Hell or High Seas
HELL OR HIGH SEAS follows U.S. Navy veteran Taylor Grieger and writer Stephen O’Shea as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime — sailing around Cape Horn, the world’s most treacherous ocean waters. The documentary is a moving portrait of a veteran using his own painful journey with PTSD to find healing for himself, and pave a smoother path for veterans returning to civilian life. From director Glenn Holsten, producer Chayne Gregg, and executive producer Robert Irvine, HELL OR HIGH SEAS is an adventure film with a deep, universal message about perseverance and hope. -Taken from the website of Hell or High Seas
Our Mates at Columbia University
On Friday, February 17th we went to Columbia University for the viewing of the documentary Hell or High Seas. As always, Sean and Jenny went with Our Mates.
We were able to speak with the president of Columbia University's president of MilVets, Grayson Noyes, and Director of Fordham Military and Veteran's Service, Matthew Butler, along with many other NYC student veterans and members of veteran organizations.
Bringing Our Mates with us wherever we go enables us to to share their stories, and to raise awareness for veteran suicide in a unique and deeply personal way.
The Viewing
The documentary was inspiring and beautiful. Hosted by Columbia MilVets at one of Columbia University's theatre rooms. It was a real odyssey to the end of the world. Taylor and Stephen bravely sailed into storms, windless doldrums, and even away from pirates to achieve their mission! There were many setbacks and issues that came as close as you can in threatening to end the trip. The story of their perseverance represents their dedication to learning more about post traumatic stress, and what adventure therapy can do for people who suffer from it. Truly it was a great documentary, I highly recommend it to anyone, but especially to veterans and sailors to show what we have known for years: SAILING HEALS! It can change the actual physiology of the brain and grow the prefrontal cortex, which can be worn down by chronic stress (common in people who suffer PTS) and help people retake control of their very lives.
After the viewing we moved to Mel's Burger Bar, a local bar where we continued to socialize, and make friends and partnerships that will do untold good for the veterans' community in the years to come.
