Soldiers with PTSD flock to Quebec weekend retreat

Soldiers and veterans who attended a weekend wildlife retreat near Quebecs Valcartier military base say the experience has changed their lives.

Most of them have some form of illness, most commonlypost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Gary Bass and his wife Teresa travelled from P.E.I. to attend the Wounded Warriors retreat at a resort in Lac-Delage. Bass was a cook in the Canadian Armed Forces for almost 30 years and now suffers from PTSD.

I know Im not alone anymore, and thats the big thing. I dont want to be the only guy there [with PTSD], Bass said. It helps when you can work together, because in the Forces were always told to work as a team. So were still continuing to work as a team, and well get through this, well get through it together.

Bass was one of about 50 soldiers and veterans who took advantage of the all-expenses-paid trip to Lac-Delage.

Gap in support

Wounded Warriors Canada is a not-for-profit organization offering support to soldiers and veterans. The goal of its Tribute To Your Service retreat weekends is to give people who have served in the Canadian Forces a weekend to get away from their everyday worries.

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Bass said they were told participants were not expected to join in any scheduled activities if they didnt want to.

Retired Brigadier-General ChristianBarabwas a base commander atValcartierfor three years. He said hes seen the impact ofPTSDon troops. Thats why he volunteered to be the Quebec regional director for Wounded Warriors Canada.

He spoke of a gap between government programs to support not only soldiers and veterans, but also their families.

These events will help address this important gap, Barab said.