MEDIA ADVISORY: Colorado State University student veterans go rafting Saturday

Student veterans at Colorado State University who sustained injuries during their military service will be guests on a rafting trip this Saturday, June 28, as part of a special program in CSU’s Department of Occupational Therapy.

The New Start for Student Veterans Program will take about 16 student veterans and family members to raft the Cache La Poudre River in a trip guided by Fort Collins-based Rocky Mountain Adventures. The group will meet at 8 a.m. at RMA, 1117 N. Highway 287.

The New Start program works closely with incoming and current CSU student veterans who sustained injuries while in military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11. The program helps them achieve academic and life success while dealing with brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and other injuries.

“The purpose of the trip is to build camaraderie and a sense of team with these men and women, helping them work together to overcome challenges and support one another as they get a new start after serving our country well,” said New Start Director Cathy Schelly. “The challenge of the Poudre River and working together to guide the raft is a metaphor for working together and taking on life’s challenges, and getting through tough times by supporting and guiding one another.”

Members of the media are invited to cover the event. For more information, contact Schelly at (970) 412-8741.

The Department of Occupational Therapy is in CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.

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