PEORIA, Ariz — It's no secret emergency responders have extremely stressful jobs. Veterans alike often experience very traumatic situations, leading to PTSD and trauma-related issues.
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Now, there's a unique resource first responders and disabled veterans can turn to, a special place in Peoria that provides projects, mentors and resources with tools and equipment to work with, in a team environment.
The Guardian Garage organization operates in a shop setting. It’s a place where first responders and veterans, active or retired, suffering from trauma-related issues can go, to not only get support but also to get creative.
Marine Corps veteran Daniel Parmelee is one of the veterans they serve.
“During a combat situation, he got a back injury, a head injury, both of his knees,” said Nicole Parmelee, Daniel’s wife. “The thing is, with these types of injuries is, they’re progressive… they get worse over time.”
Nicole Parmelee said those injuries led to other issues.
"Chronic pain, depression, these common types of issues for veterans,” Nicole Parmelee said.
Nicole Parmelee found Guardian Garage when she was looking for a place where her husband could restore his 1968 Firebird, and it has become an outlet for creativity for him.
“When you’re working on a project or fixing a car or helping somebody else fix something, you’re in the moment, you’re in the present,” Daniel Parmelee said. “Your mind’s not drifting off, you’re not thinking of past things… amazing sense of accomplishment.”
“It’s just been a godsend really,” Nicole Parmelee said.
Retired firefighter Tom Christmas enjoys the camaraderie.
“The neat thing is, everybody here has been in the other person’s situation,” Christmas said. “It’s nice everybody comes here and works on their projects or their artwork, and kind of gets in the zone, and pretty soon they start talking to each other.”
Christmas said it’s a great way to bond.
“Most of our participants come from a team-oriented profession and it’s nice to get that back,” said Christmas.
At the Guardian Garage, they can work on restoration projects with the tools and resources provided through donations and customize cars and collectibles of all kinds.
It’s a place where they often connect with others who share the same background struggles.
“My brother was military… and I’m retired law enforcement,” said Craig Lewis, co-founder of Guardian Garage.
Craig Lewis first came up with the idea with his brother Rob Lewis a few years ago.
“I was building this already, and he was out for a visit,” Craig Lewis said. “We’ve got four generations of military in the family… he has some things from his service... I have some baggage from mine.”
So, they decided to start operating in Peoria.
“To help other people,” said Craig Lewis.
Clearly, it’s working. First responders and veterans like Daniel Parmelee are finding that support and resources in the shop setting.
“You get out here and you get around the team,” Daniel Parmelee said. “And by the time you leave, you’re in a great mood… it's a great stress reliever, it’s unbelievable.”
Guardian Garage is providing the framework for a lifelong adventure into the art of restoration and modification of cars and collectibles, while promoting self-awareness and accomplishment.
“The people are our project really,” said Lewis. "It’s not about what they build or even if they finish it, it’s about the journey they go on while they’re working on it.”
Guardian Garage is currently working on setting up a wood workshop as well.
If you or someone you know would like to get involved, click here.
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