No two veterans have the same war experience, nor, upon returning from war do they face exactly the same reintegration challenges. Likewise, veterans heal and recover in their own ways and along their own timelines.
Caregivers who understand the healing power of story can offer hope. Pastors who understand the dynamics of forgiveness and reconciliation, spiritual direction, and confessional dialogue can greatly assist veterans in their quest for peace and reconciliation. Parish nurses who gain an understanding of the health issues facing returning veterans can provide preliminary health care screenings, locate treatment resources, and advocate for veterans and their families when they receive substandard medical care.
Working together, compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled caregivers, friends, and professionals can give veterans life-saving and life-giving care and support.
This practical guide for ministering to veterans offers—
The Context
• Nature of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars
• Challenges soldiers face when returning home
• Physical, psychological, and spiritual wounds of war
The Church’ s Role
• Basic principles for outreach
• Guidelines for creating a welcoming and safe environment
• Ideas for activating the healing rituals of the church year
The Resources
• Agencies that serve veterans
• Tips for making effective referrals
• Quick screening tools for PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injury
• Comprehensive Wounds of War Assessment with a whole person focus
Co-Authored By: John Sippola, Chaplain, LTC, ret., MDivAmy Blumenshine, MSW, MA
Donald A Tubesing, PhD, MDiv
Valerie Yancey, PhD, RN