Wars are treacherous affairs leaving devastation of the worse kind in their wake including death and severe injuries. For those who survive a war, returning home should be a time of adulation and acceptance, for the sacrifices made in defending the country and their returning home to the country that loves them.
For those who have been severely injured there should be support for them allowing them to live as normal a life as possible. It is good to know that non-profits like Helping a Hero, that builds homes specifically adapted for war veterans with injuries, are dedicated to providing our veterans with resources that bring them comfort and dignity. Although not everyone can make such a large commitment to the health and well-being of our war heroes, there are small contributions we can all make. Here are some we can consider.
Donate a companion dog to a veteran with PTSD
PTSD is a scourge that has ravaged our veterans in huge numbers, In fact, more than a third of all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have or will experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally veterans form other wars continue to fight with this demon that exacts a heavy toll on their daily lives and activities and the lives of their families as well. Organizations like Puppies Behind Bars trains prison inmates to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans. The dogs enter prison at the age of eight weeks and live with their inmate puppy-raisers for approximately 24 months. As the puppies mature into well-loved, well-behaved dogs, their raisers learn what it means to contribute to society rather than take from it. PBB programs bring the love and healing of dogs to hundreds of individuals every year. This amazing programs bring these comforting animals into the lives of wounded veterans providing them with a companion who will always be by their side. PBB is a non-profit that takes donations and anyone can sponsor a dog for a veteran. If you can afford to make the donation, it is a wonderful cause. Also, if you know a veteran coping with PTSD please make them aware of PBB.
Help Vets to share their stories
If you have read any books about soldiers at war or seen any of the monumental television series like Band of Brothers, you know that many veterans have amazing stories that can provide a better understanding of the tragedies and nuances of war as well as provide insight and guidance into the horrors of combat. These stories only represent a fraction of the amazing stories that are out there in the minds and memories of our veterans. The Library of Congress has begun a program to collect veteran’s war stories so that current and future generations can understand war better. The project is called the Veteran’s History project and is open to any veteran who would like to contribute. So if you know a veteran who may want to share his stories, this project can provide a release and outlet for him or her to talk in a forum that includes other vets. Many vets have found the project to be liberating.
These small yet powerful ways to help can mean so much to our warriors. Please consider these and other ways to assist them.