Proud But Also Concerned
This is a letter to a group of people who have done something I never did, and that is serve in a combat zone. I was in the National Guard for over 17 years, but was never on active duty. I do have friends and loved ones who have served and I listened to what they said and, more importantly sometimes, I listened to what they didn’t say.
Departments of Corrections and other branches of law enforcement across the country these days have the challenge of Vets coming back from active duty and experiencing problems.
I understand not telling the brass about having problems sleeping or the anger and frustration you experience. You want to come home and are worried that if you admit to having problems related to combat, you might not get to come home right away. So now you still have these problems and are back working in a jail or prison. You are struggling at home and don’t know what to do or where to turn. Sad to say, some think the only way out is to bite the bullet.
Please, know that there are people out here that will help you. We at Desert Waters do care what happens to you and will listen to you share about the stress you went through. We will help in any way we can, both through peers and professional counseling. EAPs are also there for staff, and there are other groups out there that will help. Counseling is confidential, except of course if you lead the counselor to believe that you are a threat to yourself or others.
People do care and will not judge what you had to do to come home to your love ones. I am honored to know and shake hands with any Vet. The only way I have to help is to let you know that we do care by writing articles like this one. Please talk to someone. It is a shame that you fought so hard to live and come back home, and now you have to fight to keep you sanity and hope.
Take Care,
The Old Screw
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