SUN LAKES, AZ — Raymond Perez, a leader in veterans’ recovery programs, will share his story of hope and resilience at a special event hosted by Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Post 619. The event takes place on Sunday, November 17th, in the Bradford Room A at Oakwood Country Club, located at 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd, Sun Lakes. The community is invited to a complimentary “Meet & Greet” with lox, bagels, coffee, and doughnuts at 9:30 AM, followed by Perez’s talk at 10 AM. All are welcome to attend.
ORVH’s Mission: Supporting Veterans’ Recovery
Raymond Perez, founder of the non-profit Operation Restoring Veteran Hope (ORVH), has dedicated his life to supporting veterans’ recovery programs. He focuses on helping those struggling with addiction, PTSD, and suicidal ideations. Alongside his wife, Maria Perez, a fellow veteran, he established ORVH to offer crucial support to veterans transitioning from incarceration and rehabilitation.
“We want struggling veterans to know they are not alone. We strive to instill hope that recovery is possible,” says Perez. ORVH offers workshops, therapeutic activities, and access to essential community resources, which are vital components of veterans’ recovery programs.
Annual Retreat Offers Healing and Connection
ORVH hosts a free annual Veterans’ Healing Retreat at St. Joseph’s Youth Camp in Mormon Lake, AZ. The retreat, a cornerstone of ORVH’s veterans’ recovery programs, draws over 100 veterans each year. It provides activities like hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and meditation. Many attendees, like Whitney, say the experience helps them find a sense of belonging and a path to healing. Whitney shares, “This retreat fills this hole of confusion and hopelessness. Without it, I don’t know where I would be.”
Raymond Perez’s Journey of Recovery
Raymond Perez’s journey from struggle to leadership in veterans’ recovery programs serves as a powerful example. After his discharge from the Army, he faced substance abuse, incarceration, and homelessness. In 2013, he turned his life around with help from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Perez now helps other veterans through his work with the VA’s Community Resource and Referral program and the Veterans Justice program.
JWV’s Support for Veteran Services
In support of veterans’ recovery programs like ORVH, JWV’s annual Poppy Campaign will be held on November 9th and 10th at Fry’s Supermarkets in Chandler, Gilbert, and Ahwatukee. Look for JWV volunteers in red shirts at Fry’s stores. Please consider donating to support this important cause.
JWV Post 619 meets on the third Sunday of each month from September through June. It welcomes members from all backgrounds. For more information about JWV activities and membership, contact Arthur Uram at (702) 884-4175 or via email at [email protected].
