NEW YORK, Aug. 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Project Rebirth, Inc., (www.projectrebirth.org) the resilience resource for those who serve community and country, announces an event near the nation's capital marking the 15^th anniversary of 9/11 with an afternoon of stories highlighting the mutual challenges and strengths of the veteran and first responder communities.

The Sept. 10 event at the Manassas, Virginia Hylton Performing Arts Center will include "Rebirth: Brian" a Project Rebirth short film about the brother of a New York City firefighter killed on 9/11 who overcomes PTSD. Following the screening, Bob Gray, a retired Arlington County Fire Department battalion chief who responded to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, will speak about his traumatic brain injury and his work with the Project Rebirth First Responders Resilience Network team.  Virginia US Marine Matthew Hallinan will discuss the challenges of integrating back into civilian life.  Jesse Hempen, an officer with the Prince Georges County Police Department, will talk about how his life has changed since being shot in February while responding to a domestic violence call.  Finally, Manassas City Police Captain Tina Laguna will discuss challenges facing officers in the field and resources available locally to help them.

Brian Rafferty, Project Rebirth Chairman of the Board, will kick off the event by explaining how the not-for-profit's Peabody Award-winning documentary Rebirth not only chronicled the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site and the journeys of nine New Yorkers impacted by the attacks, but provided material that is now aiding First Responders, Military & Veterans and Educators & Community Leaders.

"We captured stories that have proven helpful in strengthening people's and community's resilience in the face of grief and trauma," says Rafferty. "Fifteen years later, our stories still resonate, particularly with those who risk their lives in the service of community and country."

Project Rebirth programs include the First Responder Resilience Network, Project Cohort and the Woman Warrior Curriculum for Veterans, and educational content for teachers and community leaders.

Project Rebirth, the City of Manassas, Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, and the Americans in Wartime Museum are co-sponsoring the evening of hope and healing.  All are welcome to attend the free event.

About Project Rebirth

Built on the legacy of New York's recovery from the 9/11 attacks, the not-for-profit Project Rebirth uses its suite of films, including the Peabody Award-winning documentary Rebirth, and the talents of its expert team to create resilience programming for First Responders, Military & Veterans and Educators & Community Leaders. 

Project Rebirth: a resilience resource for all who serve community and country.

Project Rebirth Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectRebirth

Project Rebirth Twitter feed: @ProjectRebirth https://twitter.com/ProjectRebirth

CONTACT: 
Monica Davis
Project Rebirth Social Media Director
240-529-4944
monica.davis@projectrebirth.org

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SOURCE Project Rebirth

Related Links

http://www.projectrebirth.org