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5 Star Veterans Center Needs Public's Help To Survive

www.5starveteranscenter.org

June is National PTSD Awareness Month, and the only dedicated center on the First Coast working to help local vets with post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is putting out the call for support.

The 5 Star Veterans Center provides local veterans with transitional housing and a Pathways Program for successful re-integration into society.

The center works with veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who have PTSD. Some have co-occurring TBI.

5 Star was completely funded by Allied Veterans of the World until March, when the organization became the subject of a state and federal probe into illegal gambling.

"The real victims of the Allied Vets scandal are the veterans residing in the center," says spokesman Greg Frazier. "We're working to develop a fundraising culture so people can become more aware of the work we're doing and support it."

Frazier says a new board has been named, with the focus of keeping the center's doors open through 2013.

"After that we'll be eligible to apply for a new series of grants," he says. "We're committed to helping local veterans and need the public's help."

To learn more visit www.5starveteranscenter.org.

Melissa Ross joined WJCT in 2009 with 20 years of experience in broadcasting, including stints in Cincinnati, Chicago, Orlando and Jacksonville. During her career as a television and radio news anchor and reporter, Melissa has won four regional Emmys for news and feature reporting.