The Best of Him Brochure to print and share CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRINTABLE PDF

Page 3 – The Best of Him

by Artist Charles Kapsner & Commissioned by JoyGenea Schumer Furnstahl

A Memorial oil painting designed at honoring the brave sacrifices made by our veterans and their families, not only during their service to our country but also in their everyday lives after their service has ended. The intention is to inspire awareness and open conversations about PTSD and grief.

Wars come home, and battles are fought every day in homes across America. Unfortunately, too many individuals are fighting a silent mental war without sufficient support, resources, or understanding. This needs to change. As a nation and as families of service members, we must talk about these issues. The principle of “no man left behind” applies to the battlefield of mental health, just as it does to physical war zones.

PTSD and grief erect barriers between those who suffer from them and the people who love them. Over time, these barriers grow in toxicity, becoming deeply rooted in the brain and intensifying the internal struggle. For some, this battle becomes overwhelming, and the coping mechanisms they once relied on no longer silence the turmoil within. As the daughter of a veteran with PTSD, I personally experienced all of this with my father, although I was too young at first to fully comprehend what was happening and the extent of what I was losing.

That wall or barrier I mentioned earlier prevented me from seeing the best of my dad. It was so loud, angry, scared, and mean that it overshadowed everything else. I knew the father I remembered playing house with inside a large cardboard box he found in the trash room of our apartment was still there, but he seemed lost to me. Part of it was my own struggle to find him, and part of it was the overwhelming presence of that barrier. Therefore, when my dad passed away, I didn’t want my strongest memories of him to revolve around that wall. I yearned to reconnect with the loving man that PTSD had kept hidden from me. While gathering the individual elements for this painting, I discovered moments from his life where the best of him broke through that barrier and was present in my life as well. This painting tells the story of family sacrifice for the greater good and the importance of never giving up. It is about embracing The Best of Him.

Page 2 – About the Artist

About the Artist Charles Kapsner

Internationally renowned, multi-award winning artist and oil painter Charles Kapsner has transformed the second chapter of his life to use his skills, gifts and talents to highlight the United States Military. He has focused on bringing connection and awareness to the strong military presence in his own home state of Minnesota. With his high level of research expertise he has quickly become one of the most sought after artists for drawn military portraits. patriotic murals, and service persons memorials.

THANK YOU

Serving our country takes on various forms, and Charles’s contribution lies in reminding us of the service and sacrifices made by others for the sake of our enduring freedom. His talent and dedication are truly a gift and a service to our country.

Charles, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. Thank you for touching my life in such a meaningful way.

With sincere appreciation,
JoyGenea

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Page 4 – Resources

RESOURCES
You don’t have to continue fighting PTSD alone. There are now numerous options available to combat this battle. Professionals and service members have extensively studied and learned about effective approaches. Instead of spending the next five years fighting PTSD in the same ways you always have, imagine dedicating that time to trying new strategies that might bring relief. It would be truly remarkable for you and your family. Don’t give up; instead, explore new possibilities.

The first step is to be open to forming a new team of supportive individuals, your “battle buddies.” This time, the battle is for your mental health and happiness.
Reach out and ask one person to be part of your team.

TAPS – Tragedy Assistance for Survivors – Amazing support and help for those who are grieving the loss of a military family member.
https://www.taps.org/

VREC – Veterans Recreation Center – St. Cloud, MN – A fun and engaging environment created by veterans for veterans and their families to hang out, have access to support, and connect.
https://www.vrecmn.com/

Til Valhalla Project – fight against Veteran suicide – This is a simple and easy way to be an advocate for the fight some veterans have. Buy a shirt, become a member, find your style of expression.
https://tilvalhallaproject.com/

PTSD Resources for Veterans & Families – the best easy resources for finding more resources.
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/mental-wellness/veteran-ptsd-treatment-support-resources