Longmont veterans organization offers free healing therapy

Jan. 21—As Longs Peak VFW Post 2601 settles into its permanent home, it extends an open invitation to monthly pop-up clinics offering free healing services for military veterans and their families.

The clinics are held at the post on the third Saturday of every month, staffed by practitioners with veterans' wellness nonprofit Healing Warriors Program.

Based in Fort Collins, Healing Warriors Program has had a presence in Longmont for over five years through its association with American Legion Post 32. The nonprofit offers three types of energy therapy at the Longmont pop-up clinic that are designed to alleviate pain and release physical and emotional tension.

"Our mission is to stop veteran suicide," said clinic director Charles Wear. "If we keep even one veteran from committing suicide, we've succeeded."

Rooms at the post are used for checking patients in, housing equipment and performing the therapeutic treatments. The clinic opens at 9 a.m. and accepts its last patient at 12:30 p.m. Saturday saw 10 patients within the first two hours.

"We have protocols that involve six sessions, or nine sessions," said practitioner Corinna Kromer. "So we get to see (veterans) from the beginning to the end, and we see some tremendous positive changes."

The post held a soft opening in November to welcome the community to its 340 Lashley St. location, acquired after five years of jumping between temporary spaces. Healing Warriors Program staff have offered services in the building since the VFW bought it in 2021, but Wear said he's noticed more people coming to clinics after the post's remodeling and official opening.

Garry Wilson, VFW commander, said the post is still trying to get the word out about its operations and location. Karaoke nights are held every other Friday, which are open to the public and have already garnered a regular crowd. The post is considering starting trivia nights, as well.

Wilson said he's glad Healing Warriors Program is willing to support local veterans and their families.

"I think it's beneficial because it calms them," he said. "They can relax."

Post member Charlie Plagainos agreed. "I like that it caters to all veterans," he said. "This (post) is for veterans of foreign wars, but the clinic is open to all."

Healing Warriors Program also visits veterans in Denver and Colorado Springs, but Wear said the Longmont crowd is unique in the camaraderie between patients.

"There have been days where every chair and table is full, and everyone is laughing and talking to each other," Wear said. "That's just how it is here. It's a community of friends getting the help they need."

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