Morgan Watt calls Quantum Leap Farm his safe place. And safe places are sort of his specialty.
Morgan served in the Air Force’s security police, working with specially trained dogs to detect explosives. The work exposed him to concussive blasts and images he’d rather not recall. But it also took him around the world, safeguarding fellow warriors and world leaders alike – he was even assigned to clear sites for the President of the United States.
Morgan earned his pilot’s license while serving in the Air Force and started a second career as a commercial pilot. He loved the work, until migraine headaches and vertigo grounded him. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic broke the news that his pain had multiple causes – traumatic brain injuries, chronic concussion syndrome, anxiety, major depression and PTSD. He was forced to retire at age 42.
“Once you open Pandora’s Box, everything boils to the surface,” says Morgan. “There’s been so much trauma throughout my life – Air Force and beyond – that I had just basically denied ever happening as I tried to carry on. I found myself realizing I’ve got to face these demons. But just doing therapy sessions in an office wasn’t enough for me.”
Luckily, one of his therapists told him about the Warrior Mission: At Ease Retreat program at Quantum Leap Farm. During one weekend in the company of fellow service members, Morgan opened up to a multifaceted approach to healing. Professional practitioners in neurofeedback and craniosacral therapy for his chronic pain. Accelerated resolution therapy to better understand his PTSD. And equine therapy to help visualize his behavior and its effect on himself and others.
“I’ve ridden horses all my life and I didn’t know the emotional side of a horse,” says Morgan. “You don’t know what a horse can do until you’ve gone to Quantum Leap Farm.”
“It was just so peaceful,” he recalls of that first visit to the Farm. “I remember coming home and being so relaxed. The anxiety level had dropped and I was able to see things in a good light again.”
To be sure, Morgan has seen dark days since that first visit. This year, he underwent spinal fusion surgery to ensure that repeated whiplash and bone degeneration wouldn’t cost him the use of his left arm. Through it all, Quantum Leap Farm stayed in touch.
“They’ve been really good at reaching out and asking, ‘Hey, how you doing?’ And I’ve really, really appreciated that,” says Morgan. “It’s great to go back up there with the horses when I’m dealing with difficult days, especially with the chronic pain.”
“Quantum Leap Farm is just open arms,” he says. “More people – more veterans particularly – need this.”
This holiday season, your gift to Quantum Leap Farm can help meet the growing need.
We have stepped up our commitment to service members and their families by nearly doubling our plans for Warrior Mission: At Ease Retreats this fiscal year. We’ve expanded Military Family Fun Days at the Farm. And we’ve created a new program called Buddy Check that meets every other week for military members to return to the Farm and touch base with the horses, therapists and each other. In recognition of their service, no military member pays a penny for our services. That would not be possible without you. Over 90% of our income is dependent on the generosity of our donors. Thank you in advance for considering a gift to Quantum Leap Farm this holiday season.
When you choose to give to our Scholarship Fund you AND a scholarship recipient will receive
a Quantum Leap Farm – 2023 Calendar.
For more information about giving to Quantum, please contact our Development Director: Emily Westfall | Emily@QuantumLeapFarm.org | 813-920-9250 ext. 206
EIN: 59-3469464. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com
