Purdue University Calumet Counseling Center Gyte Room 5 (219)
Honor Courage Respect for brotherhood/sisterhood Patriotism Community Integrity Honesty
Our veterans are educated, motivated, successful and civically engaged. Statistics 26% of veterans age 25 and older have at least a bachelor’s degree Versus only 28% of the total population 92 % of veterans age 25 and older have at least a high school diploma Versus 86%of the total population.
Statistics (cont.) Veterans’ median annual income is $35,367 Higher than population ($24,521) 70% of veterans voted in the 2012 presidential election Only 61% of total eligible voters actually voted
A great number of combat veterans need support Mental health services Physical care Housing or employment The nation owes a particular debt to veterans to ensure that ample resources are provided to help address those needs The greatest disservice to veterans is to lump them all into a single stereotype
“..you just wish for the day that you could go home, sleep in your own bed, kiss the people that you love and who love you… But…when you get home, it is weird there…just weird. Everyone says they are glad to see you and they want to hear your story. But, may be they don’t really want to listen; they already have their own version in their heads. Further, while you have been away, they have been creating a story of their own, based on having to do without you, relying on other people, being lonely, being not lonely at all as it becomes a real pleasure not to have to consult another person. And they have heard that you have a disease…that you all come back crazy…that the experiences that have changed you have damaged you. So 1 min, they are ignoring the difference, acting like you were never gone and the next they are so cautious that they seem afraid…So the long awaited homecoming arrives…but the divergent stories are far apart…”
Veterans who have served since post 9/11 faced wartime challenges: such as: Deployments are longer and more frequent Likelihood of surviving combat casualties is higher Enemy is less defined clearly Reintegration back into civilian life is difficult These challenges place veterans at heightened risk for suffering from : Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Alcohol And Substance Abuse
The first step to truly appreciate the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans The vast majority served with honor while in uniform and continue to do so in civilian life Neighbors Co-workers Spouses Parents Members of our community
Ways we can support our veterans Visit a wounded veteran at the hospital Offer your home repair skills to a veteran or military family Create an online neighborhood user group that can be used to share information about neighborhood activities, recommend reliable repair companies, and find babysitters Deliver a meal or care packages to veterans
Help a veteran tell their story through a project such as the Veteran's History Project Volunteer with an organization, such as Canine Companions for Independence, that provide therapy dogs to veterans Offer a vet a ride by volunteering with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, which provides free transportation to men and women unable to travel to VA medical facilities on their own Visit serve.gov and use keyword “veterans” to find more opportunities to serve our nation's veterans Say “Thank You”
If you, a friend, or loved one is a registered PUC student: Visit the PUC Counseling Center, located in Gyte 5. Call or stop in to make an appointment. Fall & Spring Hours Monday – Thursdays: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays: 8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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If you, a friend, or loved one is not a PUC student or if the Counseling Center is closed: Visit the nearest hospital emergency room Call 911 Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline TALK SUICIDA (spanish) Suicide prevention.org If you are in Northwest Indiana call the Crisis Center
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