What unique service is available to provide assistance for military members returning home? I recently attended a presentation that touched me and opened my eyes to the unique challenges our military members face when returning home to civilian life. Most of us have family members that have either served our country, are currently serving, or will be serving in the future. Family members on the home front are raising families and running households alone, wondering if and when their loved ones will return, and adjusting to a new state of “normal.”
The media has made us aware of the difficulty most veterans have obtaining jobs when they return home. However, the thirty-year-old recent veteran that shared his personal story brought awareness to bigger issues – the emotions involved with the transition home. Many veterans have a hard time detaching from military life and joining civilian life which can lead to Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to cope with PTSD many turn to the use of alcohol and drugs resulting in financial distress, divorce or even suicide. Fortunately there is an organization that offers help.
Dryhootch of America is veteran to veteran peer counseling. The organization was created by a group of Vietnam veterans who wanted to help the Iraq/Afghanistan generation of vets with reintegration issues, in addition to helping vets from all eras. As stated on their website, www.dryhootch.org, “surviving the war is just the beginning.” The services they provide range from coping with PTSD, addiction, and survivors of suicide, to finding housing and employment. Most of all, they offer support.
Right here in Milwaukee, in the Milwaukee County War Memorial, is the dryhootch headquarters. They have two coffee shops in Milwaukee: 1030 E. Brady Street and 4801 W. National which allow the public to experience a great cup of coffee and support the organization. Give it a try and help our military members adjust to life back home! Want to know more? Visit www.dryhootch.org. Want to donate? Donations are accepted on their website or at the coffee houses.
