Rev. Conrad Targonski to speak at July 16 PTSD Peer Support Group

The Highground hosts a monthly peer support group for veterans who are managing post-traumatic stress (PTS) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as family and loved ones of veterans with PTS/PTSD.

The next Veteran and Family PTSD Peer Support Group will meet at The Highground this Sunday, July 16, at 2 p.m., with presenter Father Conrad Targonski leading the group discussion.

Targonski is a veteran and the university chaplain at Viterbo University in La Crosse. During his military service, he traveled with enlisted men and women to many parts of the world including deployments in war zones. Targonski served in the Marine Corps for 22 years, retiring in September 2010 from the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps with a rank of captain.

During his time as a military chaplain, Targonski served two tours in Iraq. He deployed with the Seventh Marine regiment during the Battle of Fallujah in 2004, one of the bloodiest actions of the war, in which 110 coalition forces and thousands of civilians were killed. As supervisory chaplain and the only Catholic priest, Targonski had to make his way through the streets during combat, going from unit to unit and ministering to 14 other chaplains.

Targonski is involved in many programs that help veterans manage PTS, including pilgrimages to Assisi in Italy for combat veterans. Through his experiences during combat and his current ministry to veterans, he has led the way in healing programs that include assisting The Highground with advice and program leadership at the beginning of their Veterans Retreat program. This program is now in its sixth year.

The Peer Support Group provides a confidential and casual gathering for attendees to learn from others who are “in their shoes,” to listen to speakers on topics chosen by the group and to obtain resources. The group offers an opportunity to find support and comfort in a welcoming environment, to share experiences and make new friendships. Families and veteran supporters do not need to attend with a veteran.

The Veteran and Family PTSD Peer Support Group is supported by grants from the Million Dollar Round Table and the Charles E. Kubly Foundation.

Those who would like more information about the Peer Support Group can email Theresa at museum@thehighground. us or call 715-743-4224. The Highground is at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville, WI 54456.

Rev. Conrad Targonski, a military chaplain for the U.S Marine Corps for 22 years, will be speaking at the the July 16 PTSD Peer Support Group to be held at The Highground.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO