Who’s buying the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse and the island?
Last year, these words were often uttered as the news of the sale of the Lighthouse Island property in Tionesta spread across Forest County and the entire region. Shortly after that, the rumor mill kicked into high gear. To find out the truth about the future of Lighthouse Island we talked with Dr. David Miller-Martini, Vice-President, The Cost of Freedom Foundation, Inc.
The first thing many locals and visitors wanted to know is who was buying the property and will it remain open to the public. Dr. Miller-Martini, Vice-President, The Cost of Freedom Foundation, Inc. stated, “The Cost of Freedom Foundation is currently under contract to purchase the island. Given the importance of community in the Foundation’s future programs, the island, lighthouse, boat ramp, and Peace Park will remain open to the public. Additionally, the Tionesta Lions Club will still be doing Sherman Memorial Lighthouse tours.”
The Foundation’s mission is to support the development and advancement of innovative holistic healthcare models that integrate faith, nature, mind, body, and spirit to produce individualized treatment/care plans that possess the potential to provide a realistic and achievable path toward recovery and improved quality of life for Veterans diagnosed with PTSD and substance abuse. By honoring their sacrifices and acknowledging the importance of developing tailored interventions, we will remain unwavering in our commitment to providing Veterans with superior, life-changing medical and non-medical support services. Through this process, the Foundation seeks to be a beacon of light symbolizing strength, hope, and direction to Veterans striving to regain a sense of self-worth and renewed purpose for their lives.
According to the Pew Research Center, there are currently 18 million military veterans in the United States. Of these, the US Department of Veterans Affair, estimates that around 11-20% of Veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF) experienced PTSD in a given year. Among Gulf War Veterans, the estimated prevalence was approximately 12%, and for Vietnam Veterans, it was reported to be around 30%. According to the VA’s National Suicide Data Report, in 2022, an average of 20 Veterans die each day by suicide. Substance use disorders remain a significant concern within the Veteran population. The prevalence of substance use disorders among Veterans is estimated to be between 7-10%.
So, we now know who will soon own Lighthouse Island, which will remain open to visitors and locals to enjoy and use this special place. Now you are probably asking, what are they going to do with it?
Dr. Miller-Martini noted that The Cost of Freedom Foundation plans to invest approximately $10 million toward building infrastructure and establishing the program on the island. The program will employ between 45-50 professionals who will provide services to upwards of 40 male veterans. The Foundation’s holistic approach aims at treating the mind, body, and spirit as an integrated whole. The model also includes workforce training, education, medical care, life skills, and counseling. Studies have shown the power of nature in helping people deal with traumatic events/memories. What better place to be surrounded by nature than Lighthouse Island. After completing the program, it is our hope that many of these veterans will consider staying in the area to live, raise their families, and add needed talent to local work force. Finally, these veterans will become apart of our larger Tionesta family during and after completing the program, whereby they will have the option to access life-long medical and non-medical support services offered through the Foundation’s programs.”
In the sacred journey toward healing our revered veterans, a visionary and transformative approach unfolds—a holistic treatment model meticulously designed to address the profound complexities of PTSD and substance use disorder. This groundbreaking paradigm seamlessly integrates the triad of mind, body, and spirit, drawing inspiration from the Christian perspective to offer a profound tapestry of restoration.
You and find more information at thecostoffreedom.org.
