Oregon Combat Veterans and Their Families Turn To Community Groups For Care

Experts say veterans shy away from the stigma of mental health issues. But strict confidentiality at RVRP enables them to receive help as long as needed, and none of the information is added to their military records.

This soldier is on his final helicopter flight, heading home from a year of war in Afghanistan to a future that may be hard to predict Photo by: Tim King

(SALEM) - Sometimes the needs of the returning vets go beyond the scope of what the Veterans’ Administration and centers can provide; a new organization, Returning Veterans Resource Project NW, assists in filling this gap.

Afghanistan patrol by Tim King

Shortly after September 11th, 2001, American forces attacked Taliban positions in Afghanistan in retaliation for the attacks on the United States led by Osama Bin Laden. They have been there ever since and hostilities in the region are again on the uprise.

Then, on March 3rd, 2003, the President of the United States declared war on Iraq, under claims that the government of Saddam Hussein possessed large quantities of weapons of mass destruction.

It became known as the second “Gulf War.” This war has now lasted longer than World War II and has claimed 3,175 American lives with an official total of American wounded at 23,785.

The war in Iraq has been disclaimed by many as being unjustly perpetrated by our President because the “weapons of mass destruction” never manifested. Regardless, the nation’s pride for our fighting men and women overshadows the frustration and anger many Americans feel about the correctness of this war.

Soldiers returning home from war often require care of a different nature too, to treat and help them deal with emotional injuries that go beyond the physical, which is where there exists a gap in treatment.

While the Veterans Administration staff has been trying to cope with the needs of the returning veterans, they are often at a loss to keep up, as sometimes the requirements go beyond the scope of what the VA can offer.

Fortunately, an organization in Portland, Returning Veterans Resource Project NW, is helping to fill the void the Veteran’s Administration is struggling to meet.

Carol Levine, the group's founder and Board President, says the individuals who contact their organization appreciate the extra help they receive. The VA makes referrals to RVRP for cases that need more immediate attention and help for counseling and other psychological or alternative needs.

Courtesy: taurai.co.zw

Many veterans are not willing to have the stigma of mental health issues and so they may put off getting help, according to Levine. But strict confidentiality at RVRP enables them to receive help as long as needed, and she says none of the information is added to their military records.

The long wait to get an appointment at the Veterans’ centers or waiting for a response to inquiries can sometimes exacerbate issues. Levine says RVRP can help alleviate this by offering their assistance immediately.

One unexpected twist according to Levine, is the influx of Vietnam vets at Veterans’ centers who have been experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms as a result of the Iraq war.

The trauma of having served in war has revived a condition in many veterans referred to as post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD.

This has been a term utilized since the Vietnam War, and unfortunately for some, this condition is still prevalent. The symptoms of PTSD can begin soon after arriving home or maybe months or years later. They can begin with trouble sleeping or nightmares and some become hyper alert, startled by sudden noises, irritable, angry, depressed and anxious.

Courtesy: defensetech.org

Levine went on to say that returning veterans will sometimes avoid conversations about their experiences in the war and will be agitated over discussions about trivial things. Some vets experience a “reverse” cultural shock when returning home and have difficulty concentrating.

She remembers one veteran saying, “I came home doing all the things I used to do but did not enjoy them as before.” Just getting back into our society after being in combat in a completely different part of the world can be very difficult, adding more stress on their families.

Experts say the veterans need the help and resources of the Veteran’s Administration and as stated in the VETS NEWS, March/April 2007 edition; "undiagnosed medical symptoms continue to hamper the wellness of our returning soldiers."

According to VETS NEWS, combat veterans have two years of free VA health care and as stated by Public Law 105-368, the VA is authorized to provide cost-free health care services for the combat-weary soldiers. Even so, the void in treatment and lack of help especially for mental health issues still exist.

The mission statement of the Returning Veteran’s Resource Project NW gives insight as to the benefits offered and the needs they meet.

Courtesy: ptsdhelp.net/DoD

“Returning Veterans Resource Project NW is a nonprofit organization comprised of politically unaffiliated and independent mental health professionals who offer free and confidential counseling to veterans and their families of past and current Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns.

We believe it is our collective responsibility to offer education, support, and healing for the short and long-term repercussions of military combat on veterans and their families.”

RVRP does not claim to be a replacement for Veteran’s Administrative services but offers alternative and/or adjunct resources for veterans and active-service military personnel who need the assurance their files are maintained with ultimate confidentiality and that nothing will be included on their military records.

Veterans are also assured that longer-term services are available as well as services for their families – children, spouses and parents.

RVRP offers continuing education to the community to help raise awareness and also offer specific training for therapists and others who work with returning veterans and their families.

Veteran's advocates believe that the needs of our returning soldiers and their families are paramount. If the Veterans Administration is unable to fully meet the demands, then it may serve the veterans well if more support groups, professionals, and organizations like RVRP become involved.

Below are some links that give additional information on some of the issues touched on in this story.

Returning Veterans Resource Project NW: returningveterans.com

Oregon Veterans Affairs: oregon.gov/ODVA/

Wikipedia: Iraq War: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_War

Anti-War.com- Casualties in Iraq: antiwar.com/casualties/

William Tell House: williamtemple.org

CranioSacral Therapy LLC: CranioSacralRhythm.com