Katy veteran Samuel Luna will be recognized at the White House tomorrow for his volunteer services to help fellow veterans.
LUNA
He is being honored as a White House Vietnam Veteran Champion of Change for his work to educate military veterans about Post Traumatic Stress.
The recognition is part of President Barack Obama’s “Winning the Future” initiative.
During tomorrow’s ceremonies, individuals within the veteran community, especially those who served in Vietnam, will be honored for their efforts to end veterans homelessness, boost veterans employment, treat problems with substance abuse and develop treatment programs for those dealing with Post Traumatic Stress.
Luna is founder of Vets’ Journey Home Texas, a nonprofit organization that provides weekend retreats at no cost to veterans and active duty military personnel.
The weekend is designed to be a safe place where the participants can come to learn about what war experience did to their body. They learn what role that experience continues to play in their daily lives and in their quest to co-exist peacefully.
With the help of trained facilitators, the veterans are safely guided to release emotions through the sharing of their personal stories. There is also a retreat for veterans and their spouses.
Luna, a retired supervising federal probation officer, is the chapter service officer for four veteran organizations in the Katy area, helping veterans navigate the Veterans Administration to obtain medical care and compensation.
With the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9182, Luna also serves on the color guard assisting with burial detail. He is also the Department of Texas Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart and serves on the board of Spaulding for Children, a special needs adoption agency.
Luna is often called upon to speak about his work, especially to share his knowledge of Post Traumatic Stress.
Luna was nominated for the White House honor by his son Anthony, who assists with the presentation of “Vet’s Journey Home”. Other family members, including his wife Gloria Luna and daughter Leticia, also assist with the program.
Each week, the White House recognizes a different group of Americans who embody the goal of building an America that will win the future. All of the honorees are nominated through a public process.
Honorees range from educators to entrepreneurs to community activists.
