Hope and Help for Combat Veterans

I recently did a six-part series on my husband's service time to his country in Vietnam in 1966-67. I began writing this series due to the fact that my husband recently retired from his job as a truck driver, and suddenly found himself in the throes of dealing with the repressed memories and emotions from those days.

This, of course, took both of us by surprise just a little bit, but since I had dealt with my own repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse, I was familiar with the signs and symptoms of repressed memories. It seems that no matter what we shove down inside our soul, it will one day start pushing its way back out. Because of many sleepless nights, bouts of depression along with generalized irritability and frustrations in my normally easy-going husband, we began to search for help. Since he was also in an area of Vietnam where Agent Orange was a factor, he will also be checked out for physical issues stemming from exposure.

We recently received some brochures from the Department of Veterans Affairs which provides us with some much needed information on obtaining mental health counseling for my Vietnam Veteran husband. Since we live north of Nashville, TN and actually in closer proximity to Bowling Green, KY, we found that he could obtain the help he needs in Bowling Green. That alone was a tremendous help since driving into Nashville in all the heavy traffic is a stress all its own and not something he needs to do at the moment.

I wanted to include some information for any veteran who has served during wartime. The brochure lists some of the issues that are experienced by veterans who have been involved in combat:

Marriage/Relationship Issues

Medical Issues

Financial Hardships

Endless Questions from Family/Friends

Guilt or Shame

Lack of Structure

Feelings of Isolation

Nightmares or Sleeplessness

Lack of Motivation or Forgetfulness

Anger, Irritability, Rage

Alcohol or Substance Abuse

Depression or Anxiety Attacks

Just reading through this list helped my husband discover that he had so many of the feelings and issues listed. Sometimes it is hard to put into words exactly how we feel and brochures and books on this topic can be very helpful. It also helps to "normalize" the experience as we recognize that we are not alone in the issues. They are common to combat veterans.

Veterans from the following periods of combat are eligible for readjustment counseling:

World War II

Korean War

Merchant Marines (December 1941- August 1945)

Vietnam War

Lebanon

Grenada

Panama

Persian Gulf

Somalia

Former Yugoslavia

Global War on Terrorism September, 2001 -

The services are offered to veterans at a very low cost, if any. You can call your local VA Hospital or make application online for Application for Medical Benefits

For MORE INFORMATION

or call 1-866-496-8838

Along with the brochures and the counseling services offered by the Veterans Administration, we also obtained some books and DVDs by Dave Roever who is also a survivors of the Vietnam War. His books can be purchased at any book store and serve as a wonderful help to any combat veteran.

There is much hope and help for our Veterans and admitting that help is needed is not cause for shame or a sign of weakness. You served your country well and now we desire to give back to each of you. By understanding where you are right now in your life, as we offer to you a listening ear and heart, a hug, a word of encouragement, just know that we are very proud of you!

Source:

Vet Center - Readjustment Counseling Service Brochure