SAMHSA: Important For Our Health January 31st, 2014 Veterans Corner by, Ronald Verini First, a reminder that when you see a little banner with a Gold Star on it (and sadly some have 2 or 3) hanging in a window or on a car, that represents that the family has lost a son or daughter in war. We have in our community 18 families that are registered with the “National Gold Star Family Register”, which is an organization recognized by the Defense Department. It is important to realize that when one of our troops is ‘Killed in Action’: a family is left behind. Reach out to know our neighbors and help support those among us that have given a loved one in the service of our Country. SAMHSA = Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The focus here in Oregon of that group is to embrace the problems of Mental Health and Suicide of our troops. Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida is a member of that group along with the Oregon National Guard, the Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs, the Association of Oregon Community Mental Health Programs, Army One Source and various Mental Health Practitioners from the VA and private practice. If any individual, group or organization in our community wishes to share ideas with me regarding the work of SAMHSA, please get in touch with me. A very special ‘thanks’ for the many individuals and organizations in our community that are already engaged in working on the problems of our returning veterans and their families. Another great effort addressing this problem is the work being done by our Judicial and Law Enforcement Departments in working to set up the Veterans Court. Speaking of working together and supporting each other, Joe Recla who runs the Community Building Supply (which supports the Ontario Free Clinic) has always been a supporter of our Military and Veterans. Thanks Joe for all you do for our community! You know, support comes in so many different packages, and the great “emotional” support given by folks like Fran McLean, Mike and Debbie Blackaby, Rita & Mike Lewis, Larry Robb, John Kirby, Adele and Don Crownover, Patti Benson, Jan Jacques, many of our regional youth, scout, FFA and 4H groups is truly “Priceless”!!! And means so much to all those Veterans and their Families that are helped. Thank You ! A veteran walked into VAOI the other day, demanded service, was agitated, disheveled confused and unable to compose himself. Then the process started to work, he was welcomed, thanked for his service, given a cup of coffee, some cookies and friendly conversation. Come to find out he lost his wife, kids were taking advantage of him and the VA had everything wrong and wouldn’t help with his rent and utilities. You see folks, thanks to your support we were there and able to assist and avert a ‘meltdown’ and who knows what else. Thanks to all that helped… A giant in our community was recognized as ‘Citizen of the Year’ at the Nyssa Chamber the other day and also volunteers with VAOI, Linda Amen. Linda is a great lady and tremendous veteran supporter. Great choice. “ Learn to accept help when it’s offered.” Nossel Hguot.
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 02:37:10 +0000
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