American Faces No. 102
There’s a sense of peacefulness that permeates the green acres of the Magnus Veterans Foundation property in Dayton, MN – flowers buzzing with bees, a serene lake in the distance. A stroll through the grounds brings a palpable sense of calm that words cannot fully describe. This spacious and pastoral property once belonged to Shawn Alderman’s aunt and uncle (the guy who created Sesame Street Live) and was gifted to support the cause of providing healing and hope to military service veterans.
There’s a similar sense of calmness when you talk to Shawn Alderman, the lead physician and Founder of Magnus Veterans Foundation, my 102nd American Faces subject. Shawn’s calmness was battle-tested in his service alongside America's most trained Army Special Forces unit. The calmness Shawn shares with others reflects the calmness shared with him through the devoted love of his wife and son.
Shawn is a U.S. Army Special Forces Lt. Col. (retired) and Family Physician, Group Surgeon for 5th Special Forces Group. In his 31 years of service Shawn saw countless illnesses, countless traumatic injuries, even death, and through that experience came to realize – both for himself and for other soldiers – what PTSD can do to a person. Spending time with Shawn, his great empathy for people was clear, as I’d see an occasional tear forming in his eyes as we talked. He strives to heal with words as well as his hands. While providing care to meet our vets’ medical needs he’s also listening. Working through trauma at an emotional level is complex, and there is not necessarily a linear path to recovery. For a fellow soldier, Shawn’s encouragement to “make it just one more day” may just be “just what the doctor ordered.”
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You and I have likely encountered people in our daily travels who have been impacted by Shawn and the other amazing caregivers at Magnus. People who have seen the unimaginable, felt the loss of a battle buddy or absorbed more emotional or psychological trauma than their human psyche can take.
Shawn is almost like a “special ops” doctor for those former soldiers that need special care. Through the amazing work of the Magnus Veterans Foundation team and its impact on veteran's lives, families have been made whole again.
As I’m writing this edition of America Faces I want to keep talking about Shawn Alderman’s service and impact in the lives of others. But my mind is also flooded with the realization that soldiers are literally being saved. Families are being restored as men and women fight through recovery from PTSD and their medical challenges. Lives are being impacted by someone committed to being there for them in their darkest hours. That’s truly profound to me. The listening, the human touch, a hug from a fellow retired soldier. It’s happening at Magnus.
So what’s my call to action for this one? Keep your eyes open for a person who served our country that may be hurting. Maybe strike up a conversation with the guy wearing the Vietnam Vet hat in the small-town diner. Whether it’s a personal connection, or perhaps supporting organizations like Magnus, you have the power to change someone's life.
Thank you, Shawn Alderman, for your service to our country and your heart for healing the “whole soldier.” You said “yes” to the call to provide medical care for the actively serving soldier. And now, through your continuing care, you have an opportunity to see our veterans heal and flourish. That is priceless!
Photos and story by: Nielsen Studios
Editing by: Scott Whitman
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