HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.b. City Sponsorship of "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" EventAGENDA ITEM: City Sponsorship of "Beyond the Yellow
Ribbon" Event
AGENDA SECTION:
Departmental
Reports /Business
PREPARED BY: William H. Droste, Mayor
AGENDA NO. 3. 1b
ATTACHMENTS: Program literature
APPROVED BY:
00.)
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to Approve City Sponsorship of "Beyond the Yellow
Ribbon" Event.
4 ROSEMOUNT
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Regular Meeting: October 21, 2008
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
Several communities have begun discussions about ways to assist local families where a member has been
deployed to military service overseas. Dakota County mayors and administrators recently heard a
presentation on the subject by John Morris, a chaplain major currently serving the Minnesota Army
National Guard. Major Morris is co- creator of `Beyond Yellow Ribbon," a program that serves to
reintegrate National Guard members into society.
The Mayor and City staff consulted with local clergy about organizing more efforts of that kind in
Rosemount. A sponsorship event has been scheduled for Thursday, December 4 at the United Methodist
Church in Rosemount. The event will provide opportunities for the community to learn how to assist our
veterans and their families as they reintegrate themselves back into our community.
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
VI-7
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Dave Osberg, City Administrator
July 31, 2008
Approve City Sponsorship of "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" Event
It is recommended that the City Council take action authorizing the sponsorship of an
event called: "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" scheduled for Thursday October 9, 2008 at
the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.
BACKGROUND
Throughout the last several weeks Staff has conducted meetings regarding the scheduling
of an event to assist the community members on means to support and provide services to
our military men and women returning from combat duty. The event will provide
opportunities for the community to learn how to assist our veterans and their families as
they reintegrate themselves back into our community. I have attached some literature
from the Family Policy Council that identifies further the issues relating to reintegration
for military men and women, and opportunities for the community to assist and become
more aware.
I have also attached examples from Eagan and Farmington, illustrating the literature that
was used in those communities to advertise their events, which will be similar to the one
scheduled in Hastings on October 9, 2008. Involvement from the City will include certain
coordination and moderate cost for the night, to include refreshments, coffee and cookies,
thus the re., est for the City Council to authorize sponsorship of the event.
David M. Osberg
City Administrat
POLICY
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It Fan COMMUNITY SURE PARTNERSHIP
14th Jefferson
P.O. Box 45015
Olympia, WA 98504 -5015
T: (360) 902.7880
F: (360) 902.7853
www.fpc.wa.gov
WELCOME HOME!
How to Make a Difference in the Lives of Returning War Zone Veterans
Nearly every day, American veterans arrive home from Iraq or Afghanistan. The environment they return to
makes a real difference in how the transition home goes. War zone veterans, their families and their
communities would benefit from everyone getting involved and creating a welcoming, thoughtful and helpful
environment.
Study after study confirms that a strong social network of friends, neighbors, employers, and people with
similar interests in the community makes the transition home easier and healthier. Everyone can play a
helpful role in strengthening the social network of a returning veteran. Positive roles include:
Material support, including employment Money, the ability to make a living, housing and other
resources matter. We all need to know that we can count on others if times get tough.
Help with tasks and projects. It's hard to "go it alone" when there's work to do. Knowing we can ask
someone to share the load is supportive.
Sharing and advice. Perspective, problem solving, and the opportunity to talk make a big difference
whether the issue is large or small.
Positive interactions. Getting together and having fun reduces stress. Hearing positive things makes it
easier to take next steps and make transitions of all kinds.
Turn the page for specific ideas for:
1. Family, Friends Neighbors
2. Employers
3. Clergy Faith Leaders
4. Judges Lawyers
5. Fellow Veterans
Three Levels of Transition
Moving forward after separation. War zone veterans and their families are separated for a minimum of
12 months. There is great joy in re- uniting! But children have grown, spouses have taken on new
responsibilities, things have changed. Families need time to re- establish communication, parenting
patterns and other daily activities.
Using different skills Skills that keep military personnel alive in the war zone can disrupt life at home
and work. Using war zone skills in family, work and community life can increase the risk of
unemployment, divorce and other problems. Veterans may need feedback and support in order to switch
from war zone skills to expectations at home.
6. Educators
7. Healthcare Providers
8. Social Service Providers
9. Media
10. First Responders
FAMILY POLICY COUNCIL •Office of the Governor Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction House Democratic
Caucus House Republican Caucus Senate Democratic Caucus Senate Republican Caucus Department of Community,
Trade Economic Development Department of Health Department of Social Health Services Employment Security
Department COMMUNITY PUBLIC HEALTH SAFETY NETWORKS READINESS TO LEARN CONSORTIUMS
Washington State Family Policy Council PO Box 45015 Olympia, Washington 98504. 360 -902 -7880
In Washington State call 1 -800 -562 -2308 if you, a veteran or veteran's family member you care about needs help.
2005 Do not reproduce in whole or in part without permission of the Washington State Family Policy Coundl
Page 2 of 11
Recovering from intense events Some events in the war zone, such as witnessing the death of a child or
friend, increase the likelihood that depression, a sense of isolation, substance abuse or post traumatic
stress disorder will occur. Veterans may need professional help to overcome intense events. Strong,
supportive relationships in everyday life do decrease the severity and duration of problems caused by
intense events.
Helping Whole Families
Deployment to the war zone affects whole families. For example, children may experience:
Stress due to separation.
Changes in family patterns, such as caretaking roles. In some families, the custody or living arrangements
may change
Significant and instant change in the family's income. This is particularly true among National Guard
and Reservist families that take a pay cut during active duty.
A parent entering or re- entering the workplace or taking a second job in order to backfill lost wages,
which changes family schedules, patterns, and expectations.
Upon homecoming, rhilrlren may be challenged by readjustment. Currently, about one fourth of returning
veterans are experiencing substance abuse, anxiety, depression or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
These conditions are known to affect children in a variety of ways.
Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Family
The impact of PTSD on family dynamics and children is fairly well understood, but not widely known. PTSD
is a psychological injury occurring when an individual is threatened with death, serious injury, or loss of
physical integrity; or faces event(s) causing intense fear, helplessness or horror_
Natural disaster, sexual assault, and exposure to community violence are known to cause PTSD. Because
combat involves chronic stress and exposure to danger, it increases the likelihood, severity and duration of
the injury. PTSD results in
Re experiencing the traumatic event, for example, through nightmares or flashbacks;
HyperarouraZ which includes startle reactions to noise and motion, irritability, rage, and constant
lookout for danger; and
Avoidance, which indudes both numbing of emotions (sometimes with drugs and alcohol), and avoiding
reminders of the traumatic experience.
At its core, PTSD disrupts: 1) the ability to feel safe in the world; 2) the ability to engage in meaningful and
close personal relationships; and 3) the sense of personal identity and purpose.
Because it affects both behavior and emotional state, PTSD defines the climate inside of a family. It creates a
legacy of behavioral adaptations and emotional changes among the children of its sufferers. These children
have some but not all of the symptoms of PTSD, such as hyper vigilance. And they are more at risk for
substance abuse, suicide and peer rejection than their peers.
One Caveat
Conscientious caring makes a tremendous difference! You can help, but not every action is helpfuL While
sharing information is helpful, it's critical not to diagnose or recommend therapy unless you are a professional
who has been asked to do so by the veteran. Read on to see what you can do!
Washington State Family Policy Council PO Box 45015 Olympia, Washington 98504. 360 902 -7880
In Washington State call 1-800- 562 -2308 if you, a veteran or veteran's family member you care about needs help.
2005 Do not reproduce in whole or in part without permission of the Washington State Family Policy Council
Page 3 of 11
FAMILY, FRIENDS NEIGHBORS
Nearly all National Guard and Reservist families live in civilian communities. Many active duty
personnel also live off- -post, in civilian neighborhoods. Some families will move during deployment to
reduce costs, increase access to military services or for other reasons. Family, friends and neighbors are a
terrific resource, a source of strength and help in good times and bad. Family, friends and neighbors may
need to show an extra dose of understanding as veterans return home.
Family, friends neighbors can:
Offer to help with household chores and projects.
Babysit or offer respite for kids facing the stress of deployment and readjustment.
Welcome veterans home with appreciation for their service and warm conversation; continue to
reach out to the spouse, even if the returning veteran prefers solitude.
Recognize that loud noises, fireworks, fires and other realities of daily life may startle war zone
veterans and evoke an over reaction.
Call 9-1 -1 if there are violent incidents and be sure to inform the dispatcher that a war zone veteran
is involved.
If a veteran appears to be struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence or
substance abuse, steer him or her towards help.
EMPLOYERS
Going to work as a civilian can be challenging after a tour of duty in the war zone. Returning vets may
rely on battlefield skills that don't fit with the civilian way of doing business.
Veterans' spouses work, too. Deployment and the transition home may cause visible stress, affecting
scheduling and performance. Some spouses will enter the workforce for the first time or return to work
after a long parenting break in order to backfill wages lost when their National Guard or Reserve soldier
is called to active duty.
Employers can:
Follow federal law for rehiring National Guardsmen and Reservists called to active duty.
Make sure that supervisors learn about battlefield skills and how they may affect the workplace, and
have the skills to provide useful and effective coaching.
Offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential services to employees
whose personal issues may affect performance.
Recruit military spouses, returning veterans and wounded veterans.
Know where resources are available for military families.
CLERGY AND FAITH LEADERS
Many war zone veterans and their families belong to faith communities or will join faith communities
during deployment and readjustment. War zone experiences may negatively affect interpersonal
relationships, including marriage. Both veterans and their spouses may seek help within a religious
community.
War zone veterans who experienced intense events may struggle to understand their place in the world
given what they have witnessed and experienced. Faith community is one place that individuals turn to
address this.
Washington State Family Policy Council PO Box 45015 Olympia, Washington 98504. 360 902 -7880
In Washington State call 1- 800 -562 -2308 if you, a veteran or veteran's family member you care about needs help.
2005 Do not reproduce in whole or in part without permission of the Washington State Family Policy Coundl
Page 4 of 11
Clergy and faith leaders can:
Sincerely welcome veterans and their families.
Understand that actions taken during war occur under unique, often extreme, circumstances. Be
willing to hear a soldier's story without judgment or personal rejection.
Develop an in -depth knowledge of local resources and a willingness to refer veterans and their
families. Adjust programs and classes within the community to meet the needs of war zone veterans
and their families
Learn about battlefield skills and the difficulties that result from applying those skills in the civilian
world, as well as symptoms of adjustment problems like substance abuse and PTSD.
Recognize the special needs of children of vets and work to address them. A
Connect veterans with veterans for conversation and support.
LAWYERS JUDGES
Between 40 and 50% of all troops currently deployed to combat zones are National Guardsmen and
Reservists, who enjoy specific legal protections regarding employment and credit. For example, it is a
violation of federal law to foreclose on the home of a National Guardsmen during active duty. However,
cases of creditors seeking and receiving judgments in violation of the law have been documented.
Many families are facing legal issues during deployment. For example, the combat payroll system is
reportedly deducting child support payments, but not documenting that payment in state child support
enforcement systems.
Upon return, war zone veterans are at increased risk for substance abuse, including traffic violations
involving alcohol. They are more likely to be involved in auto accidents, including single- vehicle
fatalities. War zone veterans are more likely to engage in domestic violence, substance abuse, assault and
homicide than their peers. Marriages are significantly more likely to fail after war zone service. PTSD
may increase the likelihood of these behaviors.
Currently 26% of returning vets appear through assessment to be suffering from mental heakh disorders;
a small portion may require involuntary commitment.
Lawyers can:
Provide pro bono legal services to military families during deployment—an informal network of
lawyers has formed in Pierce County, but may need more volunteers to meet the demand.
Inquire about deployment status in all cases involving credit.
Inform potential clients of limitations on their right to pursue claims and help inform judges of
federal protections for National Guardsmen and Reservists.
Develop knowledge of PTSD and other mental health conditions associated with the war zone
experience, their effects, and resources available. Include those resources in plea and sentencing
agreements.
Judicial Officers can:
Provide judicial education regarding legal protections for deployed military personnel and their
families.
Inquire about deployment status in all credit cases, and refrain from entering judgments where
deployment may be an issue.
Page 5 of 11
Judicial Officers can (continued):
Seek out pro bono representation for deployed military personnel.
Develop understanding of PTSD and its effects on behavior. Utilize tools such as deferred
prosecution in cases where war zone trauma is a factor, and refer to specialized treatment where
possible.
Become familiar with intergenerational effects of PTSD and their role in children's violent behaviors;
refer to services accordingly.
Plan for increased case load in areas where a significant number of military personnel have been
called to active duty.
FELLOW VETERANS
War zone veterans may fmd it very difficult to explain the war experience to civilians who do not
genuinely understand chain of command and other aspects of military life. It can be especially difficult to
talk about traumatic events —it takes a great deal of effort to explain the context, decisions leading up to
the trauma, reasons for the decisions made, and sense of urgency when under fire. Not surprisingly,
veteran -to- veteran supports have a long and positive history. Veteran Service Organizations, Marine for
Life and Vet Centers are a few examples of how veterans have helped each other in formal ways. Day -to-
day relationships among veterans are also extremely important and helpful.
Fellow veterans can:
Create friendships through whatever door is open visiting wounded veterans at medical facilities,
volunteering through civilian and military organizations, or making social connections.
Model a healthy and productive path through the transition home. Making a healthy transition
home takes special skills. It's important to learn them from someone with experience. When
returning veterans are frustrated or discouraged by the challenge of readjustment, it's valuable to
hear —from someone who has reason to know —that it's possible to get through this time.
Draw the line, when necessary. Returning veterans are vulnerable to substance abuse, depression,
anxiety and PTSD. These, in turn, increase the risk of addiction, driving under the influence, and
domestic violence. Confronting these problems with credibility can save lives, marriages, and years
of pain.
EDUCATORS
Deployment affects even very young children. In addition to concern for their absent parent, children
must cope with the stress their remaining parent will naturally experience. Some sources call this
"deployment distress."
After deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan ends, living with a war zone veteran can impact success at
school. War related adjustment problems, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety and PTSD,
affect the whole family and may interfere with the student's concentration, communication and ability to
relate to other students.
In particular, PTSD negatively affects the child's ability to feel safe, to have a sense of identity and to
engage in meaningful relationships. These children are more likely than their peers to be aggressive,
suffer social isolation, use drugs, attempt suicide or solve problems with violence.
Washington State Family Policy Council PO Box 45015 Olympia, Washington 98504.360- 902 -7880
In Washington State call 1-800 -562 -2308 if you, a veteran or veteran's family member you care about needs help.
0 2005 Do not reproduce in whole or in part without permission of the Washington State Family Policy Council
Washington State Family Policy Council PO Box 45015.Olympia, Washington 98504.360 -902 -7880
in Washington State call 1 -800 -562 -2308 if you, a veteran or veteran's family member you care about needs help.
2005 Do not reproduce in whole or in part without permission of the Washington State Family Policy Council
Page 6 of 11
Educators and schools can:
Provide information and resources to families.
Help children develop skills that bridge between expectations of the civilian world and the
expectations of the military world, including knowing when to apply which skill.
Teach friendship, problem solving, and emotional literacy skills.
When preparing for discipline interventions, be aware that some war zone veterans may value and
reinforce aggression or disrespect for authority.
Learn about PTSD, its role in family dynamics and its effects on children. Recognize that many
children suffer from PTSD due to non combat experiences, such as political torture among immigrant
families, a history of violence in the home, and exposure to community violence.
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
War zone experience impacts lifelong health. War zone veterans have elevated early death rates due to:
deficits in self -care; poor medical compliance; physiological correlates of chronic stress, hostility and
depression; accident; suicide; chronic substance abuse; smoking; and digestive disorders. Over 25% of
combat vets will face mental health challenges, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and
somatization, particularly with respect to pain and war injuries.
A mother's stress, depression or PTSD negatively affects pregnancy, fetal development, bonding, and
child development.
Healthcare providers can:
Partner with the US Department of Veterans Affairs to provide health care to veterans.
Understand that actions taken during war occur under unique, often extreme circumstances. Be
willing to hear a soldier's story without judgment or personal rejection.
Screen for high risk disorders.
Make referrals to professionals trained and qualified to address post- traumatic responses.
Promote family planning, share information about high stress pregnancy, and help families plan for
supported parenting when high- stress pregnancy occurs.
Help vets access services for mental health, substance abuse and long -term care as needed.
Share information about PTSD and depression.
SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
National Guardsmen and Reservists give up their regular jobs —and paychecks when called to active
duty in war zones abroad. This instant drop in income means some military families may need financial
assistance, food support, energy assistance and other basics.
The US Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs offer a variety of services to address and mitigate
the effects of war. These services focus on the military personnel; only a few extend to spouses and
children. And war zone veterans are at risk of some problems for which there is no federal program, such
as homelessness. In addition, war zone veterans are more likely than others to appear in court for traffic
accidents and domestic violence, which may result in referral to local services. Those suffering PTSD are
most likely to experience these problems. Contact with social service providers may create the
opportunity to offer: assessment for known risks, such as drug and alcohol addiction; prevention of
known problems, such as intergenerational effects of PTSD; and recovery of costs from the federal
government for services promised to veterans as part of their service to the country.
Page 7 of 11
The current system of social services requires the veteran to find his or her way to available services,
which does not always happen. Service providers in the community should know that counseling,
drug/alcohol treatment, and long -term care may be available to a veteran. The Washington State
Department of Veterans Affairs and Veteran Service Organizations do an excellent job of assisting
veterans with the application processes.
It is important to recognize that only a small percentage of veterans and their families will seek or need
social services, but the obligation to provide adequate services is equal to the commitment veterans have
made.
Social service providers can:
Understand that actions taken during war occur under unique, often extreme circumstances. Be
willing to hear a soldier's story without judgment or personal rejection.
Work with service organizations and the private sector to secure a commitment to help. Draw on
these partnerships if allotments have been exhausted to guarantee that families of deployed military
personnel, war zone veterans and their families receive help at the time they ask.
Ask about veteran status in all intake processes; work with Washington State Department of Veterans
Affairs to access promised services from the federal government.
Plan for increased case load in areas where a significant number of military personnel have been
called up for active duty. Long -term care facilities, senior services, and homeless shelters should plan
for a veteran case load several years in the future.
Ask about problems and behaviors known to be associated with war zone experience and make
referrals accordingly. Become familiar with local resources for war zone veterans, particularly
treatment for PTSD and specialized drug/alcohol treatment for veterans.
Provide whole family supports while providing opportunities for vets to be with vets.
When it comes to PTSD, educate first, provide therapy later. Choose proven treatment methods,
such as cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
(EMDR). Be familiar with intergenerational effects of PTSD and their role in children's behavior.
MEDIA
Media's influence in American culture makes it a tremendous resource for educating community
members on how to help. Both news and programming can deliver messages that promote the
availability of and access to services war zone veterans need as well as building a cultural attitude
supportive of seeking help without stigmatization or jeopardizing honorable military careers. Media may
also be used by those who are reaching to returning vets in order to help, such as employers recruiting for
jobs.
Media can:
Develop programs that grapple with the issues of deployment and readjustment in realistic ways,
emphasizing hope for the future. Include examples of communities and businesses supporting war
zone veterans. Tell stories of war zone veterans seeking help, thereby securing health and well being
for their children.
Produce and air public service announcements.
Run editorials supporting full funding for and access to mental health services for all returning
veterans and their families
Washington State Family Policy Council PO Box 45015 Olympia, Washington 98504 360 902 -7880
In Washington State call 1 800 562 2308 if you, a veteran or veteran's family member you care about needs help.
2005 Do not reproduce in whole or in part without permission of the Washington State Family Policy Council
Washington State Family Policy Council PO Box 45015 Olympia, Washington 98504 360 902 -7880
In Washington State call 1-800-562-2308 if you, a veteran or veteran's family member you care about needs help.
0 2005 Do not reproduce in whole or in part without permission of the Washington State Family Policy Coundl
Page 8 of 11
Media can (continued):
Sponsor events that bring families together during deployment, support war zone veterans and their
families upon return, assist wounded veterans, and engage community and social support. Contribute
moderators when appropriate.
Help connect helpers. For example, run free classified ads for business that are recruiting veterans for
employment.
Circulate information about resources, war zone skills, adjustment issues, and challenges during
readjustment.
FIRST RESPONDERS
War zone veterans are more likely to die early compared to the general population. They are sevtt times
more likely than others of the same age, gender and race to die of accidental causes, three times more
likely to die from homicide and suicide, and three and a half times more likely to die from chronic
substance abuse.
About 1 in 6 war zone veterans suffer from PTSD, raising the risk of domestic violence. The National
Center for PTSD says, "The association between PTSD and domestic violence suggests that this disorder
should be seen as a marker or risk factor for intimate violence."
Children of war zone veterans, particularly those raised by veterans with PTSD, are more likely than
their peers to be aggressive and violent, to use drugs and alcohol and to attempt suicide.
First responders can:
Prepare for increases in needed services based on local deployment patterns.
Develop understanding of PTSD and its effects on behavior.
Become familiar with local resources.
Treat single vehide accidents involving war zone veterans as potentially intentional.
Ask about veteran status and make note of that status on reports and documents to be forwarded to
the court.
AN IMMEDIATE LEADERSHIP ROLE FOR GOVERNMENT
When asked, more than 80% of Washington's community leaders said that government should invest in
prevention to assure that all families thrive. Most want to help, but say they need help knowing what to do.
They want assurance that their actions will make a positive difference and will not risk harm to children and
families. Government leadership is essential to ensure that the community desire is transformed into
successful strategies.
The overwhelming majority of Washingtonians want to send a message of appreciation to all who have
served in Iraq and Afghanistan. There will be no other window of opportunity to do the right thing. Now is
the time to act. Now is the time to lead.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Model practices that work.
Government is a provider of social, health and education services as well as an employer. It should
develop practices that work and disseminate information about them. Employment, drug/alcohol
treatment, intervention in domestic violence, mental health services, and parent education are a few
areas where there is significant knowledge about adapting practices to fit the needs of war zone veterans.
In creating pilots and models, government should take note of those things that do not work and
disseminate that information as well.
Create a mechanism for gathering and distributing private funds.
Many in the private sector want to make contributions to larger efforts to support returning veterans.
Government can create the mechanism for pooling these contributions in order to enhance or expand
appropriate services and supports as needs emerge among veterans and their families.
Use existing infrastructure to reach out.
The Family Policy Council, Readiness to Learn and others have local partnerships that engage
professionals and residents in working together on behalf of families. These networks of networks are
effective for outreach, recruiting and general public education.
Convene professional associations and civic organizations.
Certain professionals, such as doctors, police, and teachers are likely to see the effects of readjustment in
their day to-day work. Government can convene these groups, prepare them to respond effectively and
ask them to reach out to their own professional networks in order to widen the circle of engaged
community members.
Deliver accurate information.
Perhaps nothing is more essential than accurate, clear and helpful information. It is possible to do harm
in this case. For example, veterans will sometimes tell stories about their war experiences. If an
individual in a helping role, such as clergy or a social service provider, rejects or appears to reject the
veteran because of decisions made necessary by the conditions of war, the veteran may never seek needed
services again. It is also possible to waste resources by investing in well intended actions that don't work
for many war zone veterans, for example, by expecting their participation in large public gatherings.
Offer training, education and professional development.
War zone veterans and their families have very specific needs, and there are some predictable patterns
related to. readjustment. Some ways of "helping" don't work. For example, talking directly about PTSD
with a returning veteran doesn't help. Educating about the battlefield skills and inviting future learning,
does. Professional development should be offered widely and include those from whom veterans
typically seek help. Clergy are at the top of that list, and ought to be included in as many training
opportunities as is feasible.
Create opportunities and incentives.
Community members may need assistance in seeing ways to help and government incentives may help.
For example, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which offer confidential services to employees
whose personal issues may affect work performance, would be a terrific readjustment resource.
Unfortunately, most small businesses do not have the means to create or join an EAP. The State could
support the pooling of small businesses or the lending of a large corporation's EAP to small businesses in
order to close this gap.
Plan and fund increased use of affected systems.
War zone veterans are more at risk for substance abuse, depression and post traumatic stress disorder
than others in their age group. They are also more likely to have accidents, including fatal single -car
collisions. For this reason, certain services will likely be impacted in areas where there are many war
zone veterans. Only government can map, analyze and use data about returning vets and the services
Washington State Family Policy Council PO Box 45015 Olympia, Washington 98504 360 902 -7880
In Washington State call 1- 800 562 -2308 if you, a veteran or veteran's family member you care about needs help.
2005 Do not reproduce in whole or in part without permission of the Washington State Family Policy Council
Page 9 of 11
Page 10 of 11
they request to plan and fund affected systems and to offer prevention resources in geographic areas with
the greatest need.
Recover federal monies for promised benefits.
The federal government has a primary obligation to provide certain services to military personnel and
veterans. The state must continue in its role of recovering federal benefits on behalf of Washington state
residents, including its role of supporting veterans in filling out required applications.
Act on Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund authority.
Local governments are authorized to raise revenue to fund effective programs and to promote community
response. County commissioners must act to exercise this authority.
Washington State Family Policy Council. PO Box 45015 Olympia, Washington 98504. 360 902 -7880
In Washington State call 1-800-562-2308 if you, a veteran or veteran's family member you care about needs help.
e2005 Do not reproduce in whole or in part without permission of the Washington State Family Policy Council
a
POLICY
14th Jefferson
--i
Z-ct"N 0 P.O. Box 45015
Q C Olympia, WA 98504 -5015
T: (360) 902.7880
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www.fpc.wa.gov
A We, Co MUNfY 8 STATE PARhERSHIP
8 Battlefield Skills that Make Life in the Civilian World Challenging
Adapted from James Munroe, Ed.D, Boston VA Healthcare System. james.munroe @med.va.gov
1. Safety. Military personnel in the war zone must be on constant alert for danger. Everyday events at home,
like a traffic jam, can trigger a sense of danger and vulnerability. The soldier may seek constant control and
vigilance. People accustomed to safety may not understand.
2. Trust and Identifying the Enemy. To survive, military personnel must learn quickly not to trust in the
war zone. It's better to assume that everyone is the enemy until proven otherwise. At home, mistrust and
suspiciousness severely damage most important relationships, including marriage.
3. Mission Orientation. The primary task in the military is to complete the mission ordered from above. All
attention and resources are directed to its completion. In the civilian world, individuals are expected to take
initiative, seek out tasks, balance competing priorities, and decide for themselves how to proceed.
4. Decision Making. In the war zone, following orders is critical to personal safety, the well -being of
comrades, and the success of the mission. Military personnel whose rank requires decision making must give
life- and -death orders, even when all the information is not available. At home, especially in families,
decision making tends to be cooperative. People take time to consider questions and options and to seek out
additional information.
5. Response Tactics. In the war zone, survival depends on automatic response to danger. It is critical to act
first —with maximum firepower —and think later. Keeping all supplies and equipment, including weapons,
clean, well- maintained, and in their proper place is critical to response. At home, messy rooms and dirty
dishes feel dangerous, and the soldier's response to these realities may intimidate or frighten family members.
6. Predictability and Intelligence Control. In the war zone, troops are in serious danger if the enemy can
predict their movements, routine, location or intentions. Military personnel learn to vary their routine and
withhold information. But at home, employers expect routines and children need them.
7. Emotional Control. Combat exposes military personnel to overwhelming events that elicit fear, loss and
grief. Yet the job requires that they move on quickly, staying alert and vigilant. The range of acceptable
emotions may narrow to anger and irritability. Drugs and alcohol help sustain emotional numbing, even after
the soldier comes home. Emotions that are dangerous in combat are critical for relationships at home.
8. Talking about the War. It's hard to talk about how the war changed the individual. War may challenge
the soldier's core beliefs about humanity and justice in the world. There are few opportunities to reflect on
this in the combat situation. At home, it is difficult to explain to civilians —to people who live in safety—
what happened in combat, what decisions were made, why those decisions were necessary. Talking about the
war may overwhelm the soldier with horror or grief. And the soldier may be afraid that their stories will
upset people they care about or lead to rejection.
FAMILY POLICY COUNCIL •Office of the Govemor Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction House Democratic
Caucus House Republican Caucus Senate Democratic Caucus Senate Republican Caucus Department of Community,
Trade Economic Development Department of Health Department of Social Health Services Employment Security
Department COMMUNITY PUBLIC HEALTH SAFETY NETWORKS READINESS TO LEARN CONSORTIUMS