Unveiling the remarkable impact of recreation therapy month: a year of empowering veterans through our program | va marion health care | veterans affairs

"We can help many veterans depending on their goals. Whether it's physical, psychological, spiritual, or emotional support, we focus on what is important to the veteran. We

determine their goals and priorities in life, and that is where we begin," shares Recreation Therapist Ethan Blumhorst. In just a few short years, Marion VA Recreation Therapists Ethan

Blumhorst and Jasmine Cave have successfully developed a comprehensive outpatient recreation therapy program, as well as supported national VA competitions. National Therapeutic Recreation

Month is observed in February to appreciate the work of recreation therapists. It also focuses on raising awareness of the importance of participating in activities that help people with

disabilities recover and maintain their overall health and well-being. YEAR IN REVIEW: SUMMER SPORTS CLINIC Attended by 2 Veterans from the Marion VA Health Cave System and Jasmine Cave was

selected to Coach at the event on Team Mercury (Vision Impaired Team). CDCE donated the hotel rooms for the Veterans and Fisher House donated the Flights for Veterans to attend the event.

Activities included surfing, CrossFit, cycling, kayaking, and sailing. The 16th National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic took place in San Diego California. CREATIVE ARTS FEST On August 18th,

2024, the Marion VA Health Care System held it’s 2nd in-person Creative Arts Festival. The festival took place at the Celebrations Event Center in Marion Illinois, which hosted approximately

80 attendees. Veterans from all eras showcased their artistic talents and achievements in art, music, and writing competitions. To view the photo album of the visual arts. We had Four

Veterans place in National awards this year for the following categories: 1) Robert Craft:  PTSD    1st Place Rhyming Poetry – Military Experience  2) Dave Wall: Overtime     1st Place

Short, Short Story  (Pic is of him reading story) 3) Nate Gause w/ Ethan Blumhorst: Blue Bossa   2nd Place Instrumental Group Jazz/R&B/Soul 4) Eric McCormack: Portal   3rd Place

Glasswork WHOLE HEALTH Whole Health have introduced Veterans to Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation, Guided Imagery, and Fitness. Groups are currently offered Tuesday-Saturday.

https://www.wellvets.com/marion/ ABOUT YOUR RT’S Ethan Blumhorst, MSEd, CTRS Ethan is a former combat medic with the 173D Airborne Brigade. He currently holds certifications in yoga, adapted

tai chi, qigong, canoe/kayak instruction, and several meditation styles. Ethan is the chapter leader for Team River Runner Southern Illinois. “Here in the Illinois Ozarks, there’s a myriad

of opportunities to create and bring national VA programs, making use of our unique region to increase the well-being of our Veterans,” add Ethan Blumhorst. Jasmine Cave, MPA, MSED, CTRS

Jasmine was a CrossFit Affiliate owner and full-time faculty at Southern Illinois University in the School of Human Science before coming to the VA. She holds certifications in CrossFit,

Adaptive Training Academy, Certified Horsemanship Association, 5-Elements Qigong, Yoga, Mindfulness, Chair Chi, and USA Archery. Jasmine Cave says that she “Came to the Marion VA because I

wanted to share my experiences in facilitating different activity interventions like fitness, archery, yoga, mind-body activities, and animal-assisted services.”  Ethan and Jasmine have

various research interests in the areas of outdoor recreation, mindfulness, and physical activity. They published a paper together in 2020.

https://bctra.org/wp-content/uploads/tr_journals/9954-37549-1-PB.pdf