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Many of us remember how our Vietnam veterans were treated when they returned home. Like today, the US soldier in Vietnam could have been our family member, friend or neighbor. Instead of a welcome home, many US veterans felt the wrath of the people's feelings about that war. We vowed to never treat our people that way again regardless of how we may feel about the war or conflict in which we were engaged.
It is said that people who have experienced combat are changed forever. But they still have dreams for their futures. How can we help our loved ones regain their lives? What do we say to someone who has experienced things we may never understand? How do we help a family who has lost their son or daughter?
This edition of the Symetra Community Series deals with some aspects of what the American veterans have lived through in the Middle East; the deep emotions they bring home; and, for some, pain of ultimate loss.
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Major General Paul Eaton (US Army, Ret), doesn't mince words as he talks with Dave Ross about the US soldier on the ground. He was in Baghdad training the Iraqi military and has strong opinions about helping the US veteran at home. Listen now.
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Colonel Rod Thomas (US Army, Ret), General Manager of Contract Services for Skookum, an organization that creates job opportunities for people with disabilities. He shares the challenges a military returnee has in obtaining employment. Listen now.
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Michael Reagan, Portrait Artist - He has drawn presidents, actors, and famous athletes. Now he draws portraits of US veterans who can't return home. This Vietnam veteran provides these portraits to the families free of charge. Listen now.
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There is one consequence of the Iraq War that no one disputes: the very real needs of thousands of returning veterans and their families. Some will need physical and emotional therapy, but all deserve our best efforts to understand what they faced.
- Dave Ross
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The 2008 Symetra Community Series is a partnership between Symetra Financial, Bonneville Broadcasting and people doing great work to help the human condition. The series focuses on long term solutions for all of us.
So get ready to listen, watch and participate!
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