Posted on May 9, 2019
MAJ Dad And Husband
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I’m a counselor at a Vet Center and it seems most vets and active military don’t know about us. Have you heard of Vet Centers?
Posted in these groups: Mental health ribbon Mental Health Services
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Responses: 98
LTC Jason Mackay
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I'll be candid. I drive by one all the time. They provide a lot of services to veterans we support at a living facility (Crawford House) that take those with homelessness and substance issues and tries to get them back on their feet. Other than that I couldn't tell you what services are available or what happens there.
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Lt Col Elizabeth Campbell
Lt Col Elizabeth Campbell
5 y
MAJ (Join to see) - Do you offer any yoga classes? I found yoga to be helpful for my symptoms.
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A1C Thomas Ilsley Jr
A1C Thomas Ilsley Jr
4 y
I have more dead friends that died from mental health neglect, after they were honorably discharged, then died while on active duty.
I have many unbelievable stories that would take up too much texting.
There are many who are confused and don’t know where to find help that’s available. The biggest help should be finding them and then helping them.
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A1C Thomas Ilsley Jr
A1C Thomas Ilsley Jr
4 y
The people that need the help the most, are too confused to even seek help.
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
4 y
A1C Thomas Ilsley Jr - part of the mission of the Crawford House is Transition Veterans off the street, work on their underlying issues, and get them employed so they can transition to more stable housing.

I live in El Paso County Colorado. We have an annual Veteran Stand Down where the area VSOs, the state, county, municipal services bring in homeless Vets and get the signed up for services, give them some new clothes, give haircuts (Toni and Guy Hair School) and shaves, works their housing situation, etc. we assist about 250 a year. I participate as one of the VSO members (Scottish American Military Society) issuing new clothes.
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SGT Ken Bell
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Not sure what qualifies as a "Vet Center." I saw a notice in the VA Medical Center regarding a group, veteran-led, that held regular meetings (Balboa Park, San Diego, CA). I went once and found it wanting. Out of the 6-8 attendees, most were either homeless or near homeless or just lonely for someone to bitch with. Probably good for them, but wasn't inviting for others. I only went once. I'm certain that everything depends on the group leader and organization, so the one of which I speak may not be led well. Are we talking about the same "Vet Center?"
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MAJ Dad And Husband
MAJ (Join to see)
5 y
Thanks for responding, and sorry to hear that’s an impression being felt. It could have been a Vet Center activity. Please see above response to LTC M. We are part of the VA, but not the traditional VA. I used to live in SD. Their Vet Center is in Point Loma. They are good folks. There’s also one up in San Marcos and one in down in Chula Vista. I would say that the typical member at Vet Center’s is not homeless, though they are welcome too. Yeah, the individual ppl involved definitely drive the feel of things. But that’s why it’s important for us to engage with all eligible vets andSMs. For the most part, it’s a place and space for us to help support most any things that eligible vets say enriches their lives or helps vets/active SMs with their needs. If your in one of those areas, stop by. I’m sure you’d be welcomed.
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SGT Ken Bell
SGT Ken Bell
5 y
MAJ Matthew L.--- I did a little research and don't believe I was at an "official" Vet Center in San Diego. It seems there is another location that sounds more like what I see described here, so I wanted to clear it up in case there are any other vets in the San Diego area who might benefit from a visit. I don't want to discourage anyone. -K
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A1C Thomas Robert Ilsley Jr
A1C Thomas Robert Ilsley Jr
5 y
Please go to nami.org I hope I got that right. If not, google “National Alliance on Mental Illness”.
(without the quote marks) It Is the largest organization in the world for helping those with mental disorders. It started here in the United States but is doing better in another countries now. In the United States, we seem to have an inhumane disregard for the care of people that are affected with mental illness. People with broken arms and legs are better creative than people with broken thinking abilities. I know from experience, that I would rather lose my arms and legs than lose my mind. We used to take care of people whose minds didn’t work right, but not anymore .
BALANCING THE BUDGET

in 1984 they lead them to the door
and told them what they’ve never heard before:
“ You can go now. You’re cured! You don’t need us anymore. Here’s your medication.
Have a nice vacation.”

While walking in the streets,
they began begging for eats.

The homeless shelters have lots of beds,
but they don’t forget to count heads.

Sometimes two, sometimes four, and sometimes three on the floor.

No more than seven, per bed space.
Avoid being sued for a fire hazard case.

Go sleep on the street.
They have vents that have heat.

So they got together and helped each other.

Staying alive, they multiplied.
Newborns, genetically insane, give them the blame.

It’s their fault for the way they think!
They all belong in the brink!

County jails are for profit.
Repeat offenders is how they want it.

Now time has been done for your sentence.
You have done your repentance.
This day soon ends at midnight.
We’ll let you out to do what’s right.

We follow the law to the letter.
We don’t know how to do it better.

We gave you psychotropic meds.
They help people use their heads.
Now it’s time for you to find your own.
Into the dark, all alone.

This sounds really scary!
Don’t tell the public. They might worry.

Copycat massacres are becoming fads.
Devastated news reporters sell more adds.

Lives don’t matter, just money.
Some businesses’s attitudes are really crummy!

We’ll balance the budget in the U.S.A. and end overpopulation,
with mass murderers every day.
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SPC Tom Gordon
SPC Tom Gordon
5 y
A1C Thomas Robert Ilsley Jr - I got your mental illness hanging boy
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
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I got a great briefing on Vet Centers yesterday at the Melwood facility in Maryland. We also heard about the mobile vet centers. Truthfully, I didn't know much about them until I went to the conference
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MAJ Dad And Husband
MAJ (Join to see)
5 y
Great! Glad to hear it was useful information.
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