The second of the Community Veteran Forums, sponsored by Himmel Park Library, with the assistance of librarian Suzanne Parker, wife of a Vietnam Veteran, is scheduled for Sunday, February 28th from 1pm to 4pm. Himmel Park Library is located at 1035 N. Treat Ave. 520-594-5305, Ext. 3.

“One cannot meet catastrophic events and survive when deprived of the feeling that somebody cares” Bettleheim.

Survivors of traumatic events have long been known to suffer psychological sequalae. Combat is one of the most devastating. Combat exposes its adherent to stimuli that are far beyond the grasp of understanding of civilized life. The impact that lingers can affect generations of family, friends, neighbors and employers.

Until recently there has not been much research on the long term effects of battle. There is less data on the impact on family and the capacity to regain intimacy and relationship skills. And the data that does exist seldom leads to any implementation of programs or simple gatherings for spouses and close associates. We have overcome the tendency to minimize the psychic impact of war, and have simultaneously learned to not stigmatize the veteran when she/he reach out for help.

We have finally separated the War from the Warrior and in doing so have found a path for the community to be involved with lessening the toll of psychic scars. In fact it is the belief of the presenters of this forum, that there can be no healing without the community having a working fund of knowledge of exactly what the returning soldier, and Marine are coping with on a daily basis.

Re-entry to civilian life does not happen naturally. The very foundation of the way the world is objectively seen is altered on a minute to minute trail of thought.

Expectations run high and the reality of the retuning vet is often met with very painful reunions.

There is a known therapeutic value in deep listening. While there are a ton of outreach programs tailored just for the transitioning veteran, like the one at the Merritt Center in Payson, AZ, there is a paucity of listening to the families, and it is they who these forums are designed to help.

So please spread the word through your workplace and your neighborhood to come spend some time with us as we discover new ways to love and accept our warriors. Our dream is that every Public Library in our nation will have something similar on an ongoing basis. Welcome Home gatherings are tremendous, but more is needed.

For more information or details about the forum leave a message at 520-540-7000.

This Forum is sponsored by TucsonCitizen.com. Photocopy expenses are covered by Steve Sisson of Century 21 Heritage Real Estate.