How Vietnam Vets Donation Has Impacted The Lives Of So Many

By Christine Parker


It seems strange today to think there was a time when soldiers returning from a war zone were treated with contempt and protests. They were jeered at public rallies and confronted on the streets if they appeared in uniform. Many who returned from the war in Southeast Asia came back with drug habits and mental problems. There are those who still struggle, and need the help a Vietnam vets donation can make.

There are a lot of nonprofits that have been organized to help retired service people with various problems they face after combat. Many soldiers return with debilitating physical challenges that require multiple surgeries and rehabilitation that can last for years. For the majority of these veterans holding a full time job is impossible, and their families suffer financially as a result.

For the Southeast Asian war veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder has been a particular problem. Many of them have found it nearly impossible to maintain a normal life over the years. These veterans were also exposed to the deadly agent orange and have suffered from the effects of that exposure. Veteran suicide rates are much higher than those of civilians, which is testimony to the difficulties many face when they try to adjust to life off the battlefield.

One of the most important contributions the nonprofit organizations have made to veterans is championing their rights to mental, physical, and emotional care. It is sometimes difficult for retired soldiers to navigate the complexities of the system to get the benefits they have earned. The staff on nonprofits have the skill to help them with filling out forms and writing letters to their representatives when necessary.

A lot of young people who graduate from high school, but aren't ready to go to college, enlist in the military. After they have completed their tours of duty, many don't know how the skills they learned fighting will translate in a civilian workplace. Nonprofits help a lot of these young people with resumes, counseling, and interview techniques. They even help them apply to colleges if they are interested. The staff of these are experienced in getting the financial aid packages that help these veterans find work or higher education.

Nonprofits who work with veterans are tireless advocates for their rights and benefits. They lobby Congress on the veterans' behalf and contact Representative and Senators when bills affecting the lives of service people are in Congressional committees.

Isolation and depression are big problems for some veterans trying to reenter the civilian world. Donations to nonprofits make it possible for them to connect with other soldiers, sometimes veterans of other wars, who can relate to the issues and struggles they have. These outreach programs are a vital part of the work nonprofits do.

It is necessary to remember that most veterans volunteered to place themselves in harm's way. Their service to the country should be honored not matter whether or not people agree with the decisions politicians make that send soldiers into war zones.




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