Re-entry back into civilian life

Prepared by
John Smith

Submitted to
Jenny Smith, Ph.D.

March 11, 2014
Memo

Date: | March 12, 2014 | To: | Jenny Smith | From: | John Smith | Re: | A study of veterans re-entry back into civilian life | | |
I’m transmitting this report for your review, which was prepared to determine the importance of re-entry back into civilian life, and how this information can have a big impact on our veterans’ livelihood. This study focuses on VA support, VA counseling, and VA rehabilitation. I have looked in all three scenarios to better understand its importance in our veterans, our society, and our well-being as a whole.

This report provides necessary actions to take so our veterans can have a positive future, and progress as they return from line of duty. These actions will significantly improve our society likelihood to make better decisions about our veteran’s future.
Taking accountability and acknowledging our own role in an encounter with a veteran will immediately get a handgrip and correct our situations for the future. If you have a question or comment, please feel free to contact me at (248) 248-1248.

CONTENTS

EXECTUTIVE SUMMARY ……………………………………………………………………………………. 1

INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2

RE-ENTRY BACK INTO CIVILIAN LIFE ………………………………………………………………….. 2

Description of the findings ……………………………………………………………………. 2 Summary of findings …………………………………………………………………………….. 3

BODY ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

VA support ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 4

VA counseling ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

VA rehabilitation …………………………………………………………………………………… 6

CONCLUSION ………………………………………………………………………………………………….... 7

Future actions …………………………………………………………………………………….... 7 Future improvements …………………………………………………………………………… 8

RECOMMENDATIONS ………………………………………………………………………………………. 9

Changes necessary ……………………………………………………………………………….. 9

Actions to take ……………………………………………………………………………………... 9

REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

Executive Summary

This report was prepared to determine other alternatives for our veterans so they feel as they are home. These are three core values to look into are as follows: VA support, VA Counseling, and VA rehabilitation. After veterans return home from a long and frightening war, they are faced with emotional, and as well as physical conditions that could scare them for life. If they don’t get treatments from such groups as described above, they could potentially feel as the society doesn’t care about them, and their hard work was not recognized. According to Ms. Kelley, “Only a warrior survival can help another survivor. There will be opportunities for the wounded warrior to find peer/veteran support from other warriors at veteran outreach centers or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)” (Kelley, 2013, para 9).
Safe and reliable re-entry back into the society has the power to make our veterans feel as they have plenty of things too look forward in the future. These groups deal with specific life surroundings, while trying to expand their good traits that exist, but were hidden because of what they seen or gone thru in war combats. According to Ms. Sporner, “Vocational rehabilitations originated in early U.S. legislation to provide rehabilitations services to veterans with disabilities and assist them in achieving their independent living and vocational goals” (Sporner, 2012, para 5).
VA support groups, VA counseling, and VA rehabilitation are known key factors of positive affirmation, and they could have a positive effect on our veterans. With our help, and as well as the U.S. government, nothing is impossible. According to Citizen Airman, “The department of Veterans Affairs provides three distinct services: health care, benefits such as educational assistance and home loans, and burial and memorial services” (Airman, 2012, para 2).
Summary of Findings
1. U.S.A is slowly, but surely growing day by day, and working hard to make our veterans feel as they are home.
2. The society as a whole is coming together, and making a big difference.
3. The institutions all across the U.S.A are competing with one another, and its making a big difference is our veterans’ livelihood.
Recommendations
1. Build and manage projects dedicated to veterans.
2. Create more grants for re-entry back into the society.
3. Establish a peer to peer connection solely to our veterans.
RE-ENTRY BACK INTO CIVILIAN LIFE

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat” (Roosevelt, 1910, n.p.).
War is a complex concept, and is increasingly difficult to understand. It is crucial that we band together with military families all across the United States to prepare for and cope with the hardship of war. This will be accomplished by developing, maintaining unified programs in research, and education care for our veterans. I believe it is in the best interest of veterans, whom have served in military for this great country in any capacity to have the funds for: VA Support, VA counseling, and VA rehabilitation. That is the least we can do as human beings, for all their hard work and sacrifice they made for us. Too ease our veterans re-entry back into the civilian life is mandatory.
Unfortunately, it is known fact that many veterans across the United States are not being treated with respect and courtesy that they so loyally deserve. Defending our Country is not an easy task. The emotional stress from having to live, see, and experience firsthand combat is overwhelming. It is becoming noticeable that handful citizens are forgetting their hard work and sacrifice as days pass by; all this leads many of our veterans in wrong path and complete outer destruction. Furthermore, not knowing or not having access to this type of support when they return home after serving in the military is devastating.
Many returning veterans and or soldiers living in an isolated area fail to recognize the help they can receive. Many of these obstacles arise because of the geographic distances from a nearest veteran facility. Furthermore, some veterans returning home from duty do not qualify for benefits they feel should be awarded to them, so they stop looking. Therefore, large amount of cases such as; mental, social, and physical conditions remain untreated.
Veterans gave us freedom to live another day, these men, and women put their lives on the line, freely or by draft to fight and serve this country. They are selfless individuals who gave up their lives so we can have a better future for us and our children. Their service allowed us to have a sense of security for the present and the future. In this paper I’m going to talk about Re-entry back into civilian life for our veterans, and I’m writing about three crucial points. They are: VA support, VA counseling, and, VA rehabilitation.

According to Swanson, “Congress should stop treating veterans like they’re asking for a hand out when it comes to the benefits they were promised, and they should realize that, were it not for these veterans, there would be nothing to hand out” (Swanson, 2012, para 1). Veterans are usually portrayed as isolated and neglected individuals in whole by the society, but in actuality this is false statement, made by individuals who do not understand their mentality.
The stress and hardship received from combats all across the globe can have a significant impact on some ones livelihood, and of course the images that they have to go thru in daily basis is unimaginable. This men and women have done what it was expected of them, their superiors gave them a task and they did what they had to do too survive another day. The society has one fairytale misconception that everything is good and if it not it’s your fault. This is not the case for these individuals, and others are those types of shoes.
VA support is mandatory because it makes our society even better; it is up to us to do so. One of the most readjustment issues can be practically tangled with the idea that the system has failed to make this a better place for our veterans, and more interestingly the system has failed to benefit our veterans upon their arrival. This all plays big impact on our society and the veterans’ wellbeing, because we miss the big picture, and our veterans get left out.
There are hundreds and thousands of troops getting out of war as we speak and their re-entry back into the society is improving, but in a slow pace. It is outstanding how much assistance is provided thru the government agencies and such, but sadly it is a hit and misses. There are a lot of resources that are being offered thru government and private agencies, but only those who actually get the help and one on one instruction will benefit from them.
VA support has the ability to make every individuals re-entry back into the civilian life a positive experience because we now have all the necessary instructions and plans to execute our mission statement. Like I said, it is all on our hands to make their experience a well deserving one, and by doing this we also are going to change our veterans’ misconceptions from not believing to believing that everything is possible because we care for what they did for us.
Numerous studies indicate that social support is essential for maintaining physical and psychological health. The consequences of poor social support is damaging just look at our society now after Barack Obama became president. You can clearly see the difference all across the urban neighborhoods because they know they have somebody there that cares for them. At least they know, and knowing that someone is going to be there to fight for you is sometimes, enough.

VA support is essential and the faster our society gets this idea, the better they as a whole will be in the end. Social support is important to maintain a stress free, and help protect from all other dangerous illness that can arise from neglect. One of the most common illnesses is posttraumatic stress disorder or (PTSD) for short, and this all can be avoided by simply lending a hand. Let’s not forget what our veterans have done for us.
According to Twain & Paine, “In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot” (Twain & Paine, 1935, p 394). This is a perfect scenario of men’s and women’s struggles with the society in this day of age. We only see the immoral in a person, until good is done, afterwards all is well, and like nothing unusual happened.
Families of husbands, wives, and children in a military should always seek counseling, after returning from war. The reason for this is because counselors will help with all scenarios of life, work, school, and friends. There are a lot of individuals who may say that, I’m a strong person, and I can handle anything, but the reality is you will not. Counselors are there to help; they are trained to deal with individuals from every walk of life. For example, counseling can help with; post-traumatic stress disorder, arguments, and temper tantrums to name a few.
Every individual is different, but the main argument is to help these men and women cope with the re-entry into civilian life by working with conflicts and resolutions. This is not about putting someone down, but simply giving a helping hand to overcome all the necessary hurdles in life. Accepting this type of help is the main step of overcoming any obstacles, so it is important to act. The society is also crucial to our veterans’ acceptance because without our help, most of the veterans will not be able to find these benefits.
Again, individuals should never approach counseling as you already know the main points of the conversation, because no one has the answers to the problems except those who are certified to deal with them. It is crucial that every veteran in counseling agrees with the key points of the discussion, and plan of action. This type of benefit should not be treated lightly, but with complete control, and it should be long term program.
Attending VA counseling will overcome your bearings, and you will be able to deal with tough situations. This will strengthen your communication and overcome differences. We all have to face hurdles in life, and some of the can be very, very tough so why not get the help if you can. This is where, we the society come into play. With our positive support and guidance nothing is impossible, and in the end, we will help our national veterans overcome these difficulties in life.
“It is easy to be skeptical. But then there is this: a small wing of a V.A. hospital in Canandaigua, N.Y., where a staff of about 120 runs a national phone and Internet chat service for veterans in crisis. Its mission is to connect veterans to help as quickly and efficiently as possible. One online-chat counselor, Laurie Courtney, told me proudly that this was ''the new V.A.'' She and three colleagues, in a brightly lighted room with barely enough space for their computers, chairs, coats and handbags, handle online conversations all day. Dozens of others staff the phone lines” (Downes, 2011, para 2).
VA counseling is progressing in slow but steady pace, so clearly the times are changing, and things are running smoothly. Benefits are there, so again it is up to us, the society to lend a hand, and help this men and women find their solutions to their problems. I like to conclude that, it is important to help our heroes see the differences between the rational beliefs and their irrational beliefs because in the future, it leads them to become more rational in their daily activities. “If the fallen could speak to us, what would they say? Would they console us? Perhaps they might say that while they could not know they’d be called upon to storm a beach through a hail of gunfire, they were willing to give up everything for the defense of our freedom; that while they could not know they’d be called upon to jump into the mountains of Afghanistan and seek an elusive enemy, they were willing to sacrifice all for their country; that while they couldn’t possibly know they would be called to leave this world for another, they were willing to take that chance to save the lives of their brothers and sisters in arms” (Obama, 2009, para. 14).
VA Rehabilitation is defined as way to help somebody return to a good health or a normal life by providing them with extensive training, and therapy. Now there are a lot of negative scenarios associated with this word, such as; we will miss their family, it would be embarrassing, it will be lonely, and or I will be depressed. If probably I would be thinking the same thing, however being able to be open minded to new things is the first step for new beginnings.
“One of the oldest programs in which state funds are matched by federal funds, vocational rehabilitation began in 1920 with the passage of the Civilian Vocational Rehabilitation Act, which encouraged states to provide rehabilitation services to veterans with disabilities. Today, vocational rehabilitation programs operate under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its subsequent amendments” (The Exceptional Parent, 2014, para.1).
VA Rehabilitation, especially in this day of age is crucial because it provides educational and vocational services for our veterans. This is well through put plan, which takes dedication, and hard work to complete. When veterans get enlisted in this program, it’s mandatory that you stay in program till you get your certification. When everything gets checked out, and they receive their certification; veterans will be in full control, with positive mind and body.
“Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment against individuals with disabilities. The new Section 503 rule introduces a hiring goal for federal contractors and subcontractors: 7 percent of the employees in each job group in their workforce should be qualified individuals with disabilities. The new final rule details specific actions contractors are required to take in recruiting, training, record-keeping and policy dissemination” (Tobenkin, 2013, para 9).
In all, there is a big advantage roaming all across the United States of America, and veterans of today are certainly being treated as they are truly special. What this type of help will do is look evaluate their choices, relationships, and their lives. They will ultimately find their purpose again and set goals for the future. Our veterans will be able to experience freedom for which they struggle against. With the help of a veteran rehab, it’s getting easier for our heroes to get the help that they desperately need. It is about time that, this men and women get recognized in any way, shape or form, because what they did for us is unimaginable. Help in any shape or form in you can, at any time.
“God of our fathers, who by land and sea have ever led us to victory, please continue your inspiring guidance in this the greatest of all conflicts. Strengthen my soul so that the weakening instinct of self-preservation, which besets all of us in battle, shall not blind me of my duty to my own manhood, to the glory of my calling, and to my responsibility to my fellow soldiers. Grant to our armed forces that disciplined valor and mutual confidence which insures success in war. Let me not mourn for the men who have died fighting, but rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived. If it be my lot to die, let me do so with courage and honor in a manner which will bring the greatest harm to the enemy, and please, oh Lord, protect and guide those I shall leave behind, ” (Patton & Blumenson, 1940, p. 394).
In the end, to defeat an enemy is always important to have proper individuals by your side, and that same goes, when dealing with re-entry back into civilian life. It is important to understand that treating a veteran is not the same as treating a regular person with no military experience. You have to know the ins and outs of the subject before you take any necessary actions to fix someone’s life; this is the number one rule, and it should be followed by any counselor.
It is easy to discriminate or talk bad about someone, when you don’t know or don’t care about the situations from of someone’s past. This type of discrimination is all over us and it’s hard to eliminate it, when you have individuals who don’t get the real meaning of it. That is why, it is recommended that we stand up together and provide as much support as we can for our veterans. This type of support will enrich our veterans, and as well as those who don’t understand the real meaning of helping someone in need.
Helping is important, I can’t stress how important this word is, it is so important that I’m talking over, and over again. This is where it all starts. Our veterans did so much for us, but we forget about it, and we move on. Some of us are with the idea that, everything is glamorous, and no one needs the help. This type of mindset creates avoidance, and you simply stop caring about someone’s livelihood.
The re-entry back into civilian live is hard to comprehend because simply of some individuals don’t understand the real issues about this subject. They don’t understands, that someone’s life is not as it appears to be, and some things or moments from the past can have a significant effect on someone’s livelihood. That is why our society needs to come together more often, and change the perception that everyone can change by themselves.
There is good news, the re-entry back into civilian life is progressing day by day as we speak, and change is on the way. The American people have seen the light; they are more enlightened about this subject than ever before. The American people finally understand the importance of our veterans’ well-being; more and more individuals are offering a hand in support because of it. Our veterans need the full support and it is up to us to make that happen. Re-entry back into civilian life such as; VA support, VA counseling, and VA rehabilitation is crucial because we can have a positive impact on our veterans’ life. This will not only help our heroes become part of our society but also help our society become more open minded to the idea of helping hand.

Recommendations:
Re-entry back into civilian life is crucial for our hero’s well-being because this change will impact not just our veterans but our society as a whole, and move more into a positive setting. The following recommendations will impact our veterans’ livelihood for the better. I. Offer any help, if possible. II. Seek help from the government. III. Try to understand their past. IV. Create a work group. V. Start a fund, dedicated to our veterans. VI. Enlist your friends for help. VII. Create a Facebook page for this subject. VIII. Create a telephone life for help with this subject.
This type of work can be implemented in a timely manner; it should not take more than a week to create, and no more than one month to get all this running.
This type of work for this re-entry back into civilian life takes hard work and dedication, you should have let your co-associates know that no one gets turned down, and if for someone reason some one stops showing up, you do whatever you can to get that person back.
These rules and guidelines should be checked and followed as new recruits come in. These rules and guidelines will help you achieve your plan, to get it moving from start to finish.

References

Downes, L. (2011, July 17). The V.A. Tries to Get Beyond Its Culture of No. New York Times, p. 11(L). Retrieved from Gale New York Times Database.

Kelley, K. E. (2013, November-December). Counselors, you are called to serve: clinicians should not fear that they cannot relate to military veterans. Addiction Professional, 11(6), 31+. Retrieved from Gale Health Reference Center Academic Database

Lampson, Nick. (2012, August 26). Veterans, Foundations of our Future. Quote from the Congress Floor. The Swanson Report. Retrieved from http://swansenreport.com/tag/nick-lampson/

Twain, M., & Paine, A. (1935, No Date). Mark Twains’ Notebook. Autobiography. Harper & Brothers publishers. Florida, Missouri.

Patton, G., & Blumenson, M. (1974, September 01). The Patton papers. Autobiography. Da Copa Press. New York, NY.

Barack, O. (2009, May 25). Remarks by the President on Memorial Day. Speeches and Remarks. From the White House. Retrieved from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-on-Memorial-Day

Roosevelt, T. (1910, February 08). The Man on the Arena. Quote at Citizenship in a Republic in France. The Almanac of Theodore Roosevelt. Retrieved from http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/trsorbonnespeech.html

Sporner, M. L. (2012). Servicemembers and veterans with disabilities: addressing unique needs through professional rehabilitation counseling. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 49(8), xiii+. Retrieved from Gale Health Reference Center Academic Database.

Tobenkin, D. (2013, December). Compliance concerns: questions rose by new rules on hiring veterans and people with disabilities. HRMagazine, 58(12), 46+. Retrieved from Gale General Reference Center Gold.

Vocational rehabilitation programs. (2014, January). The Exceptional Parent, 44(1), 81+. Retrieved from Gale General Reference Center Gold.

You and the VA organization has lots to offer America's veterans. (2012, February). Citizen Airman, 64(1), 10+. Retrieved from Gale General Reference Center Gold Database.