Red Shield of service

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When soldiers of World War I mentioned their connection to The Salvation Army, they talked about the “donut lassies” who served snacks and coffee on the battlefield. In recent times, war veterans are likely to mention the help they received as children from a local Salvation Army church on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Today, Operation Red Shield, based in The Salvation Army New Jersey headquarters, is working to meet the needs of veterans, years after they’ve finished their service.

“First and foremost, Red Shield is there for our veterans, both in general support, and to listen and learn about their situation,” says Fanny Torres, a social services coordinator for The Salvation Army in New Jersey. Torres served as an intern for Operation Red Shield while studying for her master’s degree in social work. She says that, although the experience was different than the family and children’s cases she had studied, she fell in love with the veteran’s ministry, and keeps in touch with many of those she has encountered.

“A lot of the assistance that Operation Red Shield provides is what you see The Salvation Army typically do for others. A vet in his 70s might have many of the same financial burdens of a young single mother, such as rent, food, or utilities,” explains Torres. “The difference is that a young mom is usually able–bodied, and with help, can find employment and steady income to eventually care for her family. An elderly veteran may not be physically or mentally able start a new career, or even a regular job.

“Even younger veterans, of which we see more and more, can’t function like they would want because of Post–Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” says Torres. “PTSD isn’t something found or defined by a doctor or therapist, but rather by the person who has it; they decide what is traumatizing to them.”

Adida, 86, an Air Force veteran from Puerto Rico and one of Torres’ earliest cases, suffered a unique trauma. Though she was fortunate enough to return healthy from her service, back home she endured domestic violence, poverty, and shame. Her own community didn’t see her worthy of recognition because she came back physically uninjured. They called her “loca,” or “crazy,” when she sought professional help.

“Imagine being a Latina woman in those times, serving alongside men, and coming back to that,” says Torres. “Years later, it still deeply hurt her that she couldn’t say her people were proud of her. So, we started by acknowledging her, thanking her, and talking about her strength and resilience.”

Operation Red Shield workers helped Adida secure a wide range of services. They made calls to find her birth certificate in Puerto Rico. They helped her move into a newly furnished, first–floor apartment, so she would no longer need to walk up four flights of stairs. During the move, one of Adida’s pet cats aggressively refused to leave the old apartment. Torres contacted a local animal shelter that sent an employee to calm the pet down and bring it to the new home.

“Helping is not just writing a check and giving a meal,” says Torres. “It’s acknowledging what’s important to someone and meeting their unique need in the moment. The Salvation Army has the networks, connections, and resources to do so.

“Veterans are a community with a lot of pride, but unfortunately, they live with a stigma that they shouldn’t ask for assistance, and that they’re responsible for facing their problems themselves,” says Torres. “Operation Red Shield is a ministry that won’t end, because there will always be new veterans who need our help in new ways.”

Ways to help veterans in your community

Give a lift. Some vets can’t drive due to a lack of transportation services or health issues. Offering a ride to the doctor or the supermarket is a greatly appreciated gesture.

Offer to help with cleaning or repairs. Begin with simple tasks, such as changing light bulbs from high places, checking that smoke alarms are functioning properly, and oiling loud, squeaky hinges.

Encourage finding a support group. For some veterans, it can be easier to open up about their health or emotional matters with fellow vets. You can help find support groups in your community or on online platforms such as Facebook.

Share your time. Organizations such as Veterans Affairs (VA) and Operation Red Shield always need volunteers. Answering phones, doing clerical work or packing food bags are some ways you can help provide valuable services to veterans.

Say “thank you” and mean it. Those simple words can have a profound effect on a veteran. Another phrase that shows deep appreciation is, “Welcome home and thank you for your service.” This is particularly meaningful to Vietnam veterans who were denied the accolades from American society that previous or today’s vets receive.

by HUGO BRAVO