Home for Veterans
Coming home for some war veterans means slipping off the track of chasing a fading American dream. Despite the yellow ribbons of support for the troops festooning patriotic front yards and backs of cars, there’s an army of homeless former soldiers seeking shelter in cities and towns across this country. Compounding the shock of becoming homeless can be another bitter discovery: Few communities provide programs to help veterans who hit a rough patch get back on their feet. Consequently, an estimated 154,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Comments
avahome
May 9, 2009 - 22:08
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My husband returned from VietNam war
in 1971. I will say it took him a good year to bounce back from the two years of military service which he did not volunteer for as he was DRAFTED. We have to get real and realize that Veterans need a whole lot of support from family, friends, higher education and community. I cannot imagine what it takes to reorient a veteran that was injured.....healing can take whatever time it needs but a good emotional lifeline speeds physical healing.
Back in the VietNam war days, everyone knew someone who served in that war. Not so with Iraq/Afghanistan. Our government for its own reasons seems to have isolated these servicemen. I don't know how to change this...but I do know that being able to see the returning caskets at Dover AFB brings it all home if one cares to read the article and view the pics.
My husband rarely speaks about his war experience but after hurricane Ike struck our small city and we were driving around for a look see the wind damage was awesome to trees, buildings, poles, etc.and he told me this is what a war zone looks like. Vets never forget. We must do all we can to help our Vets and do it now!
Jan Barry
May 11, 2009 - 23:11
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Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing your famiily's experience. Any way that a community discussion can take place on these issues is a good start.