The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (VWWP) offers
peer support groups in some of the Regions that we serve. The main purpose of the support group is to share post deployment combat experiences, camaraderie, networking, and an opportunity for the Veteran Peer Specialist to connect follow on services. Some of the follow on services are (But not limited to):
· DVS Service Rep for disability claims
· PTSD and TBI screening/referral
· Linkage to VA OIF/OEF Case Management
· Financial Assistance through Non- Profit Organizations
· Linkage to Veteran Service Organizations (VSO)
· Follow on counseling (IE: Education or Family)
· USMC Wounded Warrior Call Center
A veteran sharing combat experiences within the group is a big part of someone healing. Although the images of war may never leave an individual, the
support groups allow veterans to say what they need to say with others that understand. The Fredericksburg support group has been mixed with Iraqi, Afghanistan, Desert Storm, and Vietnam combat war veterans. The veterans share common experiences despite the different combat zones.
The VWWP services are there for the combat veteran. Getting the “word on the street” about the groups has been a challenge. The combat veterans that have attended the group play a big part in the creditability of the groups. Their testimony is a tribute to the mission of the VWWP, taking care of Virginia’s combat veterans and their families.
Testimonials:
Testimony form a caregiver (Marine son with PTSD and TBI)
“I’m not sure what you guys talk about in the group, but I seen my son smile, laugh and joke with others. Something I have not seen in a long time”
Testimony from a Navy combat veteran with PTSD.
“I get more from this support group, then all of my previous support groups that I ever attended in the past. You guys really make an attempt to connect with vets”.
Testimony form a Marine combat veteran with PTSD and TBI
“Prior to my involvement with this group, I have been going through some sleepless nights and panic attacks. The group has made me talk about all of my issues and everyone in the group understood and nobody really judged me”.
Testimony from an Army combat veteran with PTSD
“Since my return from Iraq, I had many things bottled up in me. The loss of my brothers in combat has taken its toll on me, drinking, anger, and guilt. Since I have been attending the group, my drinking and anger issues have been in check”.
Testimony from a Marine combat veteran with and PTSD
“After getting out of jail, I had nobody to talk or relate to. The group had given me somewhere to vent my frustrations with others and talk about my combat issues. I really do not talk to anyone besides the support group members”.