Veterans

I wanted to amplify the Veteran's Job and Resource Fair my brother coordinates in the Elgin area. 

Veteran's Summit - Elgin, IL May 22, 2012 9:00-1:00pm

There will be lots of services there which could be helpful for veterans.  You can also find out information about the fair by going to the Elgin Community College Calendar at www.elgin.edu .

If you are looking for resources they are out there.  There is free mental health counseling for veterans of the OIF/OEF campaigns through Give An Hour.

You can also look up services through the VA at Veterans Administration or get information from National Veterans Foundation .

You are not alone.  There is assistance out there!

May is...

May is National Military Appreciation Month.

Thank-you all who served our country.  For more information visit  Military Appreciation Month and for links to the VA and Give an Hour visit  Julie Fanning Vet Resources. 

Veterans Day

Thursday, November 11th is Veterans Day in the United States. 

Obviously, people have different views but I am appreciative of all those who served this country.  Service is noble and honorable and worthy of praise.

If you are a veteran there are resources and services available to you.  Wherever you live in the US there should a Veteran’s Service Officer who can assist you with obtaining benefits and assistance.  Don’t hesitate to ask.

Veterans Administration  or do an internet search “county veterans service officer”

Another organization, Give an Hour offers mental health counseling for free to individuals who served in Iraq and Afghanistan – and their families with mental health needs.  This is a free service and licensed therapists donate their time to assist military and their families.

Obtaining mental health is assistance is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.  Events from 40 years ago can creep up on you and contribute to feelings and behaviors right now.  If you believe talking to someone may help or even if you think that it probably won’t help but you are willing to try, take that chance and find a therapist.

The last of my ramblings is to recommend a book Tears of a Warrior: A Family's Story of Combat by Janet and Anthony Seahorn.   This book is easy to read and seems beneficial for Veterans, those who love them and even clinicians who treat them, it talks about the long term effects of PTSD.

To all Veterans – Thank You for your service. 

(And of course below are the quotes I can’t help but add.)

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” 

~Cynthia Ozick

“America's veterans embody the ideals upon which America was founded more than 229 years ago.”

~Steve Buyer

"In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." ~Jose Narosky