![Featured image for “Cultivating Courage BKVF Gala Supporting our Veterans’ Mental Health”](https://cdn.22zero.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cultivating-courage-bkvf-gala-supporting-our-veterans-mental-health.webp)
Dr. Arnell, 22ZERO Executive Director was invited to attend the Cultivating Courage BKVF Gala – Supporting our Veterans’ Mental Health by Chris, from the Brothers Keeper Veterans Foundation. The Gala was at The City Winery in Nashville, Tn, on September 16th. Dr. Arnell was asked to be present, if an attendee had triggers due to the content from the speakers. There were over 225 veterans, wounded warriors and purple heart recipients present, along with their families.
Dr. Arnell and 22ZERO Advocate for Veteran Mental Health
Dr. Arnell spoke with many veterans and their families about the mission of 22ZERO and being a peer program, across the U.S., without telling any of the content of the traumas, they would not have to be concerned about the V.A. or their employers being contacted, as it is 100% confidential. Dr. Arnell was able to provide 22ZERO brochures and business cards for all table at the Gala in addition to sharing her personal story of being connected with 22ZERO to many veterans and their families, as Dr. Arnell is a first responder and her husband, Jerome, was a veteran.
![Dr. Arnell Executive Director for 22ZERO at Cultivating Courage BKVF Gala](https://cdn.22zero.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dr-arnell-executive-director-for-22zero-at-cultivating-courage-bkvf-gala.webp)
Dr. Arnell was able to spend time with several veterans who had trauma and provide them more information about 22ZERO and assured them, no one would know they went through the protocols of 22ZERO, unless they told others.
Honoring Heroes: 22ZERO’s Impact Celebrated at the Cultivating Courage BKVF Gala
It was a humbling experience for Dr. Arnell at the Gala and was welcomed by so many in attendance, as being part of the veteran family. I could feel the love and appreciation for being the widow of a veteran and so many recognized my role in healing heroes, but most of all, being part of their family.
Dr. Arnell felt part of the veteran family while attending the Gala and has talked with a few of those in attendance, of the importance of healing our heroes. She was able to share the mission and passion 22ZERO has for veterans, their immediate family and Gold Star Families to many wounded warriors and purple heart recipients.
![Dr. Arnell, Executive Director for 22ZERO, and BKVF Founder, Chris Catchers](https://cdn.22zero.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dr-arnell-executive-director-for-22zero-and-bkvf-founder-chris-catchers.webp)
The Gala will be an annual event and Dr. Arnell has been talking with the founder, Chris, about serving veterans and their families across the U.S.
Dr. Arnell and Chris, will be talking further to discuss how 22ZERO will be able to assist with veterans through the BKVF. Among those present were Keynote speaker: Trevor Beaman, Guest Speaker: Eric Morante, and the music was performed by: Zach Haines.
Please also see: Joe Cantasano Healing with 22ZERO