Veterans group gathers at Pacific City Park to mark Armed Forces Day by reaching out (ROB WITTMIER / May 16, 2009)
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PACIFIC -
A western Washington group used Armed Forces Day to reach out to struggling veterans. The city of Pacific hosted the event at the city park and encouraged veterans and their family members to make connections.
"Vets Meet Vets" was started by a group of local veterans who want to equip other veterans with the tools necessary to succeed after their time in the military. Founder and Army Veteran, Rod Wittmier, says they're trying to create a community of veterans that reaches all branches of the military and bridges the generation gap. "We had World War II veterans sitting next to people from Iraq, sitting next to people from Vietnam" Wittmier tells Q13 Fox News.
Group leaders sat in circle talking with veterans about what areas they still need help with. One leader encouraged people to "create a space a safe space" so other veterans would not worry about the stigma associated with soldiers who seek emotional help. Organizers compared their plans to a mentoring or coaching program saying it will help both sides discuss their concerns.
Recent statistics show up to 20 percent of the troops who served in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from symptoms of anxiety, depression or other emotional problems. But only about half of those who need help go and get it. Veterans groups also note there's been a rise in the suicide rate among young veterans.
"Vets Meet Vets" was started by a group of local veterans who want to equip other veterans with the tools necessary to succeed after their time in the military. Founder and Army Veteran, Rod Wittmier, says they're trying to create a community of veterans that reaches all branches of the military and bridges the generation gap. "We had World War II veterans sitting next to people from Iraq, sitting next to people from Vietnam" Wittmier tells Q13 Fox News.
Group leaders sat in circle talking with veterans about what areas they still need help with. One leader encouraged people to "create a space a safe space" so other veterans would not worry about the stigma associated with soldiers who seek emotional help. Organizers compared their plans to a mentoring or coaching program saying it will help both sides discuss their concerns.
Recent statistics show up to 20 percent of the troops who served in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from symptoms of anxiety, depression or other emotional problems. But only about half of those who need help go and get it. Veterans groups also note there's been a rise in the suicide rate among young veterans.
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