Dinner is over, the dishes done and the dog has had his after meals walk. Now is the time for a bit of relaxation so the recliner and tv beckon. The hour is approaching for a favorite show, but in reality, it is only a 20 minute program. The other 40 minutes (or so it seems) is devoted to commercials.

We are subjected to the so called words of wisdom from the Geiko Gecko, or Liberty Mutual’s Limu Emu, or the struggling actor trying to remember his lines instead of watching the Limu Emu do his running. Then, there’s the gazillion new remedies always being advertised to stop eye strain, get rid of heartburn, stomach ache or (shudder) diarrhea, relieve constipation, GOLO to help lose weight or taking a pill to gain weight, join Marie Osmond in her quest to maintain the 50 pounds she lost, pills to remedy depression, pills to help the pills to remedy depression, sinus troubles that affect your clear vision, or how about the ads touting Botox to remove the wrinkles so rightly earned from daily life? The list goes on and on.

Even though we have had a satisfying meal, we are inundated by commercials from Papa John’s, Little Caeser’s, Dominoes, Arby’s where they HAVE the meats, Chinese food, Mexican food from Taco Bell, and don’t forget the new sandwich from the Colonel at KFC, how to use Uber for deliveries so we don’t have to leave our recliners, the Pelaton bikes we can ride while watching our chosen hour-long show to offset the calories from previously named vendors, sleep on a movable mattress which also adjusts to prevent snoring , take the pills which will guarantee an eight hours of sleep, or liquid Nyquil to stave off the sneezing, coughing, congestion so you can get a good night’s sleep.

But, with all of these different commercials and their remedies, not one is ever mentioned to help with PTSD. Well, VFW Post 4174 has come up with a way to help combat this horrible disease, and it doesn’t involve pills, creams, potions, moveable mattresses or spending money on an indoor bike. They have created a Combat Trauma Support group which meets every first Wednesday of the month at 25 Homestead Road in Lehigh Acres. It starts at 6:30 p.m. The group consists of veterans who have been in the same shoes and have learned how to cope with the horrors others have experienced by the use of comradeship, understanding from having worn the very same boots, prayer and care.

Instead of having to think “Not again” when one of the many commercials come on during a favorite show, why not venture down to a meeting at our Post. Not only will the welcome be heartwarming, and very helpful, you’ll be glad you did!