Karin A. Craven
When I stop by for a visit, one veteran opens up about his experiences as an army medic in Korea, after weeks of not talking about anything personal. He hasn’t joined the usual American Legion Hall or the VFW because he doesn’t want to sit down at bars and rehash war stories. He hasn’t talked much about his experience over the years, and only to a few people. He tells me about the sparse language veterans use when they talk about their war experience.
Throughout our nation, troops are returning home from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their adjustment from military to civilian life has its challenges. My focus in this article will be on providing pastoral care to the returning veteran.
Domestic Violence and Veterans: An Increasing Problem
The Rev. Bonnie M. Orth
Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling, abusive, or violent behaviors used with an intimate partner. It may be physical, emotional or psychological, sexual, verbal, or financial and may include isolating the victim, minimizing, denying, blaming, and using children to control the victim. It is an issue of power and control, not of anger and losing control. Domestic violence happens in all communities and crosses all social, economic, and cultural borders. While 90 to 95% of domestic violence victims are female, there are also male victims.
by the Rev. Ralph Garlin Clingan
I have included here some seamier aspects of military service and US history. Not only our beloved Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC) network but all of our social justice networks of the Presbyterian Health, Education & Welfare Association (PHEWA) must address the problems created by combat. We children of the war racket’s red glare speak and act and want the church to join us.
By Amy Blumenshine
Many family members and loved ones of recent veterans wonder how to be helpful to veterans after their deployments. Unfortunately, in the realm of human behavior, one size does not fit all. There is no guide to what to say. Veterans will have had very different experiences in war-time deployments. The nature of how they have been impacted by their experiences may take time to realize.
A collection of resources to help veterans and their families cope with trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Peace Cranes may be used to help pray for peace. Before folding, invite participants to write their prayers for peace on their papers. When everyone is finished, string the cranes together to become a visible, corporate prayer.
Do you know someone who has a family member in the National Guard or Reserves now serving overseas or in some other place far away from home? Is it someone in your church? the neighborhood? the office? Do you want to help the person left behind but are unsure how to do so? Do you say to him or her, “Let me know if there is anything I can do for you,” but feel that your words are inadequate, that you really want to offer concrete support? Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Read this brochure and learn how to be nominated to volunteer as a SDOP National Committee member.
Advertise your Peacemaker's visit in the media.