Helping new veterans adjust
Tricia Cruz
New York–The services are there, but veterans aren’t taking advantage–that’s the word from those who run a task force at the Canandaigua VA for vets who’ve returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.
Some veterans say one of their biggest challenges is returning to a “normal” life style and that could be one reason some are staying away from the task force for now.
As Army Sgt. Rob Wilson makes his way around the open house in Canandaigua, he can’t help but feel one way: overwhelmed.
“It’s kind of an adjustment doing things over there and then coming back and having all these people around, he said.
Sgt. Wilson spent ten months in Balad, Iraq. He returned two weeks ago to see his daughter Kelsey for the first time in two years. He’s looking forward to spending time with her, but admits the transition is not easy.
“Basically just becoming familiar with the area again. [When you’re] over there for so long, you get used to the people you’re working with and the area you’re working in. It’s a lot different, he said.
The task force was also set up was to ensure that new veterans are taken care of so to not repeat the experiences of Vietnam veterans.
The task force asked Vietnam veterans for advice to see how it could meet everyone’s needs.
Veteran Tony Cuva will never forget the cold shoulder he received when he returned home from Vietnam.
People don’t realize the trauma person goes through, Cuva said.
After 36 years, he can finally talk about it and he says it helps to have a support group. Wilson can talk about his war service too. They’re both hoping others can do the same down the road.
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