When Lloyd Anderson returned home after serving in World War II and the Korean War, he experienced what is known today at post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At the time, there were not as many services offered as there are today that help veterans process what they have experienced. Lloyd struggled to find his way and took his own life. Lloyd's brother, Dave Anderson, also an Army veteran, decided to found the Building Bridges Foundation, to which he donated his 21-acre farm. With the goal of providing a safe space for personal growth through equine-assisted activities for veterans and their families, as well as those who have experienced trauma and loss, and those who are dealing with cognitive and emotional challenges, the Building Bridges Foundation at Anderson Farm became an official nonprofit organization in 2015.

Located at 230 Indian Hill Road, Conestoga, the Building Bridges Foundation at Anderson Farm has a licensed mental health counselor and a certified equine specialist who are qualified to help those with PTSD, depression, and/or anxiety, and are in need of resilience training, transitioning skills, and emotion regulation. Their services are offered at no cost to veterans and their families.

On Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Building Bridges Foundation at Anderson Farm will host its annual Veterans Day Service event, which will feature giveaway drawings for guns. The day will begin with an opportunity to view sponsored tables and exhibits. At 11 a.m., there will be a "thank you for serving and welcome home" program, where a few veterans will talk about the impact the foundation has had on their lives. Lunch will be served at noon. From 1 to 4 p.m., there will be beer taps, giveaways, gun giveaway drawings, and silent and live auctions.

Ann Marie Shaw, executive director of development at the Building Bridges Foundation at Anderson Farm, noted the importance of understanding war and politics. "As a kid, I used to go to the cenotaph as a Brownie (Girl Scout), and I would stand there on that cold day in November, and they would lay wreaths, and I had no idea what it was about and the part it played in history," she said. "I think it would be great if kids had more of an idea of that, and if they have an idea of that, they will get a bigger idea of politics."

For those bringing children to the event, there will be a kids' corner at the barn, which will feature horse painting, a story corner, a craft making table, organized games, and a place to meet the horses. All are welcome to attend the free event and donations will be accepted.

For more information, call 717-368-3019 or visit http://www.buildingbridgesfoundation.com. Giveaway drawing tickets may also be purchased on the website.