In each Veteran’s Corner article we like to bring our veteran community the resources available to them. For this piece we would like to highlight The Grateful Veteran, a local not-for-profit run by Jeff and Tara DeMond.
You may remember Jeff’s “Story of Courage” in an earlier issue of the magazine and since then they have helped hundreds, if not thousands, of local veterans. So we’d like to introduce them to you…
Meet Jeff
Jeffrey DeMond is a retired U.S Navy Senior Chief 100% disabled veteran, with over 20 years active duty service. Injured late in his career, after multiple deployments, he required several reconstructive surgeries to repair his ankles and shoulders. His medical conditions were treated with a cocktail of opioids, benzodiazepines and countless anti-depressants. After several (7-9) years of being over prescribed harmful opioids both on active duty and retirement, Jeff found a better way of life. He was introduced to cannabis and its use as medicine.
By using cannabis as medicine he has been able to stop the majority of his pharmaceutical prescriptions. He has been addiction free since 2010 and continues to use cannabis to control his pain, PTSD, and depression. Since finding a better way to manage his conditions, he has been advocating for the use of medical marijuana and educating to break down the stigma that surrounds it. A passionate patient rights activist, Jeff and his wife Tara founded The Grateful Veteran – a non-profit designed to aid service members financially with their doctor visits and state fees.
Meet Tara
Tara has been a registered nurse for over 25 years with her license held in Illinois, Missouri, and Florida. She has worked as an RN in several types of clinical settings, from owning her own home health agency to assisting attorneys nationwide as a legal nurse consultant for occupational diseases. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Cannabis Nurses Association, and the Florida Nurses Association.
Tara’s passion for patient care is what sparked her interest in cannabis as medicine and her husband’s personal success. She has worked in the cannabis industry as an outreach liaison, patient educator and advocate. She has gone out to educate patients at support groups, county commissioner meetings, and community events.
Tara feels very fortunate to be in a position that allows her to use her very diverse medical background to educate on the benefits of medical marijuana. Providing education and giving back to the veteran community is what truly makes the difference.
About The Grateful Veteran
The Grateful Veteran is a Florida-based non-profit organization that educates veterans who suffers from pain and PTSD about alternatives to pharmaceutical based treatments. We find medical marijuana doctors who are willing to see veterans at reduced or no cost. In addition, The Grateful Veteran raises money to pay for the state fee for all veterans. If you know someone suffering and needs our assistance, please reach out to The Grateful Veteran. We will do everything possible to get the help you need.
