Poplar Bluff VA hopes to reach out to younger veterans

Those employed in veteran services are searching for ways to fulfill the needs of younger soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan but also get them involved in Veterans Day ceremonies.

Those who have served recent terms overseas may not necessarily know of Veterans Day ceremonies available in their area, said Kevin Ellis, 42, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., who served in the U.S. Army from 1984 to 1993.

Ellis, who works at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, said he plans on reaching out to younger veterans over the next year.

"We know they're here, and we want to honor them," Ellis said.

The challenges presented by returning soldiers have inspired some changes in the approach health-care providers take in trying to meet their needs, said Chuck Hayden, public affairs officer for the VA medical center in Poplar Bluff.

"They come back changed people," Hayden said.

Anger management issues and financial issues seem to be prevalent among those recently deployed. Sometimes roles in the family shift when a soldier returns because their spouse has grown accustomed to making financial and other decisions, and the sudden switch can cause conflict, he said.

"There's an adjustment period when they come back," Hayden said.

Family counseling is offered by the VA hospital, as is a reintegration program designed for those who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom making the transition back from service.

The Community Counseling Center in Cape Girardeau recently began treating more veterans, said Sharon Braun, program development specialist for the center.

Since many returning veterans weren't aware of exactly what resources were available, or how their benefits worked post-deployment, the Missouri Department of Mental Health awarded grant funding to a handful of groups, including the Community Counseling Center, across the state to participate in Help for the Homefront.

Help for the Homefront is a new cooperative effort pairing state mental health facilities with local ones to provide treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder, physical injury, family distress, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is one area Hayden said was neglected in treating veterans of past wars.

"We've learned a lot from previous wars. A lot of issues were not addressed as they should have been, but we've learned from our mistakes," Hayden said.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

388-3635

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