Mama, I'm Comin' Home!
Returning Home?
The volunteers of Special Kindness In Packages are extremely proud of all that you have done. You have worn a uniform representing America, the American people, and the U.S. military in a dangerous place. You have worn that uniform with pride, courage, respect and loyalty, and you are coming home. Congratulations; you truly are an American Hero.
You are about to embark on a new mission; a mission to have fun and enjoy freedom. And we want you to embrace that mission just as you have every mission you've taken on. Be safe and be responsible. Now is the time you've been waiting for, the day you're coming home!
There are so many people anxiously awaiting your return and they are just as nervous and excited as you probably are about what's changed since you've been gone and what the future holds.
For some returning Veterans it may be a difficult road, and we want you to know that you're not alone.
A message from SKIP's Vice President Skip Spoerke
First and foremost, thank you for your dedication to the US Armed Forces and the United States of America. It takes more than just a uniform and job skills to endure the task you have done. It truly takes a hero, and that's exactly what you are to me, Special Kindness In Packages, and America.
Upon your arrival to the U.S. you may notice some pretty big changes, especially if you've been away for several months. Many of these changes will take form in the physical sense, such as a new building in your community, your favorite pizza place has been torn down, or your mom now has gray hair. But, some of the changes may not be as obvious and may take days, weeks, or even months to recognize. For instance, maybe your friend for more than 10 years has stopped partying or your spouse has taken over paying all of the bills and doesn't ask for your help anymore. Hopefully these are the only types of changes you run across, but for some returning Veterans other changes may arise. I know that happened to me.
When I came home after more than a year in Iraq everything had changed; everyone had changed; I had changed. No longer could I drive down the street without creating my own convoy by following another car, or worrying what was hiding behind the guard rail or under a flat tire on the side of the road. I couldn't be in the crowd, but I never took my eyes off the crowd either. I couldn't go into a store without fear of a rocket or mortar round impacting. I couldn't shake the sounds of explosions and gunfire; everything reminded me of them. I couldn't seem to get the sand off my skin no matter how hard I scrubbed. I couldn't trust anyone. My friends stopped inviting me places. My family was concerned any time I left the house. I turned to alcohol as a way to numb myself and when that didn't work I tried other substances. And I'll tell you the truth, a lot of that I still have problems with.
I didn't say that to scare you into thinking that you will have problems adapting back to life in America. I told you that because if you do have problems when you get home I want you to know you're not alone. Many returning Veterans will experience at least some of these obstacles for a while, but not everyone does and not everyone will experience them for a long period of time. For those of us that do there is good news. People want to help, all we have to do is give them a chance.
My personal story continues by me telling you that the problems I've had, and the severity of them, are relatively uncommon. I have been diagnosed with severe chronic post-traumatic stress disorder and am a disabled veteran because of it. Even if you or someone you know is displaying signs of PTSD it doesn't mean there's no hope for recovery or that the symptoms will last for years and years. Many people are able to move past the traumatic experiences, which are the cause of PTSD, through the help of a professional counselor. Other people might also require some medication to help ease the anxiety or depression, which can be caused by PTSD. I'm on medication and see a counselor once a week, and yes, people have started noticing several positive changes from when I came home. Those changes are reason enough for me to keep trying. One day I know things will be better and I encourage every Veteran experiencing difficulties readjusting to know that for themself too.
Even if you highly doubt you'll experience any problems adapting back to life in America I encourage you to do some research and find out where to turn just in case. I've also taken the liberty to introduce you to some valuable resources for Veterans below. Please just take a few minutes to visit their websites.
Best of luck in all that you do. We are all very proud of you.
Sincerely,
Skip Spoerke
SGT, U.S. Army Ret.
Vice President, Special Kindness In Packages Inc.
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Skip Spoerke
Iraq 2004-2006
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Resources For Returning Veterans
Silver Star Families of America's "Hear 4 You"
The Silver Star Families of America supports wounded service members and their families by offering troops a friendly ear with its newest program, "Hear 4 You." The no-cost program aims to develop a network of volunteers to listen to military personnel and their families affected by post-deployment stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Military personnel or family members wishing talk to a volunteer through the Hear 4 You program can follow the link from the Silver Star Families of America website at www.silverstarfamilies.org. The program's website shows which volunteers are online at any given moment.
Veterans Affairs Benefits
Of the 25 million veterans currently alive, nearly three of every four served during a war or an official period of hostility. About a quarter of the nation's population -- approximately 70 million people -- are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans. www.va.gov
Iraq War Veterans Organization
The Iraq War Veterans Organization provides information and support for: Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans, Global War on Terror Veterans, Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans, active military personnel and family members related to pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment issues, as well as service member and family Operation Iraqi Freedom Deployment Readiness problems, information about PTSD, Health issues and Veterans Benefits. The Iraq War Veterans Organization website has links to information about Veterans Administration health care, readjustment after deployment, education, employment, military discounts, PTSD issues, support-chat forums, family support and deployment information. www.iraqwarveterans.org
Disabled American Veterans
DAV provides one-on-one assistance to veterans in many ways: helping them obtain adequate health care treatment and other earned benefits, providing transportation to and from hospitals for medical treatment, delivering relief from disasters and educating the public about issues affecting disabled veterans and their families. www.dav.org
Veterans of Foreign Wars
For over 100 years, the success of the VFW has been built upon millions of volunteer hours, strong support of our country's youth, major patriotic and educational efforts, and unwavering services to our military, its veterans, and their families. Of all we do, our programs make the greatest impact on the lives of those we serve and honor.www.vfwfoundation.org
Link to your organization
Don't see your organization listed? Please send Skip and Email skip@specialkindness.org to let me know about the organization. I'll visit the organization's website and make a decision whether or not to include it with this list.
