1. We are the people in the VA who welcome home with honor all war veterans.

2. About the Vet Center Established by Congress in 1979 Originally for Vietnam era vets Storefront environment Goal is to provide a broad range of counseling, outreach and referral services to help vets make a satisfying post-war readjustment to civilian life

3. The United States is a long way from Photo by: Cpl. Douglass P. Gilhooly Baghdad, Fallujah, or Kabul Photo by: Lance Cpl. Josh Cox

4. Home sweet home will never look the same… Photo by: Lance Cpl. Ryan Busse Photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks

5. sound the same… Photo by: SPC Kieran Moore Photo by: Cpl. Chance W. Haworth

6. or even smell the same! Photo by: Staff Sgt. Bill Lisbon

7. In a time of war, many images may remain with us…

12. Facts 86% received artillery fire. 93% were shot at with small arms. 77% fired at the enemy. 95% saw dead bodies or remains. 89% were attacked or ambushed. 86% know a troop injured or killed. 65% saw dead or injured Americans. 69% saw injured women/children and were unable to help. -- These numbers correspond in part to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine and pertain to service members in Iraq. The report was published on 1 July 2004.

13. Then we finally come home… God Bless America and Our Loved Ones! Photo by: Cpl. Stephen M. DeBoard

14. …and face the challenge of transition and readjustment Photo by: Capt. M.W. Morgan

15. The readjustment period can be stressful, and stress is normal

16. Marriage, Relationship Problems Endless Questions from Family and Friends Nightmares,Insomnia Lack of Motivation Feelings of Isolation Forgetfulness Some veterans may experience… Lack of Focus Guilt,Shame Anger

17. Don’t assume problems will disappear on their own!

18. Utilize your resources Chain of Command Chain of Command Chaplain Chaplain Military OneSource Military OneSource Local Churches Local Churches Department of Veterans Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Organizations Veterans Organizations

19. What prevents us from seeking assistance?

21. “I’m too embarrassed and I don’t want people to think I am crazy!”

22. A SAFE PLACE TO TALK The professional staff at the Vet Center are available to listen to whatever concerns you may have.

23. “Will it affect my career or military standing?”

24. No information will leave the Vet Center without your written consent!

25. “I can’t get time off from work.”

26. FLEXIBLE HOURS The Vet Center will do its best to find a time that works for you.

27. “It’s probably something I can’t afford.”

28. Vet Center Services are FREE!!

29. Vet Center Locations Oklahoma City 1024 N.W. 47 th Street Suite B Oklahoma City, OK. 73118 (405) 456-5184 Tulsa 14002 E. 21 st Street Suite 200 Tulsa, OK. 74134 (918) 628-2760 Lawton 1016 SW C Street Lawton, OK. 73501 (580) 585-5880 Please ask for additional information in regards to other nationwide Vet Centers if needed!!!

30. Services Individual Counseling Group Counseling Sexual Trauma Counseling Marital/Family Counseling Bereavement Counseling Drug and Alcohol Referral Employment Guidance Liaison with VA & Community Resources Benefits Referral Community Education VA Homeless Program Liaison

31. Eligibility: World War II - 7 Dec. 1941 to 2 Mar. 1946 Korean War - 27 June 1950 to 27 July 1954 Vietnam War - 28 Feb. 1961 to 7 May 1975 Merchant Marines - 7 Dec. 1941 to 15 Aug. 1945 Lebanon - 25 Aug. 1982 to 26 Feb. 1984 Grenada - 23 Oct. 1983 to 21 Nov. 1983 Panama - 20 Dec. 1989 to 31 Jan. 1990 Persian Gulf - 2 Aug. 1990 to... Somalia - 17 Sept. 1992 to... Bosnia Operations, Joint Endeavor - 20 Dec. 1995 to 20 Dec.1996 Joint Guard - 21 Dec. 1996 to 19 June 1998 & Joint Forge - 20 June 1998 to... Global War on Terrorism - 11 Sept. 2001 to… Don’t forget your DD Form 214! (Expeditionary Medal Awarded, e.g. Iraq, Afghanistan, Phillipines, Africa)

32. How do I make an appointment? Call us and we’ll schedule an appointment, or Just walk on in! For more information you can access the Vet Center web site at: www.VetCenter.va.gov

33. Thank You!! Welcome Home! &