Earlier this year at our Annual Meeting in San Diego, NASBP joined Retired U.S. Navy Admiral Denny Wisely and the Blue Angels Foundation in an effort to raise $300,000 that was needed to fund a replication study using a cutting edge protocol that is showing remarkable success in treating veterans affected by posttraumatic stress (PTS). Known as The RTM Protocol, being tested by the Research and Recognition Project, a 501c3 Charitable Organization, the process involves a fast and cost-effective treatment that addresses the impact of PTS on warriors, veterans, and their families. Pictured are NASBP Annual Meeting attendees with Blue Angels Foundation representatives. From left, Denny Wisely, Jeffrey Hecker, Kathy Murphy, Carl Dohn, and author, Thomas Padilla.
I am proud to report that as a result of contributions from NASBP Members and Affiliates and even from our 2015 Annual Meeting speakers Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral David Buss and consultant Jerry Lujan, as of this printing, total contributions exceeded $120,000. In fact, donations are still being received this month so we are not done.
The balance of the funds needed were raised by the Blue Angels Foundation, and I am very excited to let everyone know that the main part of the replication study involving the actual treatment of 30 of our veterans has been completed with a success ratio in excess of 90%. This replication study confirms the results of the previous study completed in the state of New York.
Since then, additional studies have begun, including one extraordinary study taking place in Albuquerque, NM, in conjunction with the Mind Research Network, a research facility located on the campus of the University of New Mexico and operated as part of the Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute. In laymen’s terms, this study is intended to confirm the effect of the protocol by using a device called a MEG, which will provide neurological evidence to support the findings of the earlier studies.
Additional funds being raised will be used in the NM study as well as additional studies needed to gain the approval of the American Medical Association so that this treatment can move past the study stage and be made available to the hundreds of thousands of veterans who have returned from battle with PTS, as well as many first responders and other civilians who are currently suffering from PTS.
At this time of year, as we reflect on many things and prepare ourselves for the challenges that we will face in the New Year, I want to stop and thank every person who has been a part of this effort and promise that we will not stop until we reach our goal and finish the job of bringing our vets home and taking care of even the invisible wounds they may have. I hope that this news helps everyone stop and take a moment to be proud of our association and the many fine people in it.
May you all have a wonderful Holiday Season and be safe as we bring in the New Year.
Warm regards,
Tom Padilla
NASBP Immediate Past President
For more information about how to make a donation toward this effort, contact Tom Padilla at tom.padilla@hubinternational.com or 505.262.9430.
The author of this article is Thomas M. Padilla, who is the NASBP Immediate Past President and Senior Vice President at HUB International Insurance Services of Albuquerque, NM. The agency, formerly the Manuel Lujan Agencies until HUB acquired it in 2013, has been serving clients located throughout the U.S. for over 85 years. Padilla has more than 35 years of experience in managing insurance and surety at the agency level and currently manages the agency’s surety department and a large book of construction insurance. He can be reached at tom.padilla@hubinternational.com or 505.262.9430.