Ron Shinkle
In December of 2021 I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Aro at a 5k fundraiser in Laughlin, Nevada. It
was just a chance meeting and during our conversion I discovered that Mark was a facilitator for
Operation PTSD (Purpose, Teamwork, Service, and Dedication). I mentioned to him that I had a claim
pending that was subsided in October 2019. Mark told me that I could contact him with Questions and
he would also look into the status of my claim. I told him I would wait another couple of months to let
the system catches up on the backlog of claims due to the COVID pandemic and Agent Orange
submissions. Finally in July 2022 I contacted Mark. Within 24 hours I was contacted by one of his
colleagues. She was in constant contact with me either asking for additional information or providing
status updates. In December 2022 Mark called to inform me of a PACT (Promise to Address
Comprehensive Toxics) Event in San Diego. After attending the PACT event I learned that my claim was
under review. Shortly threader a decision was rendered that was very positive in my favor. It was
through Mark’s resources and willingness to help that lunately led me to the right point of contact. I
highly recommend the Operation PTSD Group and specially Mark Aro to anyone who needs to deal
with the Veteran’s Administration.
Richard Ysais Vietnam Veteran 1965 / 1966
✓ Once again, Thank you to operation PTSD, in an effort to establish a place of restoration, joy and beauty, yes, a place of unity for body and soul ? At one time we had a beautiful sanctuary;a 9 hole golf course , where many veterans of all levels of golf could partake in the wonderful sport, old and young alike, were lifelong friendships, were created more over you ask , veterans with equal mindset, lifelong experiences of service to our country. For example, many who served in different eras World War II, the Pacific , lost in war Vietnam and many others not to mention. Yes all with like minded set . Where vets from different timeZones , could come to express themselves with like-minded war and peace life-changing experiences ! In retrospect, this was a place of safety unity, peace, ok tranquility. You asked what do you mean ? we were our own mental health experts ; in other words we had All been in the same , foxhole of life and death situations from Frontline soldiers to all those helping and support. Yes, all that time we served , our country and in God we trust now and forever. Furthermore, I would like to thank the efforts of operation PTSD, Mark, Aro in collaboration with Tim Penix, Travis Miller, site manager, Mr. Green, the distinguish Mr. merchant, who has helped restore the vision of unity and peace of mind to us vets , at the Sepulveda VA , the mindset of recreation to a vision of restoration to help vets in their endeavors. 🌷🌝Also to start with thank you to Home Depot for being the first to jump. in and helping this endeavor , for their generous support, garden equipment, plants, and a time of fellowship with many workers from Home Depot from around the valley, giving of their time to help ; thank you once again to present task at hand, the Boy Scouts have also shown their leadership by helping out in beautification projects to help us and themselves in their Eagle Scout efforts ;thank you Boy scouts ! Jeremiah 30:17 for I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal , declares the Lord, because they have called you a Outcast it is Zion, for whom no one cares “🙉🙈🐵🙀🫶 psalm 51:12 restore to me , the joy of your salvation, and uphold, me with a willing spirit☝️✍️ Lastly at present time I would like to thank all those with the same mindset, yes, to sand building supply in San Fernando owner Oscar Sandoval, who has graciously and without reservations donated materials for a putting green at heroes corner with much appreciation we acknowledge your support🫵🙏🏻💥 thank you hook for your vision, first and foremost thank you my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the strength and vision. You have given us plus to all vets and non-vets for their support Furthermore, thank you to those vets with lifelong injuries, who have lifted a finger to help I know you were hurting, but any effort to help has been deeply appreciated from picking up trash to raking , shoveling or just a thank you for your efforts also to those who have silently paid for labors to help , thank you 🌞🌦️Jeremiah, 29:11 for I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord plans for welfare, not for evil to give you a future and hope🌎☄️💫🌈🔥
thank you operation PTSD 02/01/2025
Kevin Proulx
You can put it something like this Mark Aro from Operation PTSD. A veterans group is known to take time with veterans and get them started on submitting VA claims and other VA services. Mark Aro is the best of the best in helping veterans like me receive every benefit I am entitled to!
Mark is the CEO. of “Operation PTSD” - A well known veterans group created to help vets through the process of submitting a claim for whatever benefits we are entitled to. He’s incredible.
Thank You Kevin Proulx US Air Force 1979 to 1983

I met Ron and Connie Shinkle In Arizona in 11/2022