How to Help Iraq War Veterans

The number of Iraq War veterans is increasing. While some veterans return to their former lives with minimal stress, many more veterans experience frustrations and challenges. Sadly, there isn't always an adequate amount of support to help guide veterans through rough times.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Be a good friend and listener. Allow the person to talk, but don't ask too many questions about their experiences. If they decide to talk about their experiences, listen actively and non-judgmentally.

2. Watch for signs of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). Look for flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, phobias, hyper arousal, sleep problems, irritability, poor concentration, blackouts, poor memory and startle reaction. If you suspect PTSD, contact the National Center for PTSD at [phone].

3. Encourage the veteran to contact the local VA Medical Center for medical assistance if needed. Call the Veterans Administration at [phone] to identify your local VA office.

4. Help the veteran find a job by contacting the Department of Labor's, VETS Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program. Go to the Department of Labor's website to get the phone number for your local office. If the veteran is disabled, call the Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services at (877) 222-838.

5. Assist homeless Iraq War veterans by connecting him with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Contact them at (800) VET-HELP.

6. Go to the website for the Iraq War Veterans Association, Inc. Find resources on employment, education, family support and giveaways.

7. Volunteer your time at one of the VA facilities. Go to the VA website, fill out the form and wait for them to contact you.

Resources

• VETS Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program
• Iraq War Veterans Association, Inc. website
• Volunteer form at the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs website

[nyguurl]

on 1/18/2009 2- ussoilder73, hey,i really dont understand life, at times, but i know when things get 2 the point where i am sooo lost, and cant c a light. things kick in a do change, 4 the better. i battle every day.i dont talk 2 anyone about,i use 2 write (which was my way of ventin). dont give up. u can only go up,when u go so low. thats one thought i keep in mind. WISHIN U DA BEST SWEETIE. NY_GUURL

[ussoldier73]

on 10/18/2008 To whom it may concern,
My life is a total wreck.After coming home from the war. Before I even went to the wash racks gearing up to come back to the US. My ex-wife tells me if i come to the house when I get back she was going to have me arrested. That she was putting a restraining on me cause I was to violent in arguments we had over the phone while in country. That was a clue I was jacked up. In my mind she was messed up even saying that. I was a very successful banker in New York prior to heading off to war. I had been with my wife then girlfriend for six years we had a three year old daughter and 12 year old stepdaughter both was extremely attached to me. Life was great we had bought a four bed, three bath house in Florida, pool and hot tub in closed. With plans to move from New York and settle down south with money in the bank. Something we had in the works for years. It was a very