On Friday, Feb. 13, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced its plan to house the homeless veterans of Los Angeles.
Getting LA's veterans off the street
According to Stars and Stripes, the plan proposed the use of a 387-acre plot of land in West LA, which will be used to create a facility to house former soldiers in their life after service. While this is being constructed, however, other plans are being put into action to get vets into temporary and permanent housing. Over the next 100 days, the VA will be focusing a number of efforts and resources into finding shelter for former servicemembers. The department will be hiring people to find available housing, increase funding and create temporary homes for veterans and their families. The ultimate goal is to provide at least 650 vets with permanent residences by April.
Additionally, the VA will be reaching out to the Department of Labor and a number of other governmental organizations to create job training and employment opportunities for these individuals in an effort to keep them from returning to the street. Stars and Stripes noted that since permanent housing is the goal for all veterans, a strong focus will be placed on offering them therapy and other support beyond simply handing them keys.
A history of homelessness
The New York Times reported that there has been controversy surrounding the West LA land that will be used for veteran housing. While it was originally deeded to the government in 1888 to be used for housing disabled vets, it has not been used for this purpose. Most of the businesses currently leasing the land, which range from a car rental organization to laundry facilities, serve the nearby affluent neighborhood of Brentwood. After a group of veterans filed a lawsuit against the VA for misusing the land, the organization decided to draw up this plan for housing local vets.
The source explained that the land in question is nearly half the size of Central Park and has the potential to house almost all of LA's homeless veteran population, which is roughly 4,000 people. The facilities will include special resources for female vets, servicemembers with severe disabilities and those who are aging. Overall, the project is expected to cost the VA around $50 million.
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, a bill aiming to improve mental health care for veterans passed in the Senate. According to the Washington Times, the legislation is named the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act. It is named for a Marine who, after finding it difficult to access adequate mental care through Veterans Affairs facilities, took his own life.
Bill calls for change
The New York Times reported that the act, which passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate, will focus on improving the quality of mental care provided by the VA. Existing programs will undergo regular outside assessments. Those in charge of the evaluations will examine all 800 VA clinics and hospitals around the nation with the hopes of figuring out what practices are efficient and what techniques should be retired.
If passed by President Obama, the legislation will also prompt the creation of a new website devoted to the mental health of veterans. The page will be interactive and easy to use, noted The New York Times. In addition to providing former soldiers with a number of helpful resources, it will feature information and support for concerned family members, friends and colleagues looking to get their loved ones help.
Five of the VA's 22 regional networks will also create peer-support programs for returning soldiers. This proposed initiative would match veterans transitioning to civilian life with more experienced peers who will be able to offer them help and support for all of their mental health issues. The bill also addresses the organization's lack of qualified and committed mental health professionals. The legislation would create a medical school loan repayment program in an effort to recruit talented physicians.
Lastly, the bill calls for an extension on the current period late-stage combat troops returning from either Iraq or Afghanistan have to take advantage of VA health benefits without showing a service-related disability, noted The New York Times. Currently, the window is five years, but if passed the bill will extend this time by 12 months.
Suicide a prominent issue for veterans
According to CNN, an estimated 22 veterans take their own lives each day in the U.S., which amounts to one death every 65 minutes. While this figure is notable, the source explained that the true number is most likely much higher. About one-fifth of all suicides in America are former soldiers. The New York Times reported that between 2009 and 2011, the suicide rate for male veterans ages 18-24 jumped from 46.1 per 100,000 to 79.1 per 100,000.
"We may never completely end this terrible epidemic that is plaguing our country, but if we can save one parent from having to bury their child, one son from losing his mother or one sister from losing her brother, it's worth trying with all our might," said Rep. Timothy J. Walz, D- Minn., the lawmaker responsible for introducing the bill into the House, upon the act's passing in the Senate.
Transitioning from the military to civilian life is no easy task, especially when it comes to choosing a new career path. A recent study, conducted by CareerCast.com and published in Forbes magazine, revealed that while many exiting soldiers feel lost and underqualified in their job search during life after service, the skills acquired by people in the military can actually transfer nicely to a number of high-paying jobs. Though some might require additional training, there are many positions out there that are great potential fits for people with armed forces experience. For the report, CareerCast.com used over 100 veteran-friendly criteria to figure out which jobs were best for people leaving the military.
1. Administrative services manager
This position, which typically pays upward of $80,000 annually, is a wonderful option for veterans who excelled in leadership positions during their time as soldiers. Good time management and excellent organizational skills are also crucial qualifications for this job, noted the report.
2. Electrician
According to CareerCast.com, this trade is a union position, so it involves a lot of the camaraderie and teamwork present in military life. For soldiers who enjoyed this aspect of the service, this job, which has a median salary of around $50,000, could be a great fit. Additionally, vets can take advantage of the GI Bill to fund their post-military electrician training.
3. Software engineer
Tech companies are taking off as the world moves toward an increasingly digital lifestyle. Not only are these companies helping to reshape the world and improve the way people are staying connected, but they are also some of the most veteran-friendly employers on today's job market. CareerCast.com noted that for soldiers who were not able to gain tech experience during their time in the military, many companies, like Microsoft, have implemented on-the-job training initiatives. The median salary for this position is just over $85,000 per year.
4. Emergency medical technician
Legislation that passed in February 2013 made it possible for former servicemembers with relevant medical experience gained during their time in the military to apply this training toward becoming an EMT. For veterans that completed applicable programs while in the service, this position, with a median salary of just over $30,000, can be a good transition job. Additionally, for those looking to pursue careers in the medical field, being an EMT is an excellent way to gain experience in the industry.
5. Construction program manager
This position comes highly recommended by CareerCast.com for a number of reasons. In 2014, many construction companies across the U.S. joined an initiative to hire 100,000 veterans by 2020. These jobs are great for veterans because they involve leadership, organization and teamwork skills – all characteristics taught by serving in the armed forces. With a median salary of over $80,000, being a construction program manager is also relatively high-paying.
Forbes noted that many of the positions ranked by CareerCast.com have "manager" in the title, largely because of the inherent leadership skills it takes to be a soldier. Servicemembers should highlight these qualifications in their resumes to give them an edge when it comes to applying for managerial positions. Additionally, the source explained that soldiers who have experience in a legal setting should consider applying for positions like paralegals, which they could thrive in.
CareerCast.com noted that former servicemembers should also investigate positions in the finance industry. Though they may not have gained in-depth industry knowledge during their time as soldiers, many financial organizations have veteran-friendly internship programs that can set former soldiers on the path to a fulfilling career.
Sports make up a large portion of American culture, and football is one that's especially dear to the country. Knowing this, it only makes sense that sports teams would contribute to the honoring of those who have served. Many athletes have shown their support for the troops with personal visits, charitable donations and other forms of appreciation. Recently, one veteran was even awarded with a ticket to the upcoming Super Bowl.
Ticket to Phoenix
Super Bowl XLIX will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, Feb. 1. Dustin Butler, a Marine Corps veteran of Cherokee descent, will be in attendance to see what's sure to be an action-packed game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, reported the Muskogee Phoenix. The tickets were donated by Operation Enduring Respect, an organization that gives veterans the opportunity to attend professional sports events during life after service. In addition to the tickets, the group will cover the fees for transportation, food, souvenirs and lodging, and even provide Butler with the chance to attend a private NFL Hall of Fame luncheon with some of the most well-respected NFL legends.
"I've been watching the Super Bowl since I was old enough to remember, and I never expected to ever go in person," Butler told the news source. "Words don't describe how happy I am to be going and experiencing this firsthand."
It's this kind of appreciation that drives Kevin Phelps and Brian McKee, founders of the organization, to continue the good deeds they're doing for those who have served.
NFL and veterans
The NFL shows its support for veterans in its own way. The NFL website noted that its Salute to Service campaign connects football teams with those who have served and strives to give them an experience they'll never forget. Not only that, but all donations made to the campaign go directly to their military sponsors, which include well-known organizations like USO, Wounded Warrior Project and Pat Tillman Foundation.
The website explains that "through its long standing partnerships and support from our 32 teams, the NFL takes pride in supporting military personnel and remains committed to raising awareness for the sacrifices they make on our behalf." The United States Automobile Association is the official military sponsor of the program, and continues to make many valuable contributions to the troops. The company also recently ran a social media campaign that encourages users to post messages of appreciation to those who have served with the hashtag #SaluteToService.
Veterans and their families are well aware of the strain that serving can put on a relationship. It can be difficult to be apart from each other for so long, and some risk never seeing each other again. For those who have experienced the latter, one veteran decided to write a book that would help them through.
Katerina's Tears
Michael Galitello, now 80 years old, worked with ghost writer Rob Carr to write "Katerina's Tears," a romance novel that detailed the fictional life of one couple's experience with war, reported The Register Citizen. A touching story, the book was started in January 2014 and submitted to the publisher in October. Galitello wanted to write the book as a tribute to fallen soldiers who were not able to reunite with the loves of their lives.
"It's a love story for the guys that never made it back to meet their 'Katerina' and also for the 'Katerinas' who might have not met their guys who didn't make it back," Galitello told the news source.
In addition to the story, the cover of the book was inspired by real-life events. It features the silhouette of a woman, which is an actual picture that Galitello found one day. In fact, it was what inspired the story in the first place.
"I got that inspiration of love, love will find you, love is there, love is waiting," he added.
Other novels
"Katerina's Tears" is one of many books written by veterans. After that one was published, Galitello started writing his second one, a Christmas story called "The Ornament." Writing can be an effective way of expressing oneself during life after service. There are many organizations that promote the art form as a healthy form of therapy. Veterans' Voices, Warrior Writers and Veterans Writing Project are all programs that developed to help veterans find a healing hobby.
While some of these organizations teach courses and hold seminars on writing, others simply provide veterans with a group of like-minded individuals who are interested in getting together and sharing their stories. Specifically, Veterans' Voices accepts online submissions for prose and poetry and consistently posts it on the site for all to read. The Veterans Writing Project lists literary, social and therapeutic as the three main goals of the program. It brings together veterans and teaches them how to effectively express themselves through writing with the expert-led courses and mentoring program.
As baby boomers age, so does a large population of World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans. As a result, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is assigned the task of developing programs that will keep them comfortable and healthy throughout their years.
End-of-life care
NPR recently reported on a portion of the money being put into end-of-life care for veterans. One way they are beefing up resources for older vets during life after service is their partnership with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Together, the two teams work to make veterans and their families as comfortable as possible as they age. What sets those who have served apart from others in hospice is what they have witnessed throughout their lives and how they have coped. Some get sporadic reminders of war later in life, and health care workers should be trained to prepare for that and learn how to ease their patients back to rest.
"People who have PTSD, maybe have not had it unmasked their whole life, but … all of a sudden they get flashbacks," Alice Beal, Ph.D., who directs VA palliative care for most of New York City, told NPR.
Paying special attention to veterans in their end-of-life care can help show respect to those who have served and make sure that they're comfortable and at peace.
Long-term care
It's not just hospice services that are available to senior veterans. The VA also helps with geriatrics and extended care services, which can provide care for those with chronic or life-limiting illnesses, as well as disability or injury. According to the VA's website, this includes:
- Nursing homes and residential settings – Community living centers, medical foster homes and assisted living communities are just some of the options offered for older veterans in need. These communities typically include many different socialization and wellness activities for like-minded residents to take advantage of. They can range from independent living communities with minimal assistance to nursing care with medical help.
- Home-based services – As the name implies, this service covers things like visiting aids, adult day care and other services that can provide support within a person's current residence. This can be beneficial for those who need light assistance, but prefer not to leave their home.
One of the most defining periods of American history, World War II was a trying time for soldiers and their families all over the world. When the U.S. armed forces went to concentration camps around Germany and freed the innocent members inside, they were performing heroic acts that would go down in history – both for the country as well as the individuals they saved.
One survivor's story
Joshua Kaufman, now 87, is living in America with his family after being freed from a concentration camp 70 years ago, reported The Huffington Post. He was forced into the camp when he was a teenager, and his mother and all three of his siblings were killed in the Holocaust. However, Kaufman's life was saved by machine gunner Daniel Gillespie, a U.S. Army veteran just a few years his senior. Together, Gillespie and his team freed 30,000 prisoners at the camp – an accomplishment for which Kaufman is forever grateful.
Gillespie spends his life after service in California, where he also has a family of his own. The pair recently reunited for a documentary, "Dachau concentration camp – The hour of the liberators," that is set to air May 31, 2015, on History Germany. When they met, they were overcome with emotion. Kaufman saluted, hugged and kissed the veteran who saved him so long ago.
"I promised one day if I will come to America, any American soldier who I will see, I will fall down on my knees and I will hug him and I will kiss him," Kaufman told CBS Los Angeles.
Other stories of gratitude
Kaufman is just one of many survivors of the Holocaust to share their gratitude for their heroes. Martin Greenfield, who entered a concentration camp when he was 15 years old and was saved by U.S. soldiers several years later, wrote a book, "Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents' Tailor," describing the details of his escape. He wrote an opinion piece in the New York Post that highlighted his appreciation for the armed forces and drew references to today's conflicts. He explained that, while the issues the country is currently experiencing may seem overwhelming, he has faith that the U.S. soldiers will push through this the same way they did all of the other times.
"America is bigger and stronger than the vexing problems we now face," he said. "Lest one doubt this, simply look at our nation's 2.4 million Armed Forces members. There you will find the best of us."
Employers will soon need to give more thought to the part of their job applications that ask about veteran status. The Washington Post recently reported on a new rule that requires contractors to compile information on their veteran hiring practices for the year. This Labor Department regulation is intended to help solve the ongoing issue of the high percentage of unemployed veterans.
Unemployment rates
It's no secret that the veteran unemployment rate is incredibly high – specifically, the rate for post-9/11 veterans, which U.S. News & World Report explained is higher than that of the overall population. While the rate for this group has slightly improved since its peak, there's still a long road of improvement ahead.
Lida Citroën, a workforce transition course teacher at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, told the news source that the veteran unemployment rate is significant for a number of reasons.
"Anytime you take a community that has volunteered to serve something as big and as bold and scary and important as what they did … you take somebody at that level of commitment and bring them back into a society that maybe doesn't understand them or doesn't value them, that has to be emotionally devastating," she said. "If they don't have access to the resources, if they don't feel connected to a community … it would be natural that somebody could get lost."
Measures to improve the job market
Lawmakers are hopeful that this rule will help improve the job market for veterans. While it may not be immediate and it will take some time for results to show, requiring employers to report on this statistic forces them to be more conscious of the gaps in their hiring. Not only do they need to collect this data and make the number transparent to the Labor Department, but they also need to have a plan in place to increase their veteran onboarding.
This effort is just one of several initiatives to lower the veteran unemployment rate. In 2011, the 100,000 Jobs Mission was started to increase job opportunities for this group of people. Close to 180 private sector companies worked together to create positions for veterans, and U.S. News & World Report explained that the group was set to exceed their goal by the end of 2014. The initiative, coupled with the new rule for veteran hiring data, is making an impact in the community and helping to improve life after service.
Currently, 2,000 veterans in Missouri are on waiting lists for rooms at nursing homes. Gov. Jay Nixon is hoping to begin construction on a new veterans' home in order to reduce wait times for aging soldiers in their life after service.
The Joplin Globe reported that the government official is hoping to use new bond revenues to pay for this plan, but he must first gain the support of legislators, who are reviewing a number of project proposals as well. Nixon's housing program would cost an estimated $50 million and would provide 150 beds to vets in need. According to The Associated Press, the state currently has seven veterans' nursing homes that house a total of 1,350 former servicemembers. The governor also proposed a $14.5 million initiative that would use bond revenue to pay for renovations and updates to these existing facilities.
While there are a number of other significant projects vying for the funds, veterans advocates believe that this proposal is the most important investment option. Many veterans currently face a wait time of between six months and one year for a nursing home bed, and many cannot afford to wait this long for the specialized care these institutions provide, explained the Joplin Globe. Many vets end up entering a private care facility, which can cost their families a significant amount of money despite Medicaid benefits.
The Joplin Globe added that some of the maintenance projects proposed for the current homes include necessary updates to ventilation systems and nurses' stations.
"These men and women did their duty to God and country so that our lives might be better. Now we need to be there for them. Let's work together to get this built," Nixon said during his State of the State address, which took place on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
When Mary Claire Caine parked her car in a spot reserved for veterans, she wasn't doing anything unlawful, reported Military Times. However, when she returned back to the spot, she was greeted with a note that implied otherwise. Although Caine served from 1996 to 2000 as an avionics technician at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico the person who wrote the note did not believe she had the credentials to park in the spot. This highlights the common assumption that women do not frequently serve their country.
By the numbers
A 2013 demographics report from the U.S. Department of Defense showed that women make up 14.6 percent (202,876) of the Department of Defense active-duty force and 18.2 percent (154,346) of the selected reserve force. Altogether, that number totals more than 350,000 women.
With this many women serving the country, it can be difficult to understand why someone would automatically dismiss the possibility that a female could be a veteran. In fact, the number of female veterans is growing, according to a 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. The large number of female veterans in the Gulf War era population shows the increasing number of women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
How to change the misconception
Some may be shocked to learn that the person who wrote the note was a veteran himself. Military Times published the note, which read "Maybe [you] can't read the sign you parked in front of … This space is reserved for those who fought for America … not you. Thanks, wounded vet."
Caine responded by making her story heard and turning to news sources to report on what happened that day. She hopes that shining a light on the incident opens people's eyes to the fact that veterans come in all shapes and sizes – and genders. Following the airing of one news report, Caine received notes of support explaining that she is not alone – other females reassured her that they were also subject to the sexist assumption that they had not served.
"I've [also] had some Vietnam veterans send me some positive messages, saying 'good for you for sticking up for yourself and for serving our country,'" Caine told the source.
Veterans should feel respected and safe during life after service. Spreading awareness on the different faces of veterans can help them feel more welcome and proud to have served their country.