Serving the country is an honor for patriots. To put one’s life in danger for the motherland is proof of loyalty to the country. From World War 1 to recent combats in Afghanistan, American soldiers have proved that they honor their flag like nobody else. They have a strong sense of respect for the Stars and Stripes. Being on the battlefield means that; you have no way back and are on the brink of death, but none of these fears matter because you have a purpose. You have to complete the mission. You should stand firm because you have a flag you respect and love.
Life as a Veteran
The post-service era might be difficult for the soldiers, as some may find it like a void they will never be able to fill. Others think that life comes to a standstill. Some feel like they have no purpose and are useless now. But their service to the country is the brightest star in their sky. They have no idea how much the flag and the people honor them. Difficult times come upon veterans after service, but that does not mean they are a burden to the community. Some veterans suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, while others suffer from diseases due to exposure to harmful chemicals. Mesothelioma is a disease caused by exposure to Asbestos. It is one of the most prevalent diseases among veterans. Therefore, there are various setups providing care to veterans. One of these institutions is Mesothelioma Veterans Center which provides care for those suffering from mesothelioma.
Family Members of Veterans
Veteran family includes parents, siblings, spouses or partners, children, caretakers, and others.
The transition from a military family to a veteran family means a great deal. The joy and happiness upon the return of your beloved family member are beyond limits. And it comes with a great deal of responsibility. You have to provide essential help to your beloved soldier.
The Role and Support of Veteran Family Members
The veteran caregivers often need help to cope with everything. They have a great responsibility to take care of veterans. The needs of caregivers and family members differ from the rest of us. There are almost 5.5 million military caregivers in the United States helping veterans. The family members may become caregivers. There are about 100 programs to support military and veteran caregivers. Being a caregiver demands selflessness and passion. There are various bumps on the road driving as a caregiver. Family members often make themselves caregivers to provide the best care to their loved ones. Caregivers have to fulfill the needs of veterans constantly. It can be an immense burden for the family members. They can suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses, and there is a high chance of suffering from a physical disease due to work overload.
Support of Veteran family members
The military family members constantly fear losing their loved ones in active combat zones. Veterans leave a part of themselves on these battlefields. They have suffered so much in terms of injury and death. It also affects veteran family members. They have lived through that fear of loss, but now they have the fear that their loved ones will suffer from aftershocks. These families need emotional support. They need the general public and the government to respect their needs and treat them well. Various programs support the veteran family members.
- The Department of Veteran Affairs provides health care support to family members. The family may find support through the TRICARE program. In addition to TRICARE, there are other programs to help family members regarding health. These include CHAMPVA, The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program, Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program, etc.
- The department also provides various scholarships to help family members (children) in the field of education. The spouses can also avail these scholarships. These scholarships help out in times when financial problems arise.
- There are several counseling programs for family members. These programs help the family members with career choices and mental and social problems. Some of these programs also help out with disrupted relationships. Military families may have strained relationships during and after deployment. Long-distance relationships need counseling when one member is on a battlefield thousands of kilometers away from home.
Conclusion
We must take care of our heroes and their families as a nation. They leave their loved ones behind to protect us and to ensure the “rule of law.” There is a significant incidence of depression and anxiety among family members. We have to take care of them, as they, too, need our support and help. Veteran families have sacrificed so much for our nation, and it is our responsibility to provide what they need.
