Samuel Luna receives prestigious “Legion of Honor” award

July 15, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Samuel Luna is the recipient of the “Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award.”  His lifelong humanitarian service has focused on helping veterans in our local community.  Sam was nominated for this prestigious award by Father Rara, a chaplain at the Michael DeBakey VA Hospital, for his work with the veterans.  Sam serves as the Veterans Service Officer in Katy for VFW Post 9182, Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 723, American Legion Post 164 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 in Houston. 

It’s through a program titled Vets’ Journey Home, where Sam focuses most of his time and has helped hundreds of veterans.  “When veterans get home they bring back important stories to tell, of adventures and pain, of fear and courage, of lessons learned. But often friends and family do not want to listen or are uncomfortable talking about war. So, if veterans are going to open up at all, they often seek out another veteran to talk with. Unfortunately, when veterans talk together of the war, attempts at sharing the grief and pain often slip into a ‘That ain’t nothing’ or ‘Top this one’ exchange of war stories” as stated at www.vetsjourneyhome.org. Vet’s Journey Home is designed by veterans for veterans. It’s a place where veterans can share their story in a safe environment.  In our area, weekend retreats are available for veterans as well as spouses.  Veterans of all ages have provided testimonials how the experience made a difference in their lives and how it’s helped improve their day to day relationships with others. 

Mark Goulston, M.D. author of “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for Dummies says it best. “There are hundreds of thousands of veterans living in hell alone, not being able to fully shake off the memories of the horrors of war that they physically survived, but mentally are still tormented by. The only way out of it or at least getting past it is through heart-to-heart conversations with others who have gone through the same. And yet, these legions of tormented warriors will fight the very thing that can offer hope of a better life.  Samuel is in the forefront of helping those healing conversations take place. His documentary “Vets’ Journey Home” should be viewed by all vets who still suffer from the horrors of war, their families and those who provide care to them. God bless Samuel Luna.”  If you are a veteran or know a veteran who could benefit from Vet’s Journey Home or a membership in one of Katy’s veteran organizations, don’t wait until tomorrow, reach out today.

The Legion of Honor Award publicly recognizes and honors outstanding members of society whose lives model the giving spirit and unconditional service to community, nation, and humanity without regard to race, religion, or creed.  “To be considered for this award, the selfless and transformative achievement must be above and beyond that of a professional resume or organizational position.  The Legion of Honor Humanitarian Award is specifically given in recognition of a lifetime commitment to selfless service and societal advancement that has demonstrably affected the quality of life in the community, state or nation” as outlined at www.FourChaplains.org.

Congratulations Sam!

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