HBOT Conversations Ep 2.10 | Jim Hooker & HBOT For Vets (Part 1)

Jim Hooker, an 83-year-old retired Navy Vietnam veteran, joins HBOT News Network to share his journey from serving in the military to becoming the Chief Operating Officer of the Wounded In Action Family Foundation. The foundation aimed to support injured veterans by helping them transition home after discharge from hospitals.

Jim recounts his early experiences with the foundation, particularly a case involving a triple amputee veteran who suffered severe brain damage from an explosion. Despite extensive efforts and financial investment, the veteran's condition did not improve significantly, leaving Jim frustrated.

His life took a turn when he came across Dr. Paul Harch discussing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on television. Intrigued, Jim visited the Harch Institute in New Orleans to learn more about HBOT's potential for veterans with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Jim was introduced to Major Ben Richards, a severely injured Army veteran who had experienced significant TBI and was initially told to accept his "new normal." Ben became suicidal but discovered HBOT, leading to a remarkable recovery after a series of treatments. This encounter with Ben inspired Jim to advocate for HBOT as a life-changing therapy for veterans with brain injuries.

Jim collaborated with State Legislators and Congress members in North Carolina, lobbying for funding to provide HBOT treatment for veterans. Senate Bill 442 was passed, allocating $150,000 for veterans to receive 40 or more HBOT sessions. Jim played a pivotal role in educating decision-makers about the effectiveness of HBOT for veterans.

The HBOT for Vets website was launched, and Jim coordinated the distribution of funds to approved veterans for HBOT sessions at Extivita-RTP. He encourages veterans suffering from brain injuries to consider HBOT, emphasizing that progress can be slow but ultimately transformative.

Jim's journey is a testament to his unwavering faith and determination to help veterans through HBOT. He expresses gratitude for meeting Ed di Girolamo, who shares his passion for advocating HBOT's potential to improve the lives of veterans.

This interview is part one of a two-part series, with part two scheduled for release next week.