Today, I salute Army Veteran John Richard and the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary. John visited two married Veterans last year when they were planning the sanctuary, and while there, a little spider monkey named Louie ran up and embraced John, who struggled with PTSD for decades. Almost in an instant, he felt peace with the little monkey hugging him and chattering in his ear. John says those little noises are Louie telling him he is loved and he’s going to be ok. John said his connection with Louie helped more than any other PTSD treatment he received since being diagnosed more than 20 years ago. The sanctuary’s owner and Air Force Veteran, April, also gets help from her animals. The sanctuary operates thanks to other Veterans who volunteer on site. Thank you, John and April, for sharing your stories, and THANK YOU for your service.
