|
|
|
Upon returning home from war, many veterans are plagued with emotional and physical issues.
“The things that these vets are dealing with are really complex,” said Tom Hakes, director of Mission Share, a collaboration of Greece churches that offer food, clothing and support to needy families.
Local Departments of Veteran Affairs are struggling to help these men and women as they are overloaded with veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
That’s why Mission Share is offering Vet2Vet — a new forum where veterans can connect with other veterans to discuss their unique concerns and needs.
“It’s just a place for them to realize that they’re not alone; where they can realize others are going through the same things or have been,” Hakes said.
The group was started by Don Lippens and Mike Burns, both veterans of two Vietnam tours. Burns is the director of Veterans Affairs for Mission Share and completed a master’s in social work degree in 2008.
“The program is for all veterans but is looking to assist the veterans, who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, acclimate themselves back into family life and society,” Burns said.
The program has partnered with other veteran outreach organizations including the Vet Center on Mount Hope Avenue and the National Guard in Rochester.
Vet2Vet has also adopted a platoon, 2nd Platoon, A Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, and plan on sending care packages to Afghanistan soon.
The program is offered to all veterans and their families the fourth Tuesday of the month at Mission Share, 10 Cedarfield Commons, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Meetings start with a 45-minute presentation, then a 15-break and the last hour is reserved for group discussion. The next meeting is Tuesday, April 27.
Upon returning home from war, many veterans are plagued with emotional and physical issues.
“The things that these vets are dealing with are really complex,” said Tom Hakes, director of Mission Share, a collaboration of Greece churches that offer food, clothing and support to needy families.
Local Departments of Veteran Affairs are struggling to help these men and women as they are overloaded with veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
That’s why Mission Share is offering Vet2Vet — a new forum where veterans can connect with other veterans to discuss their unique concerns and needs.
“It’s just a place for them to realize that they’re not alone; where they can realize others are going through the same things or have been,” Hakes said.
The group was started by Don Lippens and Mike Burns, both veterans of two Vietnam tours. Burns is the director of Veterans Affairs for Mission Share and completed a master’s in social work degree in 2008.
“The program is for all veterans but is looking to assist the veterans, who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, acclimate themselves back into family life and society,” Burns said.
The program has partnered with other veteran outreach organizations including the Vet Center on Mount Hope Avenue and the National Guard in Rochester.
Vet2Vet has also adopted a platoon, 2nd Platoon, A Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, and plan on sending care packages to Afghanistan soon.
The program is offered to all veterans and their families the fourth Tuesday of the month at Mission Share, 10 Cedarfield Commons, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Meetings start with a 45-minute presentation, then a 15-break and the last hour is reserved for group discussion. The next meeting is Tuesday, April 27.
