For many veterans, chronic pain is something they will have to deal with for the rest of their lives. The Star Tribune reported that over 60 percent of returned servicemembers list chronic pain as their most common ailment. An organization called Pain Free Patriots acts as a mobile relief center for veterans experiencing chronic pain from injuries sustained in combat. This group assembles in the parking lots of schools, churches and shopping malls with its over $250,000 in medical equipment. Veterans are invited to receive free treatments like spinal balancing and muscle and nerve therapy.
Currently, Pain Free Patriots is operating independently of the local VA office, but the VA seems to be in total support of the charity's work.
Local VA spokesman Ralph Heussner told The Star Tribune, "If there is a grant available to our patients to access free, quality services outside the VA, we would welcome it with open arms."
Doug Huseby, a 72-year-old businessman, started Pain Free Patriots to help veterans get assistance without having to wait on the government. Thus far, Huseby's charity has serviced 450 veterans and looks to continue growing. The History Channel has even contacted Huseby about a program that would follow the progress of the veterans' treatments.