On Tuesday the 28 of October 2014, our group went to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in New York City at 423 on East 23 Street, New York, and New York. We were honored to meet with Ms. Benjamin, the Executive Chief of Staff, Mr. Tanner, a doctor for the VA, and a veteran, Mr. Gonzalez. We learned many things about how tough it is for the Veterans coming back home.
Coming back home after serving in combat over seas can be very difficult. Veterans often have problems coming back into society. For example, they have tough time finding a job, in part it is hard for them to communicate with civilians after going through a traumatic experience in war. Mr. Gonzalez noted that homelessness is plaguing many veterans. Also, some veterans suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which makes it particularly hard to find work. Many veterans cope with stress in many bad ways such as drugs, alcohol and violence.
The doctor we spoke with Dr. Tanner explains that if we can’t help our veterans are society has many flaws because this one group of people that we should give back too because what they gave to our country. Some veterans might appear to be scary or hard to talk, but Dr. Tanner explain once you get to know them they are “salt of the earth type of people.” Also, they will start being more open. It is tough for some veterans because they don’t always get the same doctor and they don’t always trust the new doctors with their traumatic experiences. An average person can’t go through what some of these fighting veterans went through without being scared and troubled. We also know the best way to help veterans.
To help veterans it can be more important make the veteran feel comfortable in society the give money. For example, taking the time to talk with them and make them feel good instead of just giving your money. Money can be important, but helping them finds jobs or being part of the society is more important. Mr. Gonzalez told us that volunteering trumps giving money.
Photograph Not Allowed
