[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 197 (Monday, December 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        BOULDER CREST RETREAT FOR MILITARY AND VETERAN WELLNESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KYRSTEN SINEMA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 4, 2017

  Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize, welcome and 
congratulate Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veterans Wellness 
in Sonoita, Arizona.
  I have known the team at Boulder Crest for several years. Their work 
and commitment to veteran and military families is exceptional.
  Retired U.S. Navy bomb disposal expert, Master Chief Ken Falke and 
his wife, Julia, started Boulder Crest after visiting wounded Explosive 
Ordnance Disposal personnel at Walter Reed National Military Medical 
Center. They saw a need for a place outside of the hospital where 
personnel and families could relax and recover. Boulder Crest provides 
free, short-term retreats for military members, veterans, and their 
families.
  Boulder Crest aims to solve the mental health issues and offers an 
opportunity to military members, veterans, and their families to 
recover and heal from combat-related stress and PTSD. During retreats, 
families stay in private accommodations and participate in recreational 
and healing activities focused on posttraumatic growth. The first 
location, in Virginia, has hosted over 3,000 personnel since 2013. As 
they open their new location in Arizona, I am excited they are 
expanding to our state and will be able to help more military members, 
veterans, and families.
  Boulder Crest's Arizona is located approximately 60 miles from Tucson 
in Sonoita, Arizona on 130 acres of land near Parker Canyon. On the 
property, there are three homes, a lodge where guests can gather, an 
archery range, nature trails, a playground, organic garden, bird 
sanctuary, and fishing pond. Families are able to heal in the comfort 
of nature.
  This organization is able to offer life-changing opportunities thanks 
to selfless volunteers and generous donors. Each year, tens of 
thousands of Americans lose their lives to suicide in our country, 
including an estimated 20 veterans every day. These figures represent 
one life lost every 72 minutes. Boulder Crest offers military members, 
veterans, and families as chance to recover and prevents the loss of 
lives.
  I would like to thank Ken and Julia Falke, their team, and all the 
individuals who make Boulder Crest possible. I am proud Arizona is able 
to assist in their mission.

                          ____________________