America is now learning what that means in human terms, according to a press release from the VFW National Home for Children, and the statistics are startling.
• More than 4,800 have died, many leaving behind spouses and children.
• More than 33,000 have been wounded, many severely enough to end their military service.
• The divorce rate within military families is increasing, with more than 25,000 divorces last year alone.
• Alcohol consumption is on the increase, particularly in the Reserve and National Guard community.
• A Military Family Research Institute survey found that 56 percent of enlisted service members report difficulty with their finances, and 47 percent say they are in “over their head” with their expenses. Veterans are trying to transition back to civilian life and some are having difficulty.
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has increased efforts, improved quality of service and developed new programs and methods of outreach to veterans. Americans have shown they are willing to help and many new non-profit organizations have sprung up to fill the gaps. Unfortunately, all these efforts can be overwhelming and confusing for the new, young veteran, making it difficult for them to get the help they need.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is reaching out to these new veterans with friendship and a helping hand from someone who has been there. Connections are being made across wars and across generations.
The VFW, like other Veteran Service Organizations, has Veteran Service officers to help veterans navigate the myriad of options and programs that are available to them. Programs like Unmet Needs or the Military Assistance Program can help with short term or specific needs for veterans and their families.
When the need is much greater, the VFW National Home for Children is there to help with a home and extensive support,
while the family gets back on its feet. Wounded veterans in a VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program are served at the National Home with their family while they go to school or get training to learn new job skills. Beyond just a house, the National Home offers:
• specialized counseling;
• financial management classes;
• daycare services for parents attending school and training programs;
• life skills education;
• support for children adjusting to family changes and recovering from the stress of a parent at war;
• activities to connect with other families in similar situations;
• a connection with veterans who have experienced war overseas.
Children of deployed military are also welcomed at the National Home. Each member of the military establishes a “family plan,” designating who will care for their children during deployment. Sometimes those plans fail. When that happens, the children can find refuge at the National Home and get the love and support they need until mom or dad comes home. The parent stays connected to the children through phone calls, e-mail, letters and care packages throughout the deployment. Children attend school, receive help with homework, learn and play with other children and get the emotional support they need to help them continue as normal a life as possible in such an extreme situation.
Sometimes, it’s a military spouse and children that need refuge during deployment. These families can live safe and supported lives at the National Home. The spouse may go to school or get job training, take financial classes, get counseling and learn other important life skills that can help them become stronger and more independent families when their deployed loved one returns.
The reasons families come to the VFW National Home for Children vary greatly. The love and support they receive to help them achieve goals is consistent. Each family comes to the National Home to work toward goals and has a plan to leave once they have reached key milestones. When they leave, they are stronger and more independent families with new friends in the VFW who have made an important difference in their lives.
The VFW makes a difference in the lives of veterans or military families every day, with the hand of friendship and an offer of help. The VFW National Home for Children is a shining example of that friendship and generosity of spirit.
If you need help or know someone who needs help, call the VFW National Home for Children Helpline at (800) 851-0238.
Since 1925 the VFW National Home for Children has provided Help, Hope and Honor for the children and families of our nation’s military and veterans.
For more information, visit www.vfwnationalhome.org.
Published in The Messenger 4.2.09
