Reunite The Fight: Nonprofit Serves U.S. Veterans Struggling with PTSD and More

A nonprofit group is creating waves for American veterans in a little hamlet in St. Clair County. Scott Gatto, a Marine Corps veteran, founded "Reunite The Fight" with the intention of uniting military members from all over the country by providing them with retreats, resources, and services to help them deal with the long-term effects of PTSD, survivor's guilt, and other physical and mental health challenges.

Gatto's transformation from an idealistic young recruit to a seasoned fighter in charge of life-or-death operations in Iraq informed the philosophy of Reunite The Fight. The group, which has been around for seven years, aims to reduce the problematic rates of veteran suicide by offering a support structure that continues long after duty ends.

Gatto, who was born at Mount Clemens and reared in Warren, enlisted in the United States Army in 2001 with the intention of serving in the Marines. After landing at Marine Corps Base Hawaii on September 10, 2001, his life took an unexpected turn as he was immediately immersed in the turmoil of a world at war in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

During his military career, Gatto was sent to various war zones, including India, Pakistan, Japan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His third tour of duty was the one that changed everything, especially his time spent in the fierce urban battlefields of Fallujah, Afghanistan. Gatto, now in a commanding position, was confronted with the grim realities of war and assigned a task on par with the historic Normandy invasion.

After returning to civilian life, Gatto was plagued by the mental torment of having witnessed a helicopter accident that took the lives of 31 Marines. Frustrated by the difficulties of reintegration, he encountered a human resources specialist who ignored his claims of having managed teams responsible for hundreds of people and complex strategic operations.

After six more years of service, Gatto received a bachelor's degree in medical management and PTSD and then left the military. He eventually found serenity and comfort in nature, which he then shared with others. As a result of this insight, a group called Reunite The Fight was formed to assist soldiers in rediscovering peace and community through outdoor activities like fishing and hunting.

Chesterfield Township's Justin Perez is one of the organization's benefactors who has spoken highly of how the group helped him rediscover his sense of self. Reunite The Fight provides a community of support to help soldiers adjust to civilian life and jobs by negotiating the bureaucratic maze that is the Military Administration.

Volunteer Ron Gauthier, who is helping the group gain momentum by raising awareness and funds, has been vocal about the greater purpose that appears to drive Gatto. According to Gauthier, Reunite The Fight is an integral element of Gatto's bigger destiny, which he considers to be the fact that he has survived countless potentially fatal events.

On December 1st, the Cherry Creek Golf Club will play home to a gala fundraiser for Reunite The Fight, complete with a seven-course gourmet lunch, a bar, and live entertainment. Event sponsorships, which can be purchased for $1,500 to $10,000, will all go toward funding the group's veteran services.

You can find out more about Reunite The Fight and how you can help by visiting their website at:

https://reunitethefight.org/default.asp

Reference is taken from the following link:

https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/10/u-s-veterans-are-being-served-by-reunite-the-fight/