Half Of Us : Veterans Resource Center

Two-thirds of all college students know someone who has previously or is currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. As these brave veterans come home, it is important that we all do our part to help in their transition back into civilian life, especially since many of these veterans will be starting or returning to college. Despite the sacrifices they have made, these veterans aren't looking for special treatment – they just want the opportunity to do well as students and have a good college experience.

This resource center was created with the support of The Bob Woodruff Foundation. Learn more about their work to combat the physical and psychological wounds of war.

There has been significant news coverage of the emotional and physical injuries that veterans deal with as a result of working in a war zone. These are very real problems that some student veterans must address, but there are also significant assets they bring to campuses because of their experience and training. If you know or attend school with a veteran, the best thing you can do is help them have a normal college experience, let them decide how much they want to discuss or emphasize their service, and be patient as they acclimate to their new routine.

Click here for Tips on Respectful Communication with Veterans.

It is estimated that 25 to 30 percent of veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan report symptoms of a mental disorder or cognitive condition. These "hidden injuries of war" are not surprising given the trauma of serving in a combat zone. It is important that veterans struggling with emotional health issues get the support they need as unaddressed problems can lead to serious consequences like substance abuse or suicide. With the right support and treatment, veterans dealing with mental health issues can still have a smooth transition and a healthy future.

Learn more about mental health conditions some veterans face and common warning signs of a problem.

After sacrificing so much and working so hard to protect our country, our veterans deserve to be given a smooth, healthy transition as they return. This means ensuring that they have access to the professionals and services they need to address the physical and emotional wounds of war. You can become an advocate by joining IAVA's (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) action network. Sign up now to receive occasional action alerts about ways to get involved.

You can also support our troops by participating in The Bob Woodruff's ReMIND movement.

Resources and Online Forum for Family and Friends
http://supportyourvet.org/
Access an online forum and access resources for family and friends of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. Share your experiences, get lessons learned, find support and understanding, and hear from Veterans on how their friends and family helped them to make a stronger transition to civilian life.

Resource Center for Veterans and their Families
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/veterans/
For veterans, their friends and families, the return home is often just the first step in a longer re-adjustment process. Understanding that every veteran has had a different experience overseas, the resources on this site run the gamut from transitioning to life at home, to uncovering signs of emotional problems, to dealing with war trauma.

Helping a Family Member with Post-Traumatic Stress
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/ncdocs/fact_shts/helping_a_family_member.html
If a family member or close friend has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress, there are lots of ways to be supportive. Learn how to help, how to handle the good days and bad days, and how to keep your relationship healthy and strong.

IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE HELP, CALL 1-800-273-TALK and press 1 to reach the Veteran's Hotline. Or you can click here to locate local resources or chat live online with a crisis counselor.

Adjusting to Life at Home
http://www.oefoif.va.gov/
Find information on health and education benefits, support services and ways to link up with other veterans.

Online Community for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans
http://communityofveterans.org/
Connect with other veterans, share information and stories, find mental health resources and support, and get the latest information on the new G.I. Bill.

Student Veterans of America
http://studentveterans.org/index.php
SVA is a coalition of student veterans groups from college campuses across the United States. Find out more about chapters in your region or how to start a chapter on your campus.

VA On-the-Go
The VA has a site you can access from your mobile phone – with content for returning veterans about health benefits and local VA facilities — check it out at http://m.va.gov

Other Blogs and Online Communities
VFW: http://my.vfwwebcom.org/
American Legion: http://ourvoice.legion.org/
VA: http://www.blogs.va.gov/ReturningServiceMembers/
National Veterans Foundation Community Chat: http://www.nvf.org/

Veterans Hotline
Call 1-888-777-4443 (daily 9AM – 9PM PST) to speak directly with a trained veteran about challenges you're facing or questions you have about services and benefits. Hotline staff can also help if you are dealing with combat trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress or if you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide. You can also chat online with a counselor here: http://www.nvf.org/pages/resource-center

Click here to find resources on your campus.

Students who served in the Iraq War speak out about the emotional challenges of adjusting to life back at home and the importance of finding support.