New programs for military address rehabilitation, affordable education
For six years, Joshua Watson served as an Army military police officer in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now a Penn State student, he still can't help scanning rooftops and people wherever he goes. "I'm always on guard," said the Montoursville, Pa., resident. Between combat deployments, Watson, 27, organized recreation activities, such as trips to the beach, for soldiers. He enjoyed the work and decided to major in recreation, park and tourism management at Penn State, where he also participates in inclusive recreation programming on campus to help readjust to civilian life. While inclusive recreation refers to modifying physical activities for wounded soldiers (and others), it also will address psychological and cognitive conditions resulting from war, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injury. (more)