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September 3, 2010

EDITORIAL: Patriot Hills: a perfect fit

Press-Republican

Those of us fortunate to live within sight or a short drive of the glorious Adirondack Mountains might tend to take the tranquility and beauty found here for granted.

Those working to ensure its vast recreational opportunities and critical environmental balance remain intact are protective of the land, streams and wildlife that share these same forestlands.

These ideals are the same that dictate whether certain proposals find any footing in and around the High Peaks.

One idea gaining momentum in the region might be an exact fit for all those concerned, since it promises to use the peaceful healing powers of the Adirondacks to solve a national crisis by using advanced medical research from world-renowned professionals already working here.

Patriot Hills in Saranac Lake is a proposed $30 million retreat and research center to serve the many specialized needs of combat-traumatized American troops returning to civilian life.

Outrage swelled in 2007 when it was learned that returning soldiers and Marines were being warehoused in deplorable, unsanitary conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center with little treatment and no dignity.

The revelation induced national shame that military and political officials vowed to erase.

For its part, Saranac Lake wants to be the pilot site for the government's plans to help these people as well as the thousands who will come after them until the Middle East wars have ended.

Troops suffering from post-traumatic-stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and other forms of mental, emotional and psychological impairment are even more challenged as they attempt to return to civilian life and their lives with their families, neighbors and co-workers.

The retreat would offer a calming, rejuvenating place to seek needed counseling, treatment and healing as well as a chance to obtain job-placement services, drug- and alcohol-rehabilitation, help with college, skills training and more.

Patriot Hills has already received foundation pledges totaling $50,000 and has hopes of securing $6 million through the federal Department of Defense budget.

It is also seeking help from additional corporate sponsors, service clubs, civic organizations and military groups.

Every locale in the country is looking for that unique niche that adds economic vigor and raises the profile of the region. This would be the perfect fit for Saranac Lake.

The village has a long history of curing, dating back to the time when legendary author Robert Louis Stevenson and others came to breathe the restorative air of the Adirondacks. It has been a global center for research into diseases, their causes and cures for many decades.

Furthermore, the North Country had, until 1996, an uninterrupted, indispensable military presence. Warfare, healing ... the two are naturals for this region.

We earnestly hope the drive to land Patriot Hills in Saranac Lake gains the immediate momentum it needs for success.

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