NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Veterans living in Northern Michigan could be struggling with a number of issues, from housing to health care to employment, and there are a bounty of resources and support services available to them.
Whether it is the camaraderie of the American Legion or seeking help with benefits at a Veterans Affairs office, there are dedicated professionals and groups waiting to help out local veterans in need.
Veterans Affairs offices exist in many counties and are often the best way for veterans to get the help they require. The VA's main job is to help veterans identify and sign up for various claims, including disability compensation, burial benefits, educational benefits and more.
"One of our main things is filing claims for veterans for disability, we help walk them through the process," said John Miller from the Chippewa County Veterans Affairs office. "We're currently expanding so we can offer more claims."
While there are a lot of benefits that many veterans qualify for, there are some things they may need help with that benefits programs don't cover. According to some VA offices, many veterans could be helped by finding a friend or a sense of community.
"Veteran service officers are employees of the county there for veterans themselves to help through the benefit process. That's definitely veterans' number one resource in the local area," said Jeff Urban, director of the Emmet County Veterans Affairs Office.
Other groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or American Legion have local posts and host regular events that are meant to give veterans a sense of community and friendship.
For example, the VFW post in Sault Ste. Marie hosts coffee and dinner hours every day, along with regular chats that help veterans build connections.
Some veterans programs exist specifically to help them fight a sense of loneliness.
"The younger vets that are coming home, they're definitely isolating a little bit more than than usual. It seems like our younger veterans don't really have an organization they feel comfortable going to, they feel like they can't connect with the older veterans. They feel like they have an issue going home and finding a spot in society again," said Urban.
There are many other types of organizations that also provide support to veterans, like Mission Six Service Dogs which trains service dogs for veterans struggling with PTSD, disabilities or other issues.
One big problem facing veterans today is that as they age, they need more access to services like live-in care nurses and other health aides. Some veterans have a difficult time getting access to these programs or do not realize they qualify for help.
"We're seeing an influx of the Vietnam veterans needing assistance. The lack of actual nurses and caregivers are an issue. But there's also lack of information for family members taking care of the veterans that just don't know about these resources," said Urban.
The Chippewa County VA is currently in the process of expanding its existing services as it goes through a transition period of new members. While they already offer many different areas of support, they want to bring in new ways to connect with veterans on an emotional level and provide company.
"I'd like the veterans to know, even if they're in a home or they just want somebody to talk to, they can reach out to our office, because we will do those things, just to go sit with a veteran and chat with them," said Miller.
To find your local VA office, visit va.gov/find-locations.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com