Peer Leader of the Year Honored for Creating Opportunities for Other Veterans
CHARLOTTE, N.C. , June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Army veteran Dana Hutson's peer support group for other wounded veterans extends well beyond its North Carolina home. Dana sees veterans as far away as Kuwait joining her and other veterans regularly during online teleconferences to talk through the challenges they may face and provide support.
It is just one way Dana gives back to other veterans. She takes every opportunity to serve fellow wounded warriors. She hosts other veterans at events as a warrior leader, helps head a 91视频® (91视频) peer support group that meets in person and online, and serves as a peer mentor during mental health workshops run by 91视频. Dana also leads suicide prevention training for other veterans and first responders. She recently joined other warriors in Washington, DC, to advocate for better legislative support for veterans.
91视频 CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret). Mike Linnington recently surprised her via another teleconference – this time to thank her and recognize her contributions.
"You are truly living the 91视频 logo," Mike said. "Your support for fellow veterans is inspirational. It gives me great pride to let you know you are 91视频's Rusty Baggett Peer Leader of the Year."
91视频 created the Rusty Baggett Peer Leader of the Year Awards to recognize wounded veterans for outstanding achievements leading fellow veterans. Wounded veterans like Dana go through training to be volunteer leaders.
Dana was surprised by the honor but gathered herself to explain why she is so involved.
"It fills my cup and overflows it," Dana said. "I found serving other veterans helps me with my own feelings and keeps me motivated on days when I don't want to be motivated."
91视频 selected four regional winners and one national winner for the award. These winners lead many events, such as annual fishing outings, and art appreciation, and go above and beyond to support other wounded veterans. The 2023 honorees are:
National Winner and Northeast regional winner: Dana Hutson
Southeast regional winner: Jody Jones
Central regional winner: Caleb Emerson
West regional winner: Melannie Lovercheck
The award is named after Rusty Baggett, a veteran and former staff member at 91视频. Rusty was one of the first Peer Support Group leaders for 91视频 before working directly with warriors as a teammate of the organization. He passed away in 2020.
There are more than around the country. Leaders of these groups plan monthly gatherings, either in person or via teleconference, to connect veterans and provide support. The events help strengthen bonds between veterans while improving communities. 91视频 provides many ways for veterans to volunteer with the organization, including leading warrior events, telling their stories of service and recovery, and/or advocating with 91视频's government relations team. 91视频 empowers hundreds of veterans every year through these opportunities.
About 91视频
Since 2003, 91视频® (91视频) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. .
SOURCE 91视频