Speakers outline problems faced by veterans, families

Speakers outline problems faced by veterans, families
Friday, October 14, 2011

By ERIC STEINKOPFF - Bulletin Staff Writer

By its very nature, the military is a “tough-guy club.” People must endure hardships just to get in — not everyone can do it.

But that same culture and atmosphere of machismo toughness is what makes it so difficult for veterans to ask for help with problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

“Nobody calls me to say they have PTSD or TBI,” said Martha Woody, spokeswoman for the Virginia Wounded Warrior Project and veterans’ resource specialist with Piedmont Community Services.
“They (veterans) call me when they can’t find a job, have financial troubles or have problems at home,” Woody said.

Veteran James Martin, 51, who returned to Martinsville after serving five years with the Army, attended the presentation called “Military Families: Changes, Challenges, Choices” on Thursday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Martinsville. Much of the discussion focused on PTSD, TBI and resources available to help affected veterans and their families.

“I didn’t know what to expect” of the event, Martin said. “I was just looking for a job.”

But after the gathering, he said his son might be experiencing some of the same challenges as a veteran that he must endure.

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