THE
Resurrection
OF OUR
Veterans
Military members volunteer their service, putting their lives at risk for an accident, injury, illness, and even death. Their sacrifices allow the rest of the country to continue living safely and securely. When veterans are discharged or retired from service (depending on the type of discharge), they are promised certain benefits, including VA healthcare services. These resources are crucial to veterans suffering from physical and mental distress, such as injuries received from active duty and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Today, veterans have access to various services. The following services are in place to assist homeless veterans, newly discharged veterans from the military as well Marines such as myself who were discharged 30 years ago.
These services range from mental health, substance abuse, HUD VASH (Case management-section 8 housing) Attorney/legal services Homeless Court, and opportunities to assess and apply for service-connected pensions.
Several services are in place to assist veterans in transitioning back into society, end homelessness, and the mitigation and possible deletion of minor legal infractions.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) partners with several community service providers in order to address the escalating mental health and substance abuse crisis threatening veterans around the country. Substance abuse often begins with an individual self-medicating for mental health concerns such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Veterans in search of PTSD treatment, substance abuse treatment, and mental health treatment can be treated by the VA Medical Center.
As an example, once a veteran has agreed to substance abuse treatment and mental health treatment, the veteran has an opportunity to utilize their VA benefits in order to seek treatment from the VA Medical Center. In the event veterans opt out of using government services, they are provided with community resources in which they can seek the same or similar services.
These services can and will enrich the lives of the veteran. It is understood that housing is an essential aspect of life. In fact, one can reference Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
This particular housing model is currently being utilized in San Diego County. This resource provided by the VA has proven to be a necessity for veterans and society as a whole.
There is a team of social workers who, throughout the year, venture into the community (San Diego County as well as North San Diego County) in search of homeless veterans. The veteran may relinquish his or her name, Social Security number, and branch of service so that the social worker can enter the database and begin the process of connecting the veteran to the necessary services to reinstate their lives back into society. This is where HUD VASH comes in.
The Housing and Urban Development -VA Supportive Housing (HUD VASH) program is a highly effective service that assists veterans in reintegrating back into society. It also often results in reconnecting veterans with their families.
This program is made up of highly educated and well-rounded clinicians (Social Workers, Housing Specialists, Addiction Therapists, Nurse Practitioners, Employment Specialists, etc.) who have a passion and thorough understanding of what it entails to assist in the “resurrection” of veterans. Collectively, like a well-oiled machine, each department works together to yield a positive outcome for each veteran.
Once the veteran has entered into HUD VASH, they are supported for at least the next 18 months or until their treatment goals have been met. Many veterans enter into the program without a driver’s license, bus pass or any means to attend scheduled appointments. Fortunately, this is not a problem. The HUD VASH team has a fleet of vehicles in which they can assist the Veteran to and from their appointments.
In regards to housing homeless veterans, this particular intervention process is nothing short of breathtaking. The process typically begins with qualifying the veteran for housing. The veteran must be eligible to receive VA healthcare and not have been convicted for rather “sensitive” offenses. If the veteran is unable to meet the criteria for such services, they are provided with other resources to assist them.
Once the veteran has been cleared, the necessary paperwork has been completed and the veteran has remained consistently engaged in the housing process, the veteran can be housed within 90 days.
This support system intervenes on behalf of the willing and qualified veterans of whom many have lived under bridges, in alleys, on the streets, and/or were incarcerated.
They are provided with various services, such as:
• dental needs
• vision
• hearing
• clothing
• transportation (bus pass)
• service-connected pensions
• VA benefits for education
• home purchases
Many veterans seek ways in which they can mend severed relationships. Veterans are provided with resources in which they can accomplish their goals.
Moreover, veterans who become incarcerated have access to ‘vet modules’. These modules are designed to assist veterans in addressing various levels of mental health, like PTSD and homelessness. The overall camaraderie is proving to be essential in the reforming process. Fortunately, veterans understand the concept of working together and rendering support to each other when in need. Veterans tend to inadvertently model positive behaviors in front of incarcerated civilians.
From a clinical standpoint, helping someone else can be edifying and may yield internal joy, which in turn exudes positive behavior. The HUD VASH program also has a Veterans Justice Outreach program designed to help Veterans transition back into society and possibly into HUD VASH for housing services etc.
While this concept is still in its infancy, the idea is slowly spreading throughout San Diego county and other jurisdictions.
Veterans of the past (Vietnam, Korean War, etc.) didn’t have access to these services, nor did they often seek help. Fortunately, today, veterans who desire and are eligible to receive help from the Veteran Administration Medical Center services are more than welcome to partake in such services.
Please, if you know of a veteran who needs help, please encourage them to visit their local VA Medical Center or facility. Many of us have family members who are veterans. We should encourage veterans to always maintain annual physicals and their various appointments. Let us also not forget that there are female veterans that also face homelessness, mental health crises, and substance abuse issues. Please do your part and help those who have served our country. Also, let us not take for granted that if a person presents as doing well is actually doing well.
Self-Care and Encouragement
As a Marine Corp Veteran (Infantry-Machine Gunner), it was drilled into our heads that “pain is evil leaving the body, keep it moving, Marine!” In other words, veterans are not conditioned to seek help. There is a heavy stigma attached to seeking help. Self-care is essential. This writer believes in order to experience a healthier life, it is paramount that we seek support from doctors, clergy, support groups, and “healthy” family and friends. Proper nutrition, rest, exercise spirituality/religion (if applicable) are also key components to a healthier way of life. Please let us not forget how fulfilling it is to donate our time to others and the community.
With all due respect, to the person or people reading this article and can relate; please know that it is ok to “take a knee” and conduct an honest assessment of your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Please believe me, it’s ok to be ok!
Recap
Today, veterans have an opportunity to “resurrect” their lives and we as a people (village) are encouraged to assist our veterans as often as we can. Self-care is essential and it’s “ok to be ok.”
Appreciation
I would like to thank God, Carmen Robbins and the AJA for this opportunity, as well as our country for establishing the above-mentioned services. I have seen firsthand how these programs help re-establish veterans’ lives. Sincerely, thank you very much for your time.
Be well and God Bless.
____________________________
With over 32 years of experience as a counselor, Dr. Jonathan Dean owns and operates Motivation Specialist, LLC—a behavioral health company. He holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology specializing in treating addiction and other maladaptive behaviors. In addition, he holds two Masters’ degrees in Counseling Psychology and Religious Studies as well as a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership. For more in-depth information, please contact your local Veteran Administration Medical Center or contact him at 760-672-2452 or motivationspecialistllc@gmail.com.