Veterans Require No Label — Honor Where They Are and Who They Are!
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Many Veterans who have experienced combat have various physical and emotional challenges to manage after they have transitioned from the Military. During combat the military member is subjected to physical and emotional experiences unlike anything else. Even though they are the most physically and emotionally tough individuals on the planet the human being is not built for these types of situations. There is no internal switch that can be turned on or off to alleviate the symptoms that the veteran experiences post combat. Below is a short list of areas that our veterans experience issues with:

  • PTS
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Musculoskeletal problems
  • Hearing problems

Regardless of the issues that are present the last thing our veterans need is a label. They know that the circumstances they were exposed to have changed them in ways they wouldn’t have imagined. In talking with various Veterans about their experiences a common consensus is, medication is not the answer. They need avenues to manage what they are currently experiencing and most of all to know they are not alone. The last thing we need to do as a nation is to be assigning labels which is stigmatizing to the veteran. Veterans need very similar support that anyone who has gone through a very traumatic event needs. It all starts with the basics of caring about them, listening to them, being there when they need a sounding board, including them in programs that honor their sacrifice but more importantly utilize their amazing gifts/talents to move them forward into a future that embraces who they are. Isn’t that was drives most of us in our daily lives? Why would veterans be any different? Why would we assume that medicating and placing labels on our Veterans is a solution?

Being a combat veteran myself I have experienced various issues as a result of the circumstances. The best thing that I found while recovering from the stresses was to be focused on the future and to surround myself with people who were interested in helping me to get where I wanted to go. This was not an easy road but I did find avenues to process the experiences and feelings which has allowed me to live a highly successful life.

There are many non-profits that provide various types of therapeutic services for our veterans. One non-profit that I was recently exposed to from my role on a local Military Alliance Council Board of Advisors is Project Healing Waters. Their mission is being dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings. Isn’t this what we do for ourselves when we feel the stresses of life...we find those avenues that provide us the greatest relief and bring us to a place of internal peace.

My challenge to everyone is to find a way you can support our veterans that need our assistance.

Landmark Life Coaching’s Mission is to honorably and respectfully serve courageous groundbreakers and transitioning veterans to persevere in defining and executing their future by providing an atmosphere of comradery and trust that honors their dedication and commitment. This will empower our clients to feel whole, honored, respected and fulfilled in defining and living their life purpose.

By Dwayne Paro