One of the best friends we have on the Navajo Reservation is the Day At A Time Club (DAATC). For many years, this club has been a leader on the reservation, helping many Navajo people—veterans and non-veterans alike—struggle with and overcome drug and alcohol issues.
The DAATC has been working hard to extend its services to other parts of the reservation and has finally completed its second facility in Chinle, about an hour and a half from the original club in Fort Defiance, AZ. Many of the veterans we have supported over the years credit this club with their sobriety and their new lease on life.
Several years ago, the club received a grant from the Navajo Nation to build this facility in the community of Chinle, near the center of the reservation. We received an invitation to the opening from Larry Foster, board president and Vietnam veteran, and Alroy Billiman, an Iraq combat-wounded veteran and former board member. These are key guys making a huge difference on the reservation, and both are great friends of Wounded Heroes of America—truly veterans helping veterans on their journey to sobriety. It was a great day for the Chinle community.
It was a short three-day trip—with practically two days spent on the road—but it was worth every minute. Every time I go, I learn something new. I was invited to attend a sweat lodge ceremony, and it is always an honor to be included and learn more about such a beautiful culture and its people. I’m here to tell you: “It was hot!”
