| Who is that OEF/OIF Veteran in the Mirror? |
| [6/27/2010] |
Source: Department of Veterans Affairs Blog |
Back to Veterans and Retirees
By Fran Peters, OEF/OIF Point of Contact
Walking through the local mall, I caught a glimpse of a young woman dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, and what appeared to be Army boots, walking with a stride as big as a cowboy, and actively trying to avoid the full length mirror that surrounded the east side of the hall.
She looked too young to be a Veteran, but as I overheard her talking to someone, I knew she had recently returned from combat. Since we were both headed for the check-out lane, I gestured to have her move ahead of me in line, which she reluctantly accepted. She apologized, saying she was in a hurry.
I asked her if she was a Veteran, and she looked at me quizzically, saying, something like, a Veteran of what? My grandpa was a Veteran of WWII.
So, instead I asked her if she had recently returned from service. She said that she had. I thanked her for her service and reminded her that she is eligible for care through the VA. Again, I got that quizzical look from her. So, I said a few things that I thought might help her to see herself as a Veteran, next time she passes by a mirror...
Remember who you are — you served your country — you are a Veteran.
You have already earned "hero" status with those who work for the VA — so don't try so hard to keep everything to yourself. Seek help when you need it — the VA is there for you.
Accept the benefits you have earned — go back to school if you need to — the VA will help you get through.
Be open to the gratefulness this nation is prepared to show. We've learned a lot from past wars, and we don't want to repeat past mistakes.
Although she may not recognize herself in the mirror these days, this young woman represents approximately 12% of the number of combat Veterans who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Have women seen combat? Of course they have. And for this young woman, some of the battles have just begun ...
Have you ever known someone who has served in the military, but who doesn't see themselves as a Veteran? How did you help them recognize that they are entitled to Veterans' benefits?
For more information, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs Blog and review the Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Guide.
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