ABOUT
Our Mission
To train Veterans and First Responders in effective warrior-based wellness and self-regulation practices. By utilizing a system of peer to peer support, we are able to guide our Nation's Heroes from a life of post-traumatic stress to a path of post-traumatic growth.
Our Vision
It is our vision to provide a place of refuge and reconnection for our Nation’s veterans, first responders and their families. Heroes Hearthstone
is a place to find purpose through disclosure,
self-regulation, service and community.
Our Founder
Richard O. Blaine, Jr.
Rick was born in Harveys Lake, Pennsylvania in 1981. He graduated from Lake Lehman High School in 2000 and joined the Army as an Airborne Chaplain Assistant in the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, NC. Rick deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003-2004. Upon returning home he was reassigned to CECOM where among his normal duties he traveled as a part of an Honor Guard detail providing military honors for fallen soldiers killed in action. He received an honorable discharge after 6 years of service. Following his time in the military he worked as a Pennsylvania State Corrections Officer for 14 years until he retired. During his time as an Officer he also served on the Fire Emergency Response Team and as a member of the Honor Guard.
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Like many veterans, Rick struggled with Post Traumatic Stress and spent over a decade pursuing treatment that would help. He found treatment that worked by way of training, utilizing self-regulation practices and wellness techniques as a part of the process of Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). He received this training through the Warrior PATHH program offered by the Boulder Crest Foundation.
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Like many Americans who have once worn a uniform, Rick found a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment in the service of others. Along with his childhood best friend Eric, another Warrior PATHH Alumnus, they decided to share what they learned by starting an organization focused on PTG and equipping our local combat veterans and first responders with wellness techniques and self-regulation practices. The vision that became Heroes Hearthstone was born from their own struggle with Post Traumatic Stress and will continue to serve our local heroes until all of our brothers and sisters have found their way home.