Living Veterans Reflection Paper

Throughout human history, we have watched many men and women storm into combat to sweat, bleed, and die for a cause that they believe in. War is no secret to mankind, we have seen it hundreds of times, and we are aware of the mental and physical damage it has the capability of causing. We’ve learned of the gruesome damage caused by the first world war, and the numerous amount of lives it claimed. We’ve read the vivid stories authors wrote, using literature as a means to communicate the horrors experienced in war. Even in present day, we’ve seen, or known veterans who have returned from war with mental damage due to the terrible things they witnessed or partook in. Whether or not it is the smartest or most responsible idea, the human race uses

There are a lot of misconceptions and misinformation about "The VA". It is helpful to understand that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is made of up three distinct administrations:

America's veterans, they have laid their life on the line in ways only they will ever know. They have survived living nightmares and are left with permanent scars. Some of these scars are easy to see, others are too deep, all are painful. They have come home to emptiness and desolation. Many come home to no home at all. They are left living on the streets and struggling to find work, or simply deal with life after war. America's veteran's deserve better than this. America's veterans deserve better care and aid through more housing programs, higher health care standards and greater counseling opportunities.

In the past, veterans who disclosed suffering from signs of PTSD encountered a great deal of ignorance and bias. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (n.d.), veterans who had the illness were often considered weak, were rejected by comrades, and even faced discharge from military service. In fact, even physicians and mental health specialists often questioned the existence of the disease, which of course led to society’s misconception of PTSD in general. Sadly because of this existing prejudice it appears even today soldiers are still worried to admit having PTSD symptoms, and therefore they do not receive the proper support they need. While individuals are assured that their careers will not be affected, and seeking help is encouraged, most soldiers see it as a failure to admit having a mental health illness (Zoroya, 2013). Educating military personal of this illness, and making sure no blame is put on the veterans who encounter this disease is therefore vital.

Dictionary.com’s definition of the Department of Veterans Affairs is, “The second-largest cabinet department, the VA coordinates the distribution of benefits for veterans of the American armed forces and their dependents. The benefits include compensation for disabilities, the management of veterans' hospitals, and various insurance programs.” My sister, Keara Torkelson, is a retired US Army Veteran. Every time she takes a trip to the VA’s office, she only comes out less and less satisfied. However, the VA’s office isn’t the only place Veterans are neglected.

Coming home to nothing; no help, no support, no job, and no one to talk to about their personal experiences while being deployed. This type lifestyle is something veterans face on a day to day basis. Transitioning back into society can be difficult, but we as Americans should help them make this extensive change. The introduction of the book For Love of Country, written by Howard Schultz and Rajiv Chandrasekaran inspired me to look more into how the American society helps those who sacrifice their lives so our lives can be free. The introduction also helped with the theme of veterans and one topic question. What are the common repercussions of veterans leaving the army and what can American society do to help them?

Thank you for serving. I can not tell how glad I am that you served in either the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, or the Coast Guard. From any of the wars, WWI,WWII,The Korean War, Persian Gulf War, The War On Terrorism (Afghanistan), the Iraq War, and the Texas Revolution. Thank you for serving. I cannot say how thankful I am that you made the ultimate sacrifice. I have no idea what you have been through in war. I am so grateful that you fought so we could celebrate veterans day, memorial day and all other holidays that only the U.S celebrates.

Most veterans look forward to returning home to their family. However, many veterans face new problems once they arrive home. It is estimated that 30 percent of veterans develop a mental problem within three to four months of returning home. Below is a list of mental health issues that veterans may face when they return home:

Today, hundreds of thousands of service men and women and recent military veterans have seen combat. Many have been shot at, seen their buddies killed, or witnessed death up close. These are types of events that can lead to Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder ("Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD: A Growing Epidemic. “) Anyone that has gone through a traumatic event can be diagnosed with PTSD but research shows, military men and women are more susceptible to having PTSD (PTSD: A Growing Epidemic.) And, with little help from the US, many Veterans do not get the help they need or get treated for PTSD. Military men and women begin to

The issue being addressed in this study is veteran’s rights, most notably homelessness and suicide rates. The subject of veteran’s rights overall is still being pursued. Along with the mindset of the American public, to the cases presented before Congress, this is an ongoing dilemma. Caring for our brothers and sisters in arms is the socially responsible thing to do. Ensuring the public is aware, and promoting campaigns to raise awareness, this is what the paper will touch on.

The willingness to put one’s life on the line to defend the lives of others is not a quality that many possess. Military personnel make up a mere one percent of the population and protect an infinite number of freedoms average citizens utilize daily. Within the last few years veterans have been returning home in record numbers and are facing transition challenges such as homelessness, unemployment, mental illness related issues, and physical disabilities.

People often say that freedom is not free and that price has been paid by countless brave individuals. These brave individuals are known as veterans. Veterans should be remembered, respected and honored because of their sacrifices, courage, and patriotism.

Roughly 20 veterans a day commit suicide. Meanwhile, thousands more are left waiting for care they never receive. Men and women serve their country, yet return home to unemployment and homelessness. Thousands of applications for veteran benefits are hopelessly backlogged, and the condition of most VA hospitals is an absolute disgrace. So, why is the system broken and what can we do to fix it?

American veterans are amazing people because they have been through more than what most people experience, but some are blessed enough to still be here today to tell their story. American veterans to me are brave men and women who risk their lives so we can improve our’s the slightest bit. They make the world a better place everyday.

A freedom I enjoy because of veterans sacrifice is freedom of speech. With freedom of speech you can basically say whatever you want when you want it. If you don't like a person running for a place in office or something, you are allowed to say you don't like them, without getting in trouble. If you want to protest something you are also able to do so. You can go out into the streets or on social media and protest whatever you want with freedom of speech. Your allowed to voice your opinion. People in the army go out of the country and risk their lives everyday for us to have freedom of speech.