UNC THRIVE Program

04/14/2026

A long-overdue wrong was finally made right after 56 years for Vietnam Veteran, Private Raymond Edison Dick.

On April 10th, 2026, after five decades of carrying the weight of a bad conduct discharge, Raymond was posthumously honored with the military recognition he had earned through his service. On the second anniversary of Raymond's passing, at Lakeview Memorial Park in Greensboro, NC, Raymond's family received the commemorative U.S. flag and military honors that should have been given to him long ago. This moment did not erase the injustice he endured for over 50 years, but it did restore the truth of his service and honor to his legacy for him and his family.

Professor John Brooker's team at the UNC Military and Veterans Law Clinic did the heavy lifting to correct Raymond's military record, but we are humbly honored that our UNC THRIVE Program played an instrumental role in this case from a medical perspective. Dr. Shawn Kane, our program's medical director and our UNC THRIVE Program team, worked alongside Professor John Brooker's team to help correct Raymond's military record. This was a powerful reminder that meaningful change often takes partnership/collaboration across medicine, law, advocacy, and most importantly, perseverance!

Raymond did not live to see this correction, and that makes the moment extremely sobering. But his wife of 54 years and family did. And so did his community, which refused to let his story be forgotten. His service mattered. His honor mattered. And this act of redemption mattered.

Rest in peace, Marine, we have the watch... Semper Fi.

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04/14/2026

A long-overdue wrong was finally made right after 56 years for Vietnam Veteran, Private Raymond Edison Dick.

On April 11th, 2026, after five decades of carrying the weight of a bad conduct discharge, Raymond was posthumously honored with the military recognition he had earned through his service. On the second anniversary of Raymond's passing, at Lakeview Memorial Park in Greensboro, NC, Raymond's family received the commemorative U.S. flag and military honors that should have been given to him long ago. This moment did not erase the injustice he endured for over 50 years, but it did restore the truth of his service and honor to his legacy for him and his family.

Professor John Brooker's team at the UNC Military and Veterans Law Clinic did the heavy lifting to correct Raymond's military record, but we are humbly honored that our UNC THRIVE Program played an instrumental role in this case from a medical perspective. Dr. Shawn Kane, our program's medical director and our UNC THRIVE Program team, worked alongside Professor John Brooker's team to help correct Raymond's military record. This was a powerful reminder that meaningful change often takes partnership/collaboration across medicine, law, advocacy, and most importantly, perseverance!

Raymond did not live to see this correction, and that makes the moment extremely sobering. But his wife of 54 years and family did. And so did his community, which refused to let his story be forgotten. His service mattered. His honor mattered. And this act of redemption mattered.

Rest in peace, Marine, we have the watch... Semper Fi.

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04/08/2026

This movie gives those who served a chance to reconnect. and walk alongside one another...

The UNC THRIVE Program is honored to partner with Perseverance Productions, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and Veterans Bridge Home for a special screening of Brothers After War on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

This film carries a powerful message about service, sacrifice, and the lifelong journey so many veterans and families continue to walk long after war. From Executive Producer Gary Sinise and Director/Producer Jake Rademacher, BROTHERS AFTER WAR brings forward honest stories of loss, brotherhood, healing, and hope.

We are especially grateful to be part of an event that creates space for veterans, service members, and their families to come together, reflect, and connect. Following the movie screening, Jake Rademacher and his brother, Joseph Rademacher, will host a seminar to continue important conversations.

Event Details:
12:00 PM–4:00 PM, Saturday, April 11, 2026
Regal North Hills, 4150 Main at North Hills St., Raleigh, NC 27609

This is a free event and includes lunch, the movie, a journal, and the seminar. Space is limited, so we encourage early registration.

Reserve your free seat here: https://baw.mov/41126

We here at the UNC THRIVE Program are thankful to stand alongside partners who care deeply about our veteran community and who understand the importance of remembering, listening, and walking with one another.

BROTHERS AFTER WAR is coming to Raleigh, NC!

03/25/2026

We are deeply grateful to be recognized as part of and thankful for the support that makes this mission possible.

At the UNC THRIVE Program, it is our privilege to serve veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders who are navigating the effects of TBI, PTSD, and related challenges. Every individual we meet brings a story marked by service, sacrifice, and resilience. Walking alongside them and their families through that journey is both a responsibility and an honor we do not take lightly.

This work is only possible because of people and partners who believe in caring for those who have carried so much for others. To , the UNC College of Arts and Sciences, and every donor helping sustain this important mission, thank you for standing with us. From all of us at the UNC THRIVE Program, thank you.

UNC THRIVE Program Donation Page: https://go.unc.edu/Dw27Y

03/16/2026

We’re deeply grateful to be recognized as part of and thankful for the support behind this mission.

At the UNC THRIVE Program, it is an honor to serve veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders working through the effects of TBI, PTSD, and related challenges. Every person we meet brings a story of service and resilience, and we are grateful to walk alongside them and their families on their journey.
From all of us at the UNC THRIVE Program team, humbly, thank you... Duty. Service. Honor.

To GiveUNC, the UNC College of Arts and Sciences, and everyone helping make this work possible, thank you for your generous donations to support this important work.

UNC’s THRIVE Program (Transforming Health and Resilience in Veterans) is helping veterans, active-duty military and first responders heal from TBI, PTSD, and more — at no cost. Since 2022, THRIVE has served 380+ people through its 3-day evaluation and guided 80+ participants through its 3-week outpatient program.

The College of Arts and Sciences is proud to highlight THRIVE as one of this year’s featured initiatives. To learn more visit: https://giveunc.unc.edu/college

03/12/2026

The UNC THRIVE Program at UNC-Chapel Hill is hiring an Intake Coordinator in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The posting opened March 11, 2026, and applications are due March 20, 2026.

This role is an important part of how we welcome and support Veterans seeking care for the lingering effects of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. The Intake Coordinator helps guide participants through the early stages of engagement with the program, making professionalism, communication, organization, and empathy essential to the work.

We are looking for someone who values mission-driven service, works well in a collaborative environment, and understands that first impressions matter. For many of the individuals we serve, this position helps set the tone for a supportive and respectful experience from the very beginning.
If you are interested in meaningful work that supports Veterans and First Responders and contributes to a dedicated interdisciplinary team, we encourage you to apply.

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ep4NDzik

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03/03/2026

Today, we recognize the birthday of the United States Navy Reserve, a force that has served our nation with distinction for more than a century.

Since its establishment in 1915, Navy Reservists have answered the call in times of war, crisis, and national need, balancing civilian lives with a continued commitment to serve their country. Their dedication, readiness, and professionalism embody the very best of military service.

At the UNC THRIVE Program, we have the privilege of working with veterans and service members from every branch of the Armed Forces, including many who served in the Navy and Navy Reserve. Their experiences remind us that the impacts of service do not always end when the uniform comes off. Invisible wounds such as traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress can continue long after service, and addressing those challenges is essential to long-term health and well-being.

Our mission at the UNC THRIVE Program is to provide interdisciplinary care that helps veterans and first responders better understand and manage the lasting effects of service, empowering them to live healthier and more connected lives.

On the Navy Reserve Birthday, we thank the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in this vital force

02/28/2026

Congrats to Hilary Lithgow! Teaching professor of English & Comparative Literature and a valued part of our UNC THRIVE Program team on receiving the UNC Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement!

Hilary’s impact runs deep, from undergraduate and graduate students to the military veterans she’s consistently helping with humility, patience, and real care. Her mentees describe her “ability to remember everyone’s story” and to build relationships with veterans and first responders that feel as meaningful as those formed during active service, which is about as strong a compliment as it gets.

Hilary, thank you for being part of our UNC THRIVE Program team and leading with your heart. Our community and program are better because of you. Duty. Service. Honor. UNC THRIVE Program

Congrats to Hilary Lithgow, teaching professor of English and comparative literature, for receiving the Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement. 🎉

Lithgow has had a profound impact on all her mentees, from undergraduate to graduate students, and, especially, military veterans. She developed the Warrior-Scholar Project, which assists with the transition from active duty to college life, and the UNC THRIVE Program for traumatic brain injury research.

Lithgow’s students wrote beautiful and heartfelt letters that spoke to her "ability to remember everyone’s story" and "foster relationships with veterans as meaningful as those they forged during active service."

Read more about Lithgow and all University Teaching Award recipients https://go.unc.edu/Ss58H

UNC English and Comparative Literature
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02/20/2026

UNC THRIVE Program is hiring for several positions!

THRIVE Medical Office Assistant Part-time:
https://go.unc.edu/Qa85T

Physical Therapist I - THRIVE Program in Chapel Hill, NC, United States: https://go.unc.edu/Yq8x3

Physical Therapist II - THRIVE Program in Chapel Hill, NC, United States:
https://go.unc.edu/y9B8H

Social Worker (MSW) - THRIVE Program in Chapel Hill, NC, United States:
https://go.unc.edu/Ti3r8

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC, United States:
https://go.unc.edu/e2C6D

02/04/2026

We had a very special visitor at our UNC THRIVE Program!

On January 30, 2026, Secretary Jocelyn Mallette of the North Carolina Military and Veteran Affairs (NCMVA) visited us in Chapel Hill to tour our clinical facilities and see how our program supports veterans and first responders in healing both physical and behavioral wounds. The Secretary made a point of engaging with all of our clinicians and staff who contribute daily to our mission.

After the tour, Secretary Mallette attended our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Knot Family Bridging Ceremony, where she spent time with veterans and first responders who had completed the 3-week IOP. She delivered an inspiring, personal speech to the graduates and our team, sharing her service in the U.S. Air Force, her family's history of service to our country, and her dedication to our military community.

We sincerely appreciate Secretary Mallette taking time out of her busy schedule to meet with our CEO, Jason Mihalik, Medical Director Dr. Shawn Kane, MD, and the entire UNC THRIVE Program team.

Madam Secretary, thank you for your visit and support of our veterans and first responders.