What the VRO does
Peel, who served as an aviation electronic technicians during the Vietnam War and then in the Coast Guard Reserves, now lives in a portable shelter he built for himself, and tries to raise money to make more for other homeless vets, the report said. The shelter is big enough for a mattress and sleeping bag. Peel, who calls himself "a crazy old guy" believes the option might be preferable for homeless vets who need a little extra stability even as they remain on the streets or living in rural areas.

Another inspiring story
On the other side of the coin, though, there are still plenty of organizations and individuals pitching in for homeless vets as well. One such effort recently helped a 20-year-old homeless vet in Cedar Falls, Iowa, according to a report from ABC News. There, Goodwill officials provided Marine vet Timothy Hogan with a job and a room in a four-bedroom home that he will share with other vets in the near future. Prior to this move, Hogan had been honorably discharged due to a medical issue, and bounced around between some local homeless shelters. The Goodwill home will not put any restrictions on how long veterans can stay in the home, and says it is focused on helping Hogan determine what his next steps in life will be.

"I think it's very rewarding serving veterans who have served us so well over the years, to pay that back a little," Steve Tisue, vice president of human services for Goodwill of Northeast Iowa, told the news organization. "Goodwill is grateful as well."

While the federal government recently announced that it had fallen short of its goal of effectively ending veteran homelessness, it has still gotten tens of thousands off the streets nationwide. That trend should continue for some time to come as well, thanks to both private and public efforts.

The many complications and challenges that accompany transitioning from active military service to civilian life have inspired several organizations over the years, from government agencies to regional charities. The thread tying these various groups together is their earnest desire to help veterans live the satisfying lives they deserve after serving the nation. Despite this web of existing services and programs, there is always room for new entrants, and there will be until every veteran has his or her needs met. Recent announcements have shown the latest wave of organizations taking action.

Dedication in South Carolina
The Post and Courier, based in Charleston, South Carolina, recently reported the creation of a new partnership known as SCServes Lowcountry. Its mission is to make connections between veterans and other community groups, and ensure that former service members are housed, employed and enrolled in health care plans. The news provider explained that the new program involves both government agencies and businesses. It is designed to ensure that when veterans experience multiple pressing needs, there will be an organization to offer them help.

SCServes Lowcountry is classified as a nonprofit and is aimed at both military members and their families. The Post and Courier reported that the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new program saw appearances from the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Director Pamela Crowell, U.S. Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Christopher Lu and Wal-Mart Senior Director of Military Programs Gary Profit, himself a retired brigadier general. The combination of personnel from the local VA, federal government and corporate world shows the many types of organizations contributing to the partnership.

Lu explained at the ribbon-cutting that individuals reaching out to the Department of Labor or any of the other involved agencies are often facing issues that go beyond one organization's power to help, according to the news provider. This is why an alliance is being used as a solution, with SCServes Lowcountry helping families receive the care they need. Profit stated at the same ceremony that for its part, Wal-Mart has given jobs to over 3,000 South Carolina veterans between 2013 and the present.

Sister program underway in Pennsylvania
SCServes Lowcountry is one of several nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping veterans and their families thrive in civilian life. Pittsburgh newspaper the Tribune Review recently gave an update on the efforts PAServes has made since its opening in October of 2015. The organization has offered its assistance to 622 veterans and military family members. The group has taken action on a number of pressing needs, with job placement, health services and housing foremost among them.

According to the news provider, the national organization that backs the Serves programs, AmericaServes, has been especially positive in its assessment of the Pittsburgh branch. That means the office has been consistently active and has made progress offering services to the families of veterans. The everyday needs that these family members face, from care for their children to furniture for their houses, have become major focus areas for PAServes. The network of care providers will continue its work across the nation. 

There are a variety of creative and effective ways to raise funds for veterans groups, and exciting new methods and events are popping up all the time. These worthy causes have been helpful at both local and national levels, and it's worth periodically taking time to examine the programs that have done well getting much-needed money into solutions that will materially better the lives of service members once they return home.

One of the primary reasons to celebrate these achievements is that they may prove highly inspirational for the next round of projects. It's not too hard to imagine a world where conditions for veterans are markedly better, and the efforts of a few patriotic individuals and committed corporate leaders are showing the way.

Supermarket chain gives millions
On the high end of the donation scale, the parent company behind several different supermarket marquees recently conducted a massive funding drive. Southeastern Grocers is set to donate more than $2 million to Hope for the Warriors, according to the Montgomery Advertiser, a USA Today subsidiary covering Alabama. The news provider explained that Southeastern is the company behind Winn-Dixie BI-LO and Harveys. The total accounts for all profits from sales made on July 4, as well as additional donations.

The chosen organization, Hope for the Warriors, is focused on helping wounded servicemembers, as well as looking out for their families. The Montgomery Advertiser explained that it is less well known than some other nonprofit groups, but stands to gain in prestige as a result of the large new donation. In fact, expanding the visibility of the program was one of the main goals behind picking this recipient for Southeastern's fundraising, according to the corporation's CEO, Ian McLeod.

The promotional period went beyond raising money, and also included personal expressions by customers, the news provider reported. These took the form of posts both online and in person, with stores creating "Walls of Honor" adorned with messages from consumers.

Beyond Southeastern Grocers and the company's customers, other businesses got in on the fundraising. The Montgomery Advertiser noted that Pepsi, Tyson, Nestle Waters and more made donations to Hope for the Warriors. The organization has already started to see benefits beyond the one-time gift, too. McLeod told the news provider that inquiries to the charity are now up 40 percent.

Road race raises funds
While the above example shows how a massive corporation can help fund veterans programs, smaller events can be successful, too. The Chicago Tribune recently reported that this year's running of the Burr Ridge Run For Veterans drew 197 participants and raised money that went to Volunteers of America – Illinois. The organization runs two facilities that house veterans and family members, with a new building set to join the ranks soon.

The news provider explained that the Volunteers of America locations currently operating house 80 and 73 veterans, with the second also serving as a home for dependents. The organization's director of external affairs and resource development, Liliana Scales, stated that veterans can stay indefinitely for 30 percent of their income, even if that amount is very little. Once individuals find more stability, they move on to permanent accommodation elsewhere.

Over the past few years, more has been done at both the state and federal levels to assist veterans as they re-integrate into civilian life and deal with the aftereffects of their service. And while there have been plenty of bumps in the road during that time, the fact is that more is now being done than there has been in some time, and the government's efforts aren't going to stop soon.

President Barack Obama made this point and others in a speech to the annual convention of the Disabled American Veterans this week, according to a report from the Associated Press. While Obama was in office at the time the massive wait lists and documentation backlogs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs were uncovered, he noted that his administration has also done more to cut down those problems since the revelations, and that veteran homelessness has been significantly reduced during his presidency.

A big announcement
Moreover, Obama also noted that the U.S. government is now more than halfway through its goal of building a database of health care information for every veteran nationwide, the report said. That, in turn, should go a long way toward helping to shore up the kind of care to which veterans have access, regardless of where they seek it. And in general, this comes at a time when many in the veterans' community already have a strong opinion of the treatments they get at the VA, just not how long they sometimes have to wait to get it.

"We know that even though the access is a problem, health care in the VA is very good," DAV executive director Garry Augustine told the news organization.

That could, in theory, still pose some problems going forward because demand for health care among vets grew 13 percent in the past year alone, and that number could continue to rise, the report said. Add in the backlog of disability claims the VA still has to process, and it's clear issues still linger. While only about 80,000 remain from the initial backlog number of 610,000, there are still hundreds of thousands more appeals left to review.

More steps being taken
Meanwhile, even as the Obama administration touts its achievements with respect to veteran care, more work is being done on their behalf in Washington as well, according to U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota. Writing in the St. Cloud Times, she said that she and Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst recently introduced a bipartisan bill that would allow veterans to have more personal power when it comes to scheduling health care treatments at the VA. As it stands now, wait times can easily exceed 90 days, and that number may be on the rise.

With all this in mind, it's important for veterans to know what it is that government officials are doing to help them when it comes to getting the care they need. Everyone in Washington and elsewhere would agree that veterans have sacrificed a great deal already, and therefore deserve the best possible treatment when their service is done.

Veterans have to deal with unique physical and mental stresses as a consequence of their demanding roles. The extent of the issue becomes more obvious with the release of every study on health and the military. That said, knowing about these problems is much better than letting them go unseen, and thus the wave of disclosures and increased focus on detection and prevention is a welcome development.

According to HealthDay News, one of the prominent challenges facing service members is troubled sleep. A good night's rest is vital to maintain overall well-being, but that can be an unreachable goal for some veterans, at least without treatment. As with all recurring issues affecting military personnel, the quality of their sleep is worth continued focus.

New report highlights sleep issues
The news service reported that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine carried out the study. The research covered 11 years, and the many veterans receiving health care from the Veterans Health Administration were the subjects. Over 9.7 million cases were studied, leaving the researchers with a huge pool of data. They concluded that veterans are six times more likely than members of the population at large to possess sleep disorders.

While the survey did not stipulate that post-traumatic stress disorder contributes to sleep problems, HealthDay reported that the researchers did find disorders were far more common among veterans afflicted with this condition.

"Veterans with PTSD had a very high sleep disorder prevalence of 16 percent, the highest among the various health conditions or other population characteristics that we examined," said James Burch, author of the study, according to the news provider.

The breakdown of disorders observed showed that there is no one sleep problem afflicting veterans. Instead, they can expect to face everything from insomnia to sleep apnea. HealthDay explained that chronic conditions not tied to sleep do tend to coincide with increased sleeping problems. The researchers stated that based on what they observed during the study period, veterans' sleep should be more carefully managed.

Mental health programs increasing
The suggestion that physical problems such as sleep disorders are tied to mental health outcomes puts more importance than ever on efforts to help veterans suffering from the effects of stress and trauma. Fortunately, many across the country are launching programs to do just this. Texas lawmakers Jose Rodriguez, Joe Moody and Cesar Blanco recently penned an El Paso Times column explaining their state's recent initiative to set up a center that will assist the service member community. It could serve as a model for similar project in other states.

The authors noted that the Texas Veterans + Family Alliance will now respond to mental health issues with the support of members of local communities. One of the program's signature features is a course that will equip veterans and their family members with mental health first aid, procedures that can help when conditions become unbearable. The training centers on issues that veterans frequently deal with, meaning that it will be highly relevant to the types of situations many service members encounter. Such training may create a more hospitable environment when military personnel come home.

In an ideal world, military personnel returning home from active duty wouldn't have to worry about employment. That said, many individuals do find it difficult to slip into civilian jobs when their time in the service comes to an end. This is why it's important to seek out and publicize industries and programs that help veterans find work. A job is a cornerstone of a settled life, and when service members have fewer troubles finding work, the whole transition to home front life is easier.

Trucking industry makes direct pitch for vets
A recent Arkansas Democrat-Gazette report showed that trucking organizations are making efforts to get veterans as drivers, not just for the sake of supporting these individuals but because they tend to excel in those roles. The news provider spoke with leaders of transport companies who noted that skills honed in the military, from logistics knowledge to detail-oriented thinking to the ability to manage oneself independently, help drivers become top employees.

"Attention to detail, in layman's terms, is noticing things that other people would walk past and just not see. We have to constantly monitor our truck, inspect it and make sure everything is what it's supposed to be," veteran and truck driver Nathan Waite told the Democrat-Gazette. "I would also add self-discipline. It does take a lot of self-discipline to drive a truck, be on time, and get up out of bed when you're supposed to. They definitely teach you that in the military."

The news provider explained that there is now a joint program between transport industry organization FastPort and the Hiring Our Heroes Foundation, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce agency. The Trucking Track is meant to create connections in the industry, so that veterans may match up with companies eager to hire them. This mutually beneficial situation will have more trucks out on the road and fewer veterans looking for work.

That isn't the only program designed to bring military personnel into trucking, either. The Democrat-Gazette mentioned Troops for Truckers, a Veterans Resource Network service. This program includes the option of training, enabling veterans to move right into the transport field, even if they didn't perform similar work before or during their time in the armed forces.

Occupational programs popping up
Of course, fields beyond transport and logistics also have roles for veterans, and there are more general programs to help soldiers become civilian employees. California news provider Valley News recently highlighted California Employment Development Department funding for workforce training. The EDD's director, Patrick Henning Jr., cited military-honed traits such as discipline and dedication as reasons why employers should work with veterans.

Valley News reported that the funds described above, distributed by the Riverside County Economic Development Agency, have prepared military personnel for roles in numerous civilian fields, with construction, health care and the energy industry among them. With strong skills from their days in the armed forces and programs designed to help them find new employment, veterans have something to look forward to when they return home. Communities with good job training opportunities are helping these individuals enter a new stage in life.

Today, the problems and challenges facing veterans returning from active duty are drawing attention, perhaps more than ever before. This is a positive development, as if the issues were going unseen, many military personnel would be more likely to suffer without the help they need. A wave of grassroots efforts around the country is becoming evident, with organizers hoping to take action and assist the veterans in their communities. For inspiration, these rising events can look to some of the long-running gatherings setting the mold for veteran care.

San Diego event reaches 29 years
Fox 5 San Diego recently reported that Stand Down For Homeless Veterans, a program that runs over three days every year, has returned for its 29th year. The event, founded in 1988, offers services to approximately 1,000 veterans every year, dealing with some of the most vulnerable individuals in today's society – those who have returned from war only to end up with no home.

There are several different facets to the program, according to Fox 5, with clothing, housing and counseling needs all being addressed. It has become a blueprint for similar events in other cities, as the problem of homelessness among veterans is not limited by geography, and the numbers of individuals living with no shelter remains high. San Diego's Point-in-Time Count of homeless veterans found 584 in shelters and 573 unsheltered. Though the numbers are still high, they are moving in the right direction – 631 were unsheltered last year.

The news provider noted that Stand Down is accompanied in the San Diego area by Housing Our Heroes, a joint program between federal and local organizations, with a bill totaling $12.5 million. With that much funding muscle, organizers can help the homeless find permanent living situations. So far, 18 families have received homes through the effort, with 130 more individuals signed up and qualified. Between the families housed already, their are now 34 children with roofs over their heads.

Assistance in Georgia
A related program to help homeless veterans recently began in Georgia, according to local news source South Metro Neighbor. Stand Up For Stand Down is a drive to collect personal care items and toiletries to be given to the homeless in the area. The donation period lasts for months, from July through early September, then the products collected are handed out at affiliated Stand Down events similar to the San Diego version mentioned above. By inviting the public to donate toiletries in small and travel-sized packages, the Stand Up for Stand Down drive gives people an easy way to get involved when they want to assist the homeless with everyday needs.

According to the news provider, the 2015 version of the event created a large stockpile of personal care products, which were distributed to over 1,500 individuals throughout the state of Georgia. The extreme vulnerability of homeless populations calls for varied and determined efforts from those able to help. Fortunately, organizations and events such as these exist to fill that requirement – hopefully more will take up the call and strive toward the ultimate goal of ending veteran homelessness.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most prominent and dangerous threats facing veterans today. When affected by this serious psychological condition, coming home from active duty becomes exponentially more difficult. Thankfully, resources are being directed toward programs and solutions that may be able to spare veterans from PTSD's most serious effects.

The use of therapy animals is one of the methods rising to prominence to help individuals suffering from trauma. The most common image of an animal companion is the faithful service dog, but some of these programs have taken on a different character, as there are many ways to treat PTSD.

Parrots as therapy animals
CBS recently shed light on an underexposed corner of the therapeutic world, pointing out that parrots are being used as therapy animals in programs for combat veterans. The birds bond with their human caretakers, with the connection helping to form an oasis of calm. For those suffering from stress and the after-effects of traumatic experiences, this type of quiet time caring for an animal may be just what they need to regain some equilibrium.

"They've taught me patience, they taught me trust. They taught me all about how you can be happy and playful even in the midst of pain," Coast Guard Reserve veteran Lilly Love told CBS. Love lived through a helicopter crash that killed many others and dealt with depression.

Lorin Lindner, founder of animal sanctuary Serenity Park, explained to the news provider that interacting with birds can bring out feelings of calm and softness that may be hard to access for those dealing with trauma, even in other types of therapy. The connection between human and animal can serve individuals in ways that conversations with other people cannot always accomplish. This shows the value of therapy animal programs relating to PTSD

CBS noted that the birds used as service animals tend to have had traumatic experiences of their own. Domestic parrots need frequent care, and when they live longer than their owners, they may end up cast out and cut off from that attention. Receiving that much-needed upkeep can soothe the birds, even as they help bring calm to the veterans feeding and grooming them.

PTSD receiving consistent attention
The use of therapy animals isn't the only approach currently being taken to counter the harmful effects of PTSD. Thankfully for veterans suffering from the condition, many events have been organized in the past few years to ease their burden. Pennsylvania-area news site Lehigh Valley Live recently focused on one such project, the Carry The Fallen Ruck March. This is a hike of about eight miles, with each participant carrying gear that stands in for the emotional burden of PTSD.

The news provider explained that the ruck march is a non-profit endeavor, raising money for Active Heroes, the owner and operator of a retreat for veterans. The event is open to people of all ages, with children as young as 7 marching alongside adults, all united in their attempts to raise awareness of and money for those who have returned home suffering from PTSD. Through more community events such as these, hopefully more individuals will find the help they need.