often kept what they had experienced
to themselves. They wanted to protect
their friends and families from the
horror of war. No doubt much of what
reticent because they believed it was their duty
to serve, and to sacrifi ce themselves to defend
the liberty, justice and peace of their country.
in every circumstance in which citizens of the USA fi nd
themselves. It represents the best of what it means to be
a player in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
It models what Jesus considered the highest calling, to
"Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There
is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's
friends" (John 15:12-13).
mental illness. Veterans make up 13 percent of the adult
homeless population. According to The Nebraska
Department of Veteran Aff airs, about 30 percent of the
men and women who have spent time in war zones
experience PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
such services as physical and spiritual healing, rent and
utility assistance, recovery from substance abuse, housing,
job services and more, as represented by the eff orts
shown on these and following pages.
Joseph, MO hosted Vet2Vet--Em-
powering Veterans to Achieve Their
Day in May to connect vets and their
families with service agencies, learn
about health benefi ts and explore educa-
tional and job opportunities. The vets re-
ceived clothing, personal hygiene items,
blankets and nonperishable food items.
ans in Connecticut include tak-
ing part in the annual Statewide
provided food to marchers.
sentatives (VAVS) visited VA hospitals
regularly to distribute goods to more than
1,000 vets. Salvationists at three annual
Island provide information and material
assistance to primarily homeless veterans
and distribute socks, toiletry items, snacks
and water. Last year's pilot project at Camp
CONNRI brought 40 children of military
families together for a summer week of
friendship, swimming, backpacking, rock
climbing, archery, ropes course and other
activities. VAVS representatives had their
church children prepare a poster and val-
entines which they hand delivered at the
New Haven VA Hospital.
reach out to your local Salvation Army Corps. Find
the location nearest you at salvationarmyusa.org