As the heading of the article states “ask your fellow veteran,” the main purpose of these articles is to help them. However, the articles so far are based on the limited information that I share with you, the readers. Anyone can ask, veterans, family members of veterans, and civilians that never served in the military, but want to help our veterans, or are seeking help.
I am sure that some have very specific questions or problems that need to be answered or helped. Please do not hesitate to contact me for that help. I can best be contacted by email at Drfred72@Gmail.com.
Several problems face the veteran and the family where the veteran returns to civilian life. For example, while on active duty they held a rank where they told others not only what to do, but how to do it their way. When they come home, that leadership no longer exists. While they do not understand why, the family does not understand that change in them.
Other problems such as PTSD, Moral Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury, or physical injuries, make it hard for the veteran to return to civilian life. The family has no idea how to help them. Other issues in returning to civilian life include finding employment, and a place to live. In many cases their military job has better trained them in that field than anyone in the same civilian job, but do not know how to explain this to the civilian employer.
In some cases they need a civilian license to do that job in civilian life, need assistance where or how to pass the test to get that license.
If it’s difficult to understand that when they enlist in the service in their senior year of high school, the school and community often holds a great event congratulating them on their enlisting and give them a great fair-well. Years later when they return home, they are ignored for the most part. The time they spent in the military for the service and protection of our country and freedom should be acknowledged even more than their enlistment.
The organizations and others that sent them off into the service need to get together and give them a welcome home upon their return. They should mail those service people cards and letters while away. If this is done the veteran would feel more at home upon their return then they feel now.
True, many veterans that return home are not willing to talk about their military service time, usually because they believe you will not understand what they went through. They were taught to do things that many civilians would not understand or accept. This is especially true if they served in a combat area.
Help is available to you by calling the local VA hospital in Northport, (631) 261-4400 or Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255, press 1 to talk to a veteran or have a confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text to 838255.
If you have any question relating to veteran problems please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to answer it. Contact us at Drfred72@Gmail.com
Rev. Frederick Miller, Ph.D.