With the recent turn of events in Afghanistan, we need our veterans and their families to know that your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs stands by you.
The news that continues to unfold is causing strong emotional reactions that range from anger, confusion, betrayal, regret, sadness, shock, loss, to resignation and acceptance. Many family members may also be frustrated and angry wondering about the many sacrifices they made in support of their loved ones.
From the fall of Saigon in Vietnam, to the withdrawal from Somalia after the battle of Mogadishu, to the ISIS take-over of Fallujah, Ramadi, Mosul, and Tikrit, far too many veterans experienced the same heavy burden of loss, disappointment, and helplessness that our newest generations of veterans may be feeling watching the Taliban take over.
Those who served in Afghanistan did their mission with honor, valor, and distinction.
We want to remind our veterans that you have our gratitude and you are not alone. Veterans live with the principle that their service is never done. They continue to serve, to support their fellow veterans, to meet them where they are and share sorrows and joys together. Family members, Gold Star Families, and friends may also be having strong reactions and feelings and we must rally to support them.
My ask for our allies and veterans in Washington State is to reach out so that we can provide you with the support you need. We also ask you to please share your voice to engage other veterans who may need a little extra help. It is natural to experience strong emotions especially now, but even more important is that they are channeled in ways that are healthy.
Remember that our veterans community is full of individuals who have been down similar paths. Our Vietnam veterans faced incredible emotional challenges after leaving Vietnam. They served during a time when the public could not separate the warrior from the administration’s policies which caused a lifetime of emotional pain for many. In their journey to resiliency, they vowed that what happened to them would not happen to others. They changed the tide to where now the public values our warriors’ service and sacrifices regardless of the policies. They, as many other veterans in our agency, have your backs and I know are willing to listen.
Your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs can be a gateway and resource to supportive programs such as the War Trauma Counseling Program, Veterans Peer Corps, Vet Corps, and other resources. We can also facilitate a connection to other programs and organizations.
We just need to hear from you so that we can be there for you!
Below are several resources and sites to explore:
- WDVA Counseling and Wellness - Counseling and Wellness | WDVA (wa.gov)
- Afghanistan: How spouses, caregivers can support Veterans with PTSD - Afghanistan: How spouses, caregivers can support Veterans with PTSD | VAntage Point This is the third in a four-part series about Afghanistan Veterans and how they can get help through VA. Read the other parts:
- Part 1: Afghanistan: How Veterans can reconcile service
- Part 2: Afghanistan: How Veterans can learn from Vietnam Veterans
- Vet Centers for War Veterans Counseling: Find your nearest Vet Center
- Washington State Employee Assistance Program: https://des.wa.gov/services/hr-finance/washington-state-employee-assistance-program-eap
Thank you to our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices,
Your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs