Posted on Jun 28, 2015
Anyone know of resources for an 18B4 separated from the military who needs a support group?
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His family has contacted me asking for information. I was told he has been unable to get the help he needs from the VA. They shared stories with me about his actions here, it sounds like he came home physically but not mentally.
Posted in these groups: 
4C0X1: Mental Health Service
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
CG-NAP13: Chaplains
4C0X1: Mental Health Service Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) CG-NAP13: Chaplains
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 22
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I can relate on how he is feeling after 10 year active duty army. My train of thought and emotion is not the same anymore and it's so hard dealing with people who never serve and they are always judging you. I'm on the verge of a breakup because her family fears for her daughter life even though she has told them I'm would never do anything to harm her. My B.S meter is very low and I don't play games.
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CPT (Join to see)
SGT Dupree, If you need to talk feel free to message me or to message those in this thread. You can see by the comments that there are other Soldiers more than willing to listen. Sometimes that is the most important thing to have, someone you can relate to who will listen and not judge. All the best to you.
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SSG Timothy McCoy
SGT John Dupree,
I totally agree with CPT M Cannonie. I am in western Oklahoma if you would like to take the time, to come out here, I have a very caring canyon,that enjoys listening and don't get up tight when screamed at.
If in another light my canyon has some very deaf catfish that aren't judgemental until you bring them out of there world into ours.
I am not trying to make light out of your situation, I am not any kind or professional guru or dude, I am just a old Grunt that make room for fellow soldiers.
Talk to someone, almost anyone even your favorite tree. By doing so you will then be practiced to talk to someone else more sympathetic that can help guide you back. You are NOT broken, you are NOT a problem, you are NOT THE PROBLEM, you ARE who you are and your daughter loves you oh so very much. She may not understand you, but you ARE the #1 man in her life and she need you to be her # ONE.
HtH
Tim
I totally agree with CPT M Cannonie. I am in western Oklahoma if you would like to take the time, to come out here, I have a very caring canyon,that enjoys listening and don't get up tight when screamed at.
If in another light my canyon has some very deaf catfish that aren't judgemental until you bring them out of there world into ours.
I am not trying to make light out of your situation, I am not any kind or professional guru or dude, I am just a old Grunt that make room for fellow soldiers.
Talk to someone, almost anyone even your favorite tree. By doing so you will then be practiced to talk to someone else more sympathetic that can help guide you back. You are NOT broken, you are NOT a problem, you are NOT THE PROBLEM, you ARE who you are and your daughter loves you oh so very much. She may not understand you, but you ARE the #1 man in her life and she need you to be her # ONE.
HtH
Tim
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I also had problems with the Va mental health. They wanted to put me inpatient for 3 months, and I refused. Then they said I could do a 3 day a week program, again I refused. Then I was told don't not get help, just so you can get a disability check. I walked out before punching the civilian psych doc. Someone told me about the Vet canter here in Boise, so I contacted them. I have been going to the Vet center for the last 5ish years and love it. Give the Vet center a try and see if it makes a difference for you. My Dr. is a vet not a combat vet, but we still relate. My counselor is a combat vet, he is good and helps a lot.
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CPT,
What sort of support group and what town/area does he live in? My wife is a case manager in the veteran services field and should be able to identify resources. PM me if you prefer.
What sort of support group and what town/area does he live in? My wife is a case manager in the veteran services field and should be able to identify resources. PM me if you prefer.
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Vet Centers should be able to assist, without regard to discharge status.
I posted the link to the Columbus facility.
http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=420
I posted the link to the Columbus facility.
http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=420
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Have him call Vets 4 Warriors. The have a crisis line - it's the one General Mark Graham set up http://www.vets4warriors.com/Contact.htm
Contact info for general, web, media inquiries as well as employment, and of course.....for peer support.
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the vet center has helped me alot ..the peer group is an awesome source to talk. .also pgr family helps to keep me home ..mentally
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Thanks for the information, do you know if he has submitted his paperwork to the VA representative in his area? 18B40 would be an SFC in SF, before he transitioned I am assuming he retired or medically retired? Those are different processes, so it would be good to know exactly what he has done prior to getting out, and if he has done his VA paperwork and if it has been accepted at his VA regional office.
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I have found it very helpful that if you can either start your own group outside of the VA it may help with anxiety. But if you can talk the docs' into building a group, that would also be very helpful. You may also find out after awhile that if the VA mental health will start that group that you can always start your own outside of that. That would be your back up and moral support if you don't feel like talking to someone on the phone or if you are scared to do that. Basically an outside group is what I have found out the way to go. Need any ideas you can look me up on Facebook under veterans sanctuary or send me a message.
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Save a Warrior is very good from what I've been told. I also tried to get help from VA in Orlando awhile back but only can be seen every two weeks. I went to a church and I'm not very religious but spoke to a decon and he was there for me every day on the phone, house, even when i tried to take my life he was there. I really Hope The Gent that needs help gets into a program and can have trust in someone to talk to. Shootz! I'll even talk to him and see him if he's close by. Sometimes it feels and maybe all we have is each other..
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SP5 Daniel Roldan
CPT (Join to see) - No worries Mam, I can be reached at [login to see] . I will be in NC till 9th but phone is 24hrs if he wishes to talk. Sorry for delay in getting back with you. Have a full house coming for my daughters Baby shower n beeb very busy. Wish you, your family, and everyone a great ,safe, n happy 4th.
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SP5 Daniel Roldan
Just notice SP5 needs to be change. That was back when 1980-86. I went back in 2003-2006 Army Reserv untill we became activated 2004. CPT M, I've read some of what others have written. I KNOW this, he will have to put his PRIDE away for a moment in order to get help. Its NOT easy and depends on the soldier. My pride as a soldier n man kept me away from talking to family n friends n this is so for others. My co workers seen it but I didn't. If he is really bad, it will take a friend to walk in with him. He needs to be around Other combat soldiers who know. I've talkn to 4 already going through the same boat, 1 worst than other 3. All doing ok n getting the help they need. Sorry for talking to much, I get angry n tired of losing brothers this way. Im about to have a grandson n see my daughter have a baby n so much more thanks to someone who cared enough for me. I hope the same will happen for the others. Have Bless day. Hooah!!
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CVSOs http://nacvso.org/find-a-service-officer/ if a vet were to contact their local CVSO office they would be aware of local resources to aid them. As for the claims process in dealing with the diagnosis of PTSD I key on the following:
1. Diagnosis
2. GAF Scores (Global Assessment of Functioning)
3. Stressor - I know VA says combat vets don't need stressors, don't you believe it!! (Note: most vets blackout the most severe events and focus on the one or two that seem to haunt them the most; after working with vets for two or three months, I can put together a chronological listing of events even the ones they forgot about.)
Not every CVSO will go to this extreme, but most will.
1. Diagnosis
2. GAF Scores (Global Assessment of Functioning)
3. Stressor - I know VA says combat vets don't need stressors, don't you believe it!! (Note: most vets blackout the most severe events and focus on the one or two that seem to haunt them the most; after working with vets for two or three months, I can put together a chronological listing of events even the ones they forgot about.)
Not every CVSO will go to this extreme, but most will.
Find a Service Officer | NACVSO
To find your local Service Officer, select your state from the list below. You will be redirected to the appropriate page if it is available.
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What is his location? We have a group in Springfield MO General Pershing's Pathfinders
http://sites.vfom.org/public/projects/untitledpost . http://sites.vfom.org/public/projects/untitledpost We are planning a bicycle trip this fall across the KATY Trail
http://sites.vfom.org/public/projects/untitledpost . http://sites.vfom.org/public/projects/untitledpost We are planning a bicycle trip this fall across the KATY Trail
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This unfortunate but I asked a friend of mine that has been dealing with PTSD and combat withdraw issues and he told about this website with information and points of contact for support and assistance.
http://ptsdusa.org/get-help/warrior-groups/
I hope this can help. Its a great thing that you are trying to do.
http://ptsdusa.org/get-help/warrior-groups/
I hope this can help. Its a great thing that you are trying to do.
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Thank you everyone for your responses. Have no doubt that I have passed the information you have given me, your messages, and your personal information to him. My hands are tied though that I cannot pass his information to you. If I could I know each of you would call him. In the meantime I will keep passing on the information and talking to him. SP5 Daniel Roldan you hit the nail on the head regarding the "pride and man" issue.
Keep the suggestions coming.
Thank you.
Keep the suggestions coming.
Thank you.
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