Granby, CO -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/20/2014 -- Project Sanctuary took the next step in preparing for projected growth in retreat offerings for military families, electing two new members to its Board of Directors. Joseph “Joe” Morrin and Lt. Col. (Dr.) David Tharp will each serve two-year terms.

“Project Sanctuary is thrilled with the addition of more than just two new board members,” said Heather Ehle, founder and CEO. “Joe and David are two incredible men who bring vast talents to our team, along with passion and vision to help Project Sanctuary take the next necessary steps to continue our pattern of growth so that we can serve more military families.”

Joe Morrin is Senior Vice President, Financial Planning for First Command Financial Services in Fort Worth, TX, responsible for the underlying planning philosophy of the company. In addition to financial planning, his responsibilities include oversight of First Command Tax Services and First Command’s property and casualty insurance agency. In addition, Joe serves on the boards of First Command Life Insurance Company and First Command Financial Planning, subsidiaries of First Command Financial Services. Prior to joining First Command, he spent several years in the United States Army, attaining the rank of captain.

Joe and his family, wife Dana and son Colby, were active with Project Sanctuary prior to Joe’s election to the Board of Directors. The most recent Project Sanctuary retreat marked the third time they have volunteered.

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve in such a worthwhile organization,” said Joe. “I can think of no group more deserving of our service and attention than our veterans returning home from deployment. I look forward to working with Heather Ehle and her staff, along with the Board of Directors. Project Sanctuary makes a real difference in the lives of our military members and their families.”

Lt. Col. (Dr.) David Tharp is a licensed psychologist for both the Veterans Administration (VA) and the United States Air Force. As a VA psychologist, David works for the VA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans located at the VA hospital in Waco, TX, helping facilitate research for those who have suffered both from PTSD and TBI. In the Air Force, David works at the Air Force Academy as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee, helping cadets navigate their future and career as an Air Force officer.

In October 2010, David deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he “triple hatted” as the Medical Advisor, Preventative Medicine Expert, and Environmental Engineer to the Commander, Kandahar Airfield (COMKAF). While serving in this capacity, he managed 28 countries’ medical assets, was the Army’s lead consultant on psychological issues, coordinated the first MRI into theater, and was a liaison to the commander of the Role 3 (trauma hospital). David received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service in a combat zone.

He also won the 2012 Air Force Veterans Administration Employee of the Year Award and is an assistant professor at Texas A&M, Health Sciences Center, College of Medicine.

David and his family are intimately familiar with Project Sanctuary, having attended a retreat in the summer of 2013.

“I can think of no greater honor or privilege than to serve those who have served our great nation, through Project Sanctuary,” said David. “This national award winning, not-for profit organization facilitates the family reintegration process in a way that exceeded our family’s expectations. Project Sanctuary’s holistic focus on physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial needs helps military families reconnect and grow in so many ways. I feel a deep sense of responsibility as a board member with Project Sanctuary to be entrusted with our nation’s greatest asset – the military family. One leaves the healing environment of Project Sanctuary retreats with tools, resources, friendships and connections that will last a lifetime!”

See more at http://bit.ly/1dW1ymG.

About Project Sanctuary
Founded in 2007, Project Sanctuary takes our military families from battle-ready to family-ready by providing six-day, outdoor, therapeutic retreats in a healing environment and ongoing family support services for two years following each retreat. Sponsors that help make the retreats possible include the USO, First Command Financial Services, Aimco Cares, Healthy Marriage Project, YMCA of the Rockies, SM Energy, Rocky Mountain Ace Hardware, and JetBlue.

More information is available online at www.projectsanctuary.us.