Stories of War Brought to Life by Vietnam Veteran on May 19

Paul Baffico, a Vietnam veteran, will speak about his war experiences at a free event at the Lake Bluff Public Safety Building, 45 East Center Street, Lake Bluff, on Monday, May 19, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. His presentation is part of the series "The Stories of War from those Who Have Been There" coordinated by the Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services program affiliated with the Lake County Health Department.

Paul Baffico is a Vietnam veteran who served as a communications platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Division in 1970 and 1971. He flew 206 combat assaults and is the recipient of the Air Medal with 7 oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star with 1 oak leaf cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal. Baffico fought in Vietnam 44 years ago and he still lives with the memories of that experience every day since coming home.

Founded in 2010, the Lake McHenry Veterans and Family Services program is designed to honor veterans and promote conversation among veterans, their loved ones and the public about the long-term effects of military experiences. Currently, there are approximately 40,000 veterans in Lake County alone, and of those veterans, 20 to 25 percent struggle with mental health issues. Veterans are often reluctant to seek help on issues ranging from job and benefit issues to emotional stress caused by deployment, reintegration, and family issues.

The Lake-McHenry Veterans and Family Services program assists veterans, whether they served in Vietnam or more present day conflicts, and their families, face challenges before, during and after deployments.

The program is free and open to the public. Reservations are unnecessary. For more information, call: (847) 377-8386 or visit: http://www.lmvfs.org/.

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