Paul and Terry Nichols  and  MLA Coralee Oakes – image courtesy Gov’t of B.C.

Quesnel, B.C.- Terry and Paul Nichols,  the folks  behind the Communities for Veterans Foundation ,  and operators of an equine therapy  program for  veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,  have been  awarded the B.C. Medal for Good Citizenship.
The medal  ( shown  in image at right) recognizes  those,  who have made  outstanding  contributions to their communities without expectation of  remuneration or reward.

At their  farm  in Kersley, the Nichols  work to help returning veterans overcome operational stress injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) incurred from military deployments.

Paul Nichols is a  veteran, having served  on a peace keeping mission   in Sarajevo,  and  learned  veterans sharing their stories can be a powerful  healing tool.

Terry Nichols,  a therapeutic riding instructor, used horses for her own rehabilitation after a traumatic injury left her wheelchair bound for many months. Together they know first-hand the healing power of horses. Knowing that thousands of soldiers return from combat zones with physical and mental injuries, they began to see a vision to bring awareness to the difficulties facing returning soldiers as they re-enter our communities.

The program they offer  at their  farm gives veterans from across Canada tools to deal with PTSD and helps to build stronger relationships and families.