Now, a local way to help returning troops
Without question, there are different points of view on the war in Iraq. But virtually all Americans agree on their concern for the troops fighting on our behalf. We all share that concern, both those of us who endorse the war and those of us who oppose it.
John Brennan and Sheila Schultz want to tap into that concern to do some good. Brennan, a community leader most widely known as the founder of the Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year program, and Schultz, the former village president of Wheeling, have created an organization called Support4Vets in a grassroots attempt to meet the unique challenges and special needs of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The group is seeking participants for a community meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights.
The meeting is intended as a brainstorming session to generate ideas on how the volunteer group can help the veterans as they return. The group hopes to engage churches, schools, banks, libraries, clinics, law offices, myriad social agencies and any other interested volunteers.
It is a worthwhile cause and we encourage anyone reading these words to attend and to get involved.
To do so, phone (847) 259-9740 or e-mail John@support4vets.com.
Brennan says he is concerned that the services available through the Veterans Administration will not be sufficient to meet the needs of so many returning veterans -- physical wounds, disabilities, emotional problems, depression, nightmares, lack of concentration, financial issues, alcohol abuse and more.
Most families, he says, already have suffered months of coping with these kinds of stresses.
"We also believe the best way to connect them with the right help and best solutions is through a coordinated effort of our area's resources and services," Brennan and Schultz said in an organization pamphlet. "It's the least we can do for these men and women who have served our nation -- our brave veterans, our neighbors, our friends."
The organization is a nonprofit community service and support program of volunteers with no fees or other costs.
It is just intended to do good and needed work.
"Like you," Brennan and Schultz said, "we are deeply concerned about the many war veterans returning home wounded in both mind and body. These brave men and women attempting to return to normal life need all kinds of support."
If you are concerned about the welfare of returning veterans, here's an opportunity on a local level to do something about it. If you appreciate the sacrifices they have made on behalf of our country, here's an opportunity in a very real way to say thanks.
This is a worthwhile effort.
We're going to get involved.
We hope you do, too.