What Is Veterans Helping Veterans

By Eloise Hewitt


Unless you have spent time in an active combat zone it is very difficult to understand what our soldiers experience or the effect it can have on them when they return home. Many have trouble readjusting to civilian life because disabilities suffered while in Iraq or Afghanistan and many still suffer from other conflicts that happened during the past century. The needs of our returning troops is being addressed by organizations that use veterans helping veterans as their most productive tool.

Working with the military system in an attempt to get benefits can be difficult if you are not familiar with the benefits available or how to access them successfully. The organizations that are most helpful for returning troops are those that involve volunteers who have also been in combat. Many volunteers are themselves disabled or have suffered with PTSD and know how difficult it is to live with. They also know that there is no short term solution to PTSD.

Because so many veterans are homeless many agencies offer places where they can stop in for a hot meal, clean clothing and a bath on a regular basis. They must be sober when they use the facilities. They will also find people very much like themselves in the facilities and they can stay all day if they choose to. They may also be able to get assistance with other things while they are there. Housing and medical attention as well as legal assistance references are available to them.

Other agencies specialize in referral services. They have resources that can guide their clients to whatever assistance they need. They offer assistance with the paperwork associated with the referrals and many times will transport the client to the appropriate agency to help expedite the claims.

Many times the services available to vets can be found in one place and some of the agencies make it a point to have all available information for them on hand at all times. They pride themselves on being the go to resource for vets. They will take the time to find out what an individual is qualified to receive and then assist with obtaining those services.

Nearly all returning troops are eligible for tuition allowing them to attend college and there are vocational programs available to them as well. Volunteers at veteran agencies can help them access these benefits easily. They are also able to help access pensions and disability claims. All of these benefits help returning soldiers continue being productive members of society.

Support groups are a very big part of recovery programs that are offered. Most have a licensed therapist available to facilitate and they are open to everyone. Families and parents of the veteran are encouraged to participate because they are such a large part of the soldiers life. These groups often gather to visit persons who have been incarcerated or those who live in homeless shelters to offer them hope and encouragement.

The number of troops who return home only to end up homeless is horrific. These men and women have served with honor and deserve the very best we can offer in return. Having the agencies who offer these services to them at no cost is no small step towards that end. Giving access to referral services, personal contact with peers and assistance obtaining benefits they are eligible for makes the effort worthwhile.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment