Photo Credit: Idaho Mountain Express: A Call To Action - September 17, 2010
"Donna Thibedeau-Eddy, executive director of Tranquil Valley Sanctuary in Malad City, Idaho, rides through Hailey Tuesday as part of a campaign to raise awareness of captive U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl, a native of the area
I feel that we can never appreciate Veterans that have served this country and have done so much for us to a satisfactory level. They have given their lives for our freedom. Many times they come home with very little fanfare. They are often bruised and battered from the effects of combat. I feel that it is my time to give back and this program can do just that. I have seen equine psychotherapy make a difference in the lives of people that have been struggling for many years with traditional counseling. Our soldiers deserve the best that we can offer.
They deserve to have their lives returned to them as quickly and efficiently as possible. If I can make the difference to just one soldier then all the years dedicated to this endeavor will be worthwhile. At Tranquil Valley Sanctuary a dream is becoming a reality. Horses that may not have made it otherwise have found a place to rest. Soldiers that have seen the HELL of war can also find a place that is Tranquil and rewarding. They can learn to live with themselves and others and to accept the horrors that war has bestowed upon them. I hope only to help them to move on with their lives, whether they remain in the military or choose to pursue the civilian world.