEN’S GROUP A casual, small group for men who want to discuss things that are on their mind in life.

TUES JAN 31

11:30am – 1pm CLINT’S CAFÉ (FIRST RESPONDERS INVITED) Since First Responders come into contact with veterans each day, we want them to be very knowledgeable about how MVPN helps veterans. Please invite any firts responders to join us for Clint’s Cafe. Veterans & their immediate family are always invited to join us for peer networking and camraderie, as we bond over lunch. Meet other family members of veterans, and leave knowing that you’re growing your support system.

12:30 pm  PTSD Group Co-Ed It’s okay to take a deep dive into the hard things that you experience as a result of PTSD.

Even when it’s cold and gloomy outside, what takes place inside these two courthouses one Friday each month feels like a lot of sunshine and celebration.

Grayson and Fannin counties are part of the North Texas Regional Veterans Court, with the Honorable John Roach presiding.

The first hint that this court proceeding is unlike any other occurs with “ATTENTION ON DECK!”, followed by Judge Roach entering the courtoom wearing his camoflauge robe, with the courtroom support dog, Justice, in tow. From the bench, Judge Roach personally practices the expectation of dedication and effort that he encourages the veterans in court to have.

Ocassionally a veteran fails to bring their folder to court. If this ever happens, Judge Roach lets the veteran pick the number of push-ups they prefer to do, then he makes them drop in front of everyone. The catch to this is that Judge Roach himself drops and does push-ups alongside the veteran, joined by all the other able-bodied veterans who participate in the program. He has no qualms taking swift action in the rare event that a veteran does not pass a drug test, which results in being cuffed and escorted from the courtoom straight to jail.

Judge Roach talks to each veteran in his courtroom individually, asking them about their successes, updates and challenges over the past 30 days. The tone he has with them is conversational and personal, conveying a sense of sincere empathy in their successes.Sometimes he shares advice or stories in the courtroom, and it is in those stories that you understand these veterans are always on his mind regardless of where he is.

They were on his mind when he set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, a mountain in Africa  which is the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world. He explained that climbing the mountain was extremely hard, and he wanted to quit.  But he kept thinking about the veterans, and how their journeys to recovery are incredibly challenging. How could he quit on that mountain and come back to face the veterans in court who are also on a hard journey and may feel like quitting?

So he didn’t quit.

He kept climbing, and along the way, he kept repeating the Swahili words that his guide taught him to use as a mental tool to finish the climb: “Pole Pole”, and “Hakuna Matata” which means “Slowly, Slowly” and “no troubles.” At times he felt like he was going to fall off the mountain, or collapse from exhaustion.  But he kept moving his feet, “Pole Pole.” That’s how it can feel for veterans who are climbing their way to a higher point in life through the North Texas Regional Veterans Court.

It is a second chance in life for veterans facing convictions. 

Many of the veterans are there for incidents that involve addiction, on a journey that typically lasts anywhere from 12 months to 18 months. Commencing from the program means they’ve successfully completed all the requirements including therapy, classes and maintaining sobriety. It is evident that the veterans in front of Judge Roach are making progress. Some of the progress is something tangible such as achieving the goal of buying a new car or getting a promotion at work. Often, some of the progress that veterans report is that they were invited to spend dinner or holidays with family for the first time in a long time.

Listening to the victories and milestones that the veterans have achieved since the last time they were in front of Judge Roach can easily move a person to tears. A round of applause breaks out for each veteran as they state how many days (many have hundreds of days) of sobriety they’ve achieved. It’s a celebration of the journey that they take day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, and sometimes second by second…”Pole Pole”.

Military Veteran Peer Network provides mentors for the veterans who go through veterans court. We have a need for more mentors in both Fannin and Grayson counties. If you’re interested in volunteering to become a mentor for Veterans Court in Fannin or Grayson, please contact Sharon Luse sluse@texomacc.org.

For more information on how to apply to participate in the North Texas Regional Veterans Court, please visit https://www.northtexasveteranscourt.com/apply-now

WHEN: THURSDAY | NOVEMBER 17, 2022 | 3:00pm – 6:30 pm

WHERE: 1100 W. WALKER, DENISON, TEXAS

You’re invited to join us Thursday, 11/17/22, on the one day when we open our doors to the community at the Walker House. Walker House is where our local MILITARY VETERAN PEER NETWORK operates, which is a program certified by the Texas Veteran’s Commission.

Take a tour of our center, The Walker House, and learn how we help veterans in a non-clinical way. It’s also your chance to directly network with businesses and community members who support veterans. You’ll also have the chance to meet some of our wonderful volunteer peers, who pour their heart and time into serving our veteran community.

This is a COME & GO event, as our parking is currently limited.

We’re also having a silent auction, along with goodies to munch on.

If you cannot make it on the day of the event, but would like to learn more about Walker House and the Military Veteran Peer Network, please contact Sharon Luse 903-267-0166 or via email: sluse@texomacc.org

Visit our Facebook page to get an inside glimpse of what’s been happening behind the scenes, and information about veteran related news.

MILITARY VETERAN PEER NETWORK – TEXOMA COMMUNITY CENTER

OCT 11  (11:30pm – 1:00pm)

Clint’s Camaraderie Cafe

Drop by for lunch!  Clint’s Cafe is simply a time for camaraderie with a group of peers. Meet other veterans who have been there and done that. Lots of banter, laughter and bonding happens during Clint’s Cafe.

OCT 11 (12PM – 1PM)

FLU CLINIC

Nurses from Mays Home Health will be at Walker House to give flu shots for those who want one.  If you have Medicare, bring your Medicare card with you. 

OCT 10, OCT 17, 24, 31  (6pm – 7pm)

Men’s PTSD Support Group

“Bring Everyone In The Zone” is a support group for anyone dealing with and recovering from the aftermath of Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, Sexual Assault, and any traumatic experiences in life.  The only requirement is that, having been profoundly affected by trauma, we have a desire to improve our lives, work toward recovery, and positively impact the lives of those close to us.

OCT 12, OCT 26 (11am – 12pm)

Women’s PTSD Support group

“Bring Everyone In The Zone” is a support group for anyone dealing with and recovering from the aftermath of Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, Sexual Assault, and any traumatic experiences in life.  The only requirement is that, having been profoundly affected by trauma, we have a desire to improve our lives, work toward recovery, and positively impact the lives of those close to us.

OCT 13 (1pm – 3pm)

BIRTHDAY PARTY – Happy Birthday Navy

All branches are welcome to celebrate the Navy’s birthday.  Stop by for cake and ice cream!

OCT 15 is the registration deadline for MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID training which will be held on December 7, 2022 from 8am – 4pm at Walker House.  Lunch will be provided.  Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training introduces participants to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use concerns, builds understanding of their impact, and gives an overview of common treatments and resources.  To register, email Sharon Luse sluse@texomacc.org or send a text to Sharon 903-267-0166.  All MVPN volunteers are encouraged to attend this training if possible.

OCT 18 (11:30AM – 1PM)

Men’s Veteran Lunch – 4th Tuesday

We reserve the 4th Tuesday of the month for male veterans to get together and eat. It’s a time for the men to discuss whatever they want. That doesn’t mean that spouses and significant others can’t come and eat also….we’ve reserved a separate, private room for them to gather also. Don’t worry, we’ve got a Women Veteran Lunch on a different day.

OCT 19 (2-3pm)

Let’s Get Crafty

Spend an hour with Sharon making crafts.  Crafting is a therapeutic and rewarding activity.  No special skills required…we have all the supplies at Walker House, so come on for an hour of rewarding fun.

OCT 20 (door opens at 5:30.  Games begin at 6:30)

Veterans of Fantasy

Enjoy a night of fantasy gaming fun with other veterans.  If you’re a gamer, in-person Dungeons & Dragons and other fantasy games might be just what you need to relieve stress.

OCT 25 (11:30AM – 1PM)

Lunch & Learn

Toastmaster Guest Speaker, Roger Eppler, joins us during lunch to discuss improving communication and speaking skills.  This is useful for anyone who ever has the need to speak to others in public, for job interviews, training, speaking in front of a crowd, and networking purposes

Tuesday Oct 11, 2022: Clint’s Camaraderie Cafe 11:30am – 1:00pm

Tuesday Oct 18, 2022: Men’s Veteran Lunch 11:30am – 1:00pm

Tuesday Oct 25, 2022: LUNCH & LEARN 11:30am – 1:00pm “Improving Communication Skills” Guest Speaker Roger Eppler, Toastmasters

Tuesdays are a buzz of activity at Walker House. That’s when our kitchen crew is busy making some homemade lunchtime goodness for veterans. Just show up. The food is usually ready by 11:30-ish. But we always welcome latecomers…we just can’t promise how much food will be left after 12:30pm.

Oh, and did we mention that it’s free?

We have a huge table that seats at least 16 people,, and we also have 4 smaller overflow tables inside that can seat an additional 21 people.

If you’re used to eating in the living room instead of at a table, no problem. We have three couches and three recliners available for those of you who feel perfectly comfortable eating with your plate in your lap. Now that our 5,000-degree Summer is over, you can also eat outside at our picnic tables if you’d like.

The reason we gather is simple.

It’s a time for camaraderie.

Building friendships with other veterans is key for creating a support system you can call on whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, need to vent, problem-solve, or need another veteran to lean on during tough times. We don’t get through this world alone.

Different Tuesdays have different purposes, but we always eat comfort food.

Clint’s Camaraderie Cafe

Clint’s Cafe is simply a time for camaraderie with a group of peers. Meet other veterans who have been there and done that. Lots of banter, laughter and bonding happens during Clint’s Cafe.

Lunch & Learn

We’re starting something new once a month called “Lunch & Learn”, which are days when we have a guest speaker to tell us about something that will improve our lives in some way.

Men’s Veteran Lunch – 4th Tuesday

We reserve the 4th Tuesday of the month for male veterans to get together and eat. It’s a time for the men to discuss whatever they want. That doesn’t mean that spouses and significant others can’t come and eat also….we’ve reserved a separate, private room for them to gather also. Don’t worry, we’ve got a Women Veteran Lunch on a different day. (more about that coming soon)

Veteran & First Responder Lunch – 5th Tuesday

Months that have five Tuesdays are when we also invite Texoma’s First Responders to our table. They come into contact with veterans everyday.

They’re reaching veterans all across Texoma whom our volunteers might not be able to ever come across in our outreach efforts.

Additionally, many first responders are veterans. We want first responders to be very familiar with MVPN Texoma Community Center, with our volunteers and we want them to fully understand how we help veterans.

If you’re a veteran, please come gather at our table on a Tuesday that best suits you. If you know any veterans, please tell them about lunch on Tuesdays at Walker House!