Photo:leopilakphoto.com

Dry Hootch is a new coffee shop on Brady Street. It's also a resource for American military veterans to talk with other veterans about their experiences in combat.

For the most part, it's a regular coffee shop. Customers can get specialty espresso drinks and bakery, but they can also sign up for a support group. They provide information on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other issues soldiers face when they return home from combat.

Some stats say over a third of soldiers returning from Iraq have some level of PTSD. Dry Hootch is trying to fight that by making sure soldiers have a non-threatening place to come to to talk with people that can directly relate to them.

I spoke with Director of Communications and Iraq veteran Allison Kitzerow about how and why Dry Hootch is trying to help soldiers.

Here Allison sheds some light on the statistics of issues veterans are facing today:

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In this piece Allison shares a success story of a soldier who was having a hard time adjusting when he returned from Iraq. That soldier is now helping others get over their issues:

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Members of the community can get involved in a variety of ways at Dry Hootch. Allison has the details:

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This year, we ask you to adopt one or two organizations that connect with you. Want to get involved with Dry Hootch? Donate, volunteer, or check out their work yourself. Visit their website for more information.