Military and Veteran Issues

Veterans are men and women who served in the United States military, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard, in times of war or peace. Of the 25 million veterans currently alive, nearly three of every four served during a war or an official period of hostility. About a quarter of the nation's population -- approximately 70 million people -- are potentially eligible for Veterans Affairs benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans.

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When a family member goes to war, the impact upon those left at home can be daunting. There is often tremendous uncertainty about the dangers that exist where the loved one is being deployed and about when he or she will return. In addition to having to adjust to the loved one's absence, the families of those who have been deployed may live in constant fear of harm to their loved one.

The stressful conditions encountered by members of the military while deployed can be difficult to overcome, even after they return home. Mental health problems are some of the most common and disabling conditions that affect military service members, particularly service members who have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Alcohol and other substance use disorders may also affect the returning veterans.

The Connecticut Military Support Program of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services offers free and confidential assistance to service members who are awaiting deployment to, currently a part of, or back from Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Family members are also eligible. Services include:

• Counseling for relationship and family issues, substance use and mental health disorders
• Information and referral services regarding benefits and entitlements, education services, family readiness group meetings and dependent military ID cards

Call the Connecticut Military Support Program at 866.251.2913.

Source: United States Department of Veterans Affairs