By Sharel Fraser
In response to recent media coverage regarding military suicides and the federal government’s proposed medical services cutbacks, the Legion’s BC/Yukon Command is fighting for public recognition about the importance of intervention for our military serving members suffering from mental trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
For years, the Legion has been filling the gap where services for veterans were lacking. We know firsthand how hard it is for veterans and their families to cope with mental issues resulting from military service.
We also know how to effectively work with veterans as they transition back to health and back into the community.
There is no question the federal government provides certain levels of benefits and programs. However, these only go so far and the need is far greater than the public understands.
Furthermore, the continuum of care that’s needed for successful transition is multi-disciplined. It’s not always possible for government or health and social agencies to case manage in this manner.
In the absence of a tailored, responsive, and comprehensive continuum of care for our returning military, the Legion in BC/Yukon has been making a powerful, practical difference by offering one-of-a-kind programs, with life-changing impact.
• Veterans Transition Program (with UBC) for veterans suffering PTSD.
• Military Skills Conversion Program (with BCIT) for veterans re-entering the marketplace.
• Cockrell House for homeless veterans.
The Legion does not receive government funding for these programs.
These three programs have filled a void as none other. It was a void identified with our professional partners, as we experienced the growing need for unique programs to assist veterans.
This is what we do in the Legion. We see a need, we seek out professional partners, we analyze what is required to be done and we create innovative programs.
We finance these programs by virtue of our ongoing fundraising in 153 communities throughout British Columbia and Yukon. Our Legionnaires and Ladies Auxiliary also volunteer over 600,000 hours a year, a milestone beyond compare.
More and more of these volunteer hours are now focused on engaging the new generation of veterans and trying to help them transition back to their families.
Legionnaires and Ladies Auxiliaries know firsthand military families bear more than their fair share of the load when one of their own serves in the Canadian military. Many of our new members are not military-related, themselves, but they are with us because they care.
There is a tremendous need in our veteran community right now. From the veterans who are homeless to the silently suffering 26 year-old who don’t sleep anymore, it is the responsibility of all Canadians to reach out to them.
Stepping up to the perceived stigmas of PTSD, to the plight of homelessness, and to the rejections of re-entering the workforce - this is what The Royal Canadian Legion is doing in British Columbia and Yukon for a new generation of veterans returning from overseas duties.
The Legion is speaking up for those who have served this country with honour and we say they should get more services, not less. The cost to society will be borne by us all for years to come.
Get involved by supporting Legion programs.
Sharel Fraser is The Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command community and media relations director.