Veterans need various forms of support when they return from overseas, including health care, jobs services and opportunities to acquire housing. Because of how many veterans have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan in the past decade, as well as those who served in other previous wars, it has taken a town to get the job done, with local, state and federal government entities, as well as nonprofits and businesses, all contributing in some way or another.
Specialized services that match the needs of all veterans are still being researched, developed and released today, while funding for the relevant programs is being acquired through a range of government programs and private fundraising efforts. One new program has been announced through the Wounded Warrior Project, while another seeks to help veterans access new services.
Out to sea
The Wounded Warrior Project recently announced that it is beginning to offer a cruise out of Pensacola to veterans who were injured during service and want to learn more about marine life. The organization has worked on projects to boost awareness and drive the care of wounded veterans for years now, and has myriad programs that fit different needs of varying injured servicemembers.
Interestingly, the real goal of this program is to build more camaraderie among wounded veterans in the area, which is especially powerful because of many servicemembers' sentiments regarding the loneliness following retirement.
"I spent over half of my life being part of a team, and suddenly, I was alone," Air Force Veteran Frank Dailey II explained. "As a WWP Alumni I am part of a team again and through the years, WWP has been there for me and my family," Frank continued. "When my son and I both ended up in the hospital unexpectedly, my wife had to care for each of us. Afterwards, WWP invited my wife on a caregiver's retreat, which was a huge healing point for our family. She didn't realize how much pressure she was under until it was lifted for those few days. She was able to recharge from the challenges of caring for a husband and son with personal issues. I can't tell you how much that weekend meant to her and how much WWP is a part of our lives."
Veterans interested in this program or others offered through the Wounded Warrior Project can find more information on the organization's website.
Service fair
The Chanhassen Villager reported that the Carver-Scott Veterans Services Office, alongside the Scott County Veterans Services Office, will host a large resource fair for veterans in the area. The Minnesota-based event will have 25 different organizations present to provide veterans information regarding a range of matters, including education, housing, health care and jobs, the source explained.
According to the news provider, this fair has been successful in the past thanks to the fact that it makes veterans aware of all the services they might be eligible to apply for, and can improve their qualities of life as well.