Press Coverage
FOR VETERANS
Vet-to-Vet allows veterans to help each other
By Larry Catt
June 20, 2009
In August 2008, The Herald-Times ran an article about the Vet-to-Vet program. There have been some changes since then. Originally, the Vet-to-Vet program focused on veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but now, all veterans are welcome. This change recognizes that many veterans have problems other than PTSD. Some of these problems are unique to veterans and it may be difficult to discuss them with others, especially with people who have not experienced the same kind of events. Vet-to-Vet is unique in that no social workers or doctors attend the veteran-run meetings. Vet-to-Vet is endorsed by the Veterans Administration, but is not part of the VA.
The advantage of peer support, such as the Vet-to-Vet program, has been shown to be a valuable part of the healing process.
Meetings are overseen by two Vet-to-Vet peer facilitators who have been trained at Roudebush Hospital and, more important, are veterans themselves. Terri Languell shares a veteran background and has been facilitating meetings for a couple of years. Cathi Johnson, VFW post commander and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, is the new Vet-to-Vet peer facilitator. I suspect Johnson was instrumental in securing a new location for Vet-to-Vet meetings. Effective immediately, the meeting will be 7 p.m. on Mondays at VFW Post 604. This is a new location for the post. It is not open for business and will not be for a few months; however, the meeting space is available for Vet-to-Vet meetings. VFW Post 604 is at 204 Industrial Park Drive, Bloomington, although the sign in front of the building still reads Mohney Homes. Industrial Park Drive is just west of the Vernal Pike / Ind. 37 intersection. At the intersection take Vernal Pike west and then take an almost immediate left onto Industrial Park Drive.
The Ladies Auxiliary will provide cookies for each meeting.
When asking Languell about the meetings, she said, “If you are a veteran you belong at Vet-to-Vet. We encourage all veterans, and it does not matter what war you were in or not in. All that matters is that you served your country in one way or another. Veterans need veterans for mere survival in the civilian world. We need each other to unlearn what the military has taught us that prevent us from getting better, so we can get along with and have better relationships with the other people in our lives.”
Vet-to-Vet is not trying to replace professionals, such as doctors and social workers. It does provide a nonjudgmental and supportive environment for veterans. Group meetings are egalitarian and the facilitators are veterans, are not employees of the VA. It is a low key environment. You are encouraged to give it a try.
Van coordinator soughtOn another subject, Monroe County Veterans Service Organizations is looking for a coordinator to oversee the operation of the Disabled American Veterans van and for drivers to take patients to Roudebush Hospital. Phil Deckard’s last day as van coordinator will be June 30. He came to the rescue when no one else would, and he has kept the van running for several years. Deckard volunteers with many service organizations, where he works to support veterans and their families. We appreciate all he has done. If the van is to continue to carry disabled veterans to Roudebush Hospital, we need to have a coordinator. Most of the veterans using the van have no other way to get to Roudebush for treatment. Please call the Veterans Service Office at 812-349-2568 if you want to learn more about the position of van coordinator You can reach the Veterans Affairs office at 349-2568, or the veteran’s out patient clinic at 812-336-5723.
Correction: There has been no change to vet to vet...it is the same as it has always been. Larry misunderstood me when I said all veterans are welcome...He thought the group was for PTSD only....We do appriciate his coverage...Also bottled water is supplied by the Men's Auxiliary...
