VETERANS CHRONICLE OCTOBER 2021
LET’S TALK ABOUT AFGHANISTAN ... SEE STORIES ON PAGES 6-9
In this image made through a night vision scope, Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue, commander of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, boards a C-17 cargo plane at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 30 as the final American service member to depart Afghanistan. MASTER SGT. ALEXANDER BURNETT/ U.S. ARMY
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
How to join the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry now includes more than 100,000 participants, making it the fastest growing registry ever offered by VA. Between Feb. 10, 2017, and the launch of the registry in June 2014, 101,012 veterans and servicemembers have joined, including veterans of the Gulf War who served again in Southwest Asia. An estimated 3 million veterans and servicemembers are eligible to participate in the registry. The burn pit registry was designed to address veterans’ health concerns about burn pit exposure. Veterans and servicemembers can voluntarily document their exposures and report their health concerns by filling out a survey online. Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations after August 2, 1990, or in Afghanistan or Djibouti, Africa, after Sept. 11, 2001, can enroll in the burn pit registry at veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/ AHBurnPitRegistry/. Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire on where the veteran has lived, what type of work they have done, and their exposures, health care use, and hobbies.
The benefits of participating in the burn pit registry are:
• Servicemembers can obtain a free health evaluation from a Department of Defense (DoD) provider. • Veterans can obtain a free health evaluation from a VA provider. Veterans can discuss their completed questionnaire with a health care provider to gain better health awareness. • VA can better understand the long-term health effects of being exposed to burn pits and other airborne hazards. Information from the registry can help VA plan for needed services for veterans.
Gulf War illnesses linked to Afghanistan service If you served in Afghanistan, you may suffer from illnesses or other conditions that the VA assumes are related to service in this region. VA calls these presumptive diseases. Find out if you can get disability compensation or benefits at va.gov/disability/ eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/gulf-warillness-southwest-asia/
Am I eligible for disability benefits from VA?
You may be eligible if you served in Afghanistan and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge. Your illness or condition must also meet the requirements listed below. Both of these must be true of your illness or condition. It: • Started while you were on active duty or after Sept. 19, 2001, and • Resulted in a disability rating of 10% or more • You also must have received a diagnosis of one of the illnesses or conditions listed under one of the time periods below.
Eligibility requirements related to time of diagnosis
PHOTO COURTESY VETERANS AFFAIRS
A soldier adds items to a burn pit in 2014.
Is this for me? Or does it sound like someone you know?
You are eligible to participate if you served in Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield (ODS), New Dawn (OND), or Iraqi Freedom/ Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF)*.
We encourage you to join even if:
• You don't think you were exposed to specific airborne hazards. • You are not experiencing symptoms or illnesses you think are related to your exposures. • You have not filed a VA claim for compensation and benefits or applied for VA health care**. • You are still an active-duty service member or have returned to active service. * Includes deployment to countries in the Southwest Asia theater of operations any time after Aug. 2, 1990 or Afghanistan or Djibouti after Sept. 11, 2001. ** Participation in the registry
cannot negatively impact your VA claim or ability to get health care from VA.
What should I do now?
Take these steps to make sure you’re taking care of your health: • Join the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to document your exposures and health concerns. • Join the registry • Talk to your primary health care provider or your local VA environmental health coordinator about any health concerns related to your military service • Find your local VA environmental health coordinator • Find out if you can get disability compensation (monthly payments) and other benefits if you have an illness or injury caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service. To find local help see the “How can I Get Help?” section on Page 5.
If your illness or condition was diagnosed within one year of your date of separation: You can get disability benefits for your illness or condition if you have one of these presumptive diseases: • Brucellosis • Campylobacter jejuni • Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) • Malaria (or sooner in some cases) • Nontyphoid salmonella • Shigella • West Nile virus If your illness or condition was diagnosed at any time after your date of separation: You can get disability benefits for your illness or condition if you have one of these presumptive diseases: • Mycobacterium tuberculosis • Visceral leishmaniasis
What kind of disability benefits can I get?
• Health care • Compensation (payments)
How do I get these benefits?
You’ll need to file a claim for disability compensation. Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation at www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/
What if I need help filing my claim?
You can get help from a trained professional trusted to help with VA-related claims at www.va.gov/ disability/get-help-filing-claim/ Looking for local assistance? See the “How can I Get Help?” section on Page 5.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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VETERANS CHRONICLE A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW OCT. 15, 2021
VETERANS HELP NET Don Walker Bryan Bledsoe
on the third Friday of every month to increase awareness about veteran issues and to help veterans find hope and help.
MANAGING EDITOR Theresa Tanner
To share a veteran story or information about resources for veterans, please contact info@ veteranshelpnet.com or visit www.VeteransHelpNet.com.
ART DIRECTOR Anne Potter DIRECTOR OF SALES Scott Baumbach Veterans Help Net partners with The Spokesman-Review to publish Veterans Chronicle
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loans to active military members, reservists, and retirees, as a benefit of service in our nation’s Armed Forces. Many service members are not aware this earned benefit is available to them; many sellers are not aware of the advantages to VA loans in the transaction process.
For advertising information, please contact advertising@ spokesman.com or (509) 4595095. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher.
IN THIS ISSUE
We encourage all Spokane realtors - to become familiar with this loan type so that we can all join in saying “We believe in VA financing!”
Visit www.spokaneopen.com to view VA qualified homes in your preferred area
VETERANS CHRONICLE DIRECTORY
More relief for service-related illnesses......................................................2 Hey Veterans, Did You Know?.......................................................................4 How to Get Help................................................................................................5 Let’s talk about Afghanistan..........................................................................6 Why did we go?.................................................................................................7 Task Force saves thousands...........................................................................8 Enduring freedom.............................................................................................10 Reflecting on suicide........................................................................................12 How Afghanistan changed lives....................................................................13 Local Veterans Day events..............................................................................14 How to do your part.........................................................................................15
HEALTH SERVICES Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center 4815 N Assembly St Spokane WA, 99205 (509) 434-7000 www.spokane.va.gov
Hospice of Spokane 121 S Arthur St Spokane WA, 99202 (509) 456-0438 www.hospiceofspokane.org
BANKING & FINANCE Banner Bank (800) 272-9933 www.bannerbank.com
FURNITURE Lazyboy Furniture Gallery 10205 N Division St. Spokane WA, 99218 (509) 465-4380 www.lazyboy.com
END OF LIFE SERVICES Hennessey Valley Funeral Home 1315 N Pines Rd Spokane Valley, WA 99206 (509) 844-9709 www.henesseyvalley.com
REAL ESTATE Spokane Association of Realtors 1924 N Ash St Spokane WA, 99205 (509) 326-9222 www.spokanerealtor.com
VETERAN SERVICES Spokane County Veteran Services 1117 N Evergreen Rd Spokane Valley, WA 99216 (509) 477-3690
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The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
HEY VETERANS, DID YOU KNOW … ?
… why a C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam is done?
This exam helps VA officials determine if you have a disability related to your military service or if your condition should receive an increased rating due to it worsening. Your rating will be based on how severe your disability is and will affect how much disability compensation you will receive. Compensation may include things like monthly payments and enrollment in the VA health care program.
… there are Family Benefits after death?
If a veteran dies of a medical condition considered to be service-connected by the VA, the spouse (and their children) may be eligible for monthly compensation payments through the VA’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation program (DIC). To file a claim or learn more contact one of the Veteran Service offices listed on “How Can I Get Help?” on Page 5. (We thank the Veterans Health Council which is a program sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America.)
… There are many lesser-known VA benefits, employment resources?
While 44% of all veterans use at least one VA benefit, several lesser-known benefits could help them live better, healthier lives. Here are three examples: It is not uncommon for a veteran to struggle with translating military experience into civilian terms. VA offers employment resources for this, and every stage of the job search. Veterans who qualify for VA career and employment services can: • Search for jobs and find employers who want to hire veterans • Access apprenticeship/onthe-job training using the GI Bill. • Get one-on-one career counseling if they have a service-con-
nected disability through the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. Visit VA.gov to learn more about all VA benefits. You can find local resources to help with finding Employment Resources:
SPOKANE
WorkSource Spokane at 130 S Arthur Street. (509) 532-3120 www.worksourcespokane.com.
NORTH IDAHO
Idaho Department of Labor, Veteran Services Representatives. (208) 457-8789 600 N Thornton St., Post Falls
… There’s help filing a claim or appeal?
If you need help filing a claim or appeal, you may want to work with an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veterans Ser-
vice Officer (VSO). We trust these professionals because they’re trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes and can help you with VA-related needs. VSOs work on behalf of Veterans and service members—as well as their dependents and survivors. Find out more about accredited representatives and how they can help you.
WHAT DOES AN ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVE OR A VSO DO?
Accredited representatives and VSOs can help you understand and apply for VA benefits, like: • Financial support (monthly payments) • Education • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) • Home loans
• Life insurance • Pension • Health care • Burial benefits These trained professionals can also: • Help you gather supporting documents (like a doctor’s report or medical test results) • File a claim or appeal on your behalf • Provide added support, like helping with transportation to medical appointments or emergency funds
WHAT DOES IT COST TO USE AN ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVE OR A VSO?
In general, no individual or organization may charge you a fee to help you file your initial application for benefits. But they may charge you for unusual expenses. It’s only after we’ve made a de-
cision about your original claim that VA-accredited claims agents and attorneys may charge for their services. Make sure you ask up front what, if any, fees you’ll be charged.
HOW DO I FIND AN ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVE OR A VSO?
You can find an accredited representative or a VSO in 1 of 2 ways: • Go to eBenefits to find a local representative (including a recognized VSO, an attorney, or a claims agent) by state/territory, zip code, or the organization’s name. • Go to eBenefits https://www. ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/manage/representative For more resources, see the “How Can I Get Help” section on Page 5.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
Did you serve in the U.S. military? The Department of Veterans Affairs has determined that certain illnesses and health concerns have been associated with military service. Some injuries are common to all wars, such as amputations, traumatic mental health disorders such as Traumatic Brain Injuries, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (including Military Sexual Trauma), and vision and hearing loss. The VA can make monthly monetary payments, or “service-connected disability compensation” for these and other illnesses and diseases directly related to the unique circumstances of your military service. In addition, many veterans suffer from chronic diseases later in life as
the result of exposure to toxic chemicals and biologics used during their wartime service. In Vietnam, veterans (Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975) were exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic herbicides and pesticides. Many who now suffer from various cancers and other maladies, such as Type II diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and Parkinson’s Disease, can file for compensation benefits and health care with the VA. Children born with birth defects to a veteran parent exposed to AO may also be eligible for certain VA benefits and healthcare. The same is true for any Persian Gulf veterans (Aug 2, 1990, to present) and OIF/OEF vets (Sept
11, 2001 to present) exposed to depleted uranium munitions, or the toxic fumes and chemical smoke released from oil well fires and “burn pits,” and who now suffer from debilitating illnesses such as Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), fibromyalgia, and other neurological disorders. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of a veteran’s service-connected disability and in some cases the number of qualifying family members. Does this sound like you or someone you know? To file a claim or learn more contact one of the Veteran Service offices listed in “How Can I Get Help?” on this page.
VA CLAIMS FOR DISABILITY COMPENSATION AND PENSION Last year, the VA received more than $1 million in claims for disability compensation and pension. The administration provides compensation and pension benefits to more than 3.8 million veterans and beneficiaries. Presently, the basic monthly rate of compensation ranges from $123 to $2,673 to veterans with no dependents. Disability compensation is a nontaxable, monthly monetary benefit paid to veterans who are disabled as a result of an injury or illness that was
incurred or aggravated during active military service. For more information about health problems associated with military service during operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and related VA programs go to www.publichealth. va.gov/exposures/gulfwar/ or go to www.va.gov for information about disability compensation. Looking for local help? See “How can I Get Help?”on this page.
HOW CAN I GET HELP?
Every county and state has a Veteran Affairs office to answer questions about benefits and provide assistance. There are also other useful resources for veterans in the Inland Northwest.
GO ONLINE VA.gov
The Department of Veterans Affairs website has resources on every topic relevant to veterans.
VA.gov/welcome-kit
The VA Welcome Guide
covers all types of benefits and services available for veterans, new recruits, active service members and their families.
DAV9.com
Based in Post Falls, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 Fort Sherman shares links and information to both local and national help organizations for veterans.
Explore.VA.gov/benefitsnavigator Explore VA benefits and discover which ones you and your family may be eligible to receive.
IN PERSON
BY PHONE
1117 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 477-3690 Apply for emergency services, or have any benefits or service questions answered by 5 Veteran Service Officers (VSO) and staff.
(509) 477-3690
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service
North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office
120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092 Meet with a VSO or staff for help with VA benefits enrollment, claims or other veteran needs.
Goodwill Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
130 E. Third Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 828-2449 SSVF helps homeless veterans and their families find housing and connects veterans with other support organizations.
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office 120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092
Veteran Crisis Line
1 (800) 273-8255, press 1
North Idaho Crisis Center (208) 625-4884
Washington or Idaho 2-1-1
Dial “2-1-1” for health and human resources referrals. If you don’t know who to call, VA has a new “Single Access Point” phone number to all VA contact centers 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411)
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
AFGHANISTAN: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT Veterans from all eras are reacting to recent events in Afghanistan, including the U.S withdrawal and the takeover by the Taliban. You are not alone. Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during It’s normal to their service. feel this way. Talk with your friends and families, reach out to battle buddies, connect with a peer-to-peer network, or sign up for mental health services.
Vietnam veteran offers perspective on pull-out By Wesley Anderson
VETERANS HELP NET CORRESPONDENT
Resources available
VETERANS LINE – If you
CRISIS
are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ For emergency mental health care, go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care. VET CENTERS – Discuss how you feel with other veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
VA MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES GUIDE – This guide
will help you sign up and access mental health services.
MAKETHECONNECTION. NET – information, resources,
and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues. More recourses are listed at: www.womenveteransalliance. org/afghanistan-lets-talkabout-it
Common reactions
In reaction to current events in Afghanistan, Veterans may: • Feel frustrated, sad, helpless, grief or distressed • Feel angry or betrayed • Experience an increase in mental health symptoms like symptoms of PTSD or depres-
The last days of Afghanistan
Helicopters flying over a vehicle destroyed by IED on fire in Afghanistan mountains. sion • Sleep poorly, drink more or use more drugs • Try to avoid all reminders or media or shy away from social situations • Have more military and homecoming memories Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their service. Veterans may feel like they need to expect and/or prepare for the worst. For example, they may: • Become overly protective, vigilant, and guarded • Become preoccupied by danger • Feel a need to avoid being shocked by, or unprepared for, what may happen in the future • Feeling distress is a normal reaction to negative events, especially ones that feel per-
sonal. It can be helpful to let yourself feel those feelings rather than try to avoid them. Often, these feelings will naturally run their course. If they continue without easing up or if you feel overwhelmed by them, the suggestions below can be helpful.
Strategies for managing ongoing distress
At this moment, it may seem like all is lost, like your service or your sacrifices were for nothing. Consider the ways that your service made a difference, the impact it had on others’ lives or on your own life. Remember that now is just one moment in time and that things will continue to change. It can be helpful to focus on the present and to engage in the activities that are most meaningful and valuable to you. Is there something you can do today that is important
to you? This can be as an individual, a family member, a parent, or a community member. Something that is meaningful to you in regard to your work or your spirituality? Such activities won’t change the past or the things you can’t control, but they can help life feel meaningful and reduce distress, despite the things you cannot change. It can also help to consider your thinking. Ask yourself if your thoughts are helpful to you right now. Are there ways you can change your thinking to be more accurate and less distressing? For example, are you using extreme thinking where you see the situation as all bad or all good? If so, try and think in less extreme terms. For example, rather than thinking “my service in Afghanistan was useless” consider instead “I helped keep See TALK, PAGE 7
I remember sitting in front of the TV in April 1975 watching the fall of Saigon. Choppers leaving the American Embassy. South Vietnamese army throwing away their uniforms and weapons and running away. Vietnamese trying to get through the embassy gates. Handing their children to the Marines on the gate. Running to TanSon Nhut Airport trying to leave the Vietnam. Flat out panic. I remember thinking what a waste of life, and we have nothing to show for it. Nothing at all. The tragic lost lives, trying to get the people out of the country. A tragic plane crash killing some 200 orphans. I felt disheartened and lost in it all. Then some 46 years later, I am sitting in front of the TV watching it unfold all over again. The same choppers leaving the Embassy, mass panic in the streets. People trying to get to the airport. The Afghan army throwing down their weapons and uniforms and running away. The Marines killed trying to save a few hundred people. I started thinking back to the time in 1975. Why did we go and what did we accomplish? What do we tell the American public? Most of all, what do we tell the Gold Star Families? What do we tell the next generation? We told the next generation after the fall of Vietnam: “it will not happen again” Why did we go? Why did we put our lives on the line? What did we accomplish? Only to see failure. The same failure in Vietnam. Was the loss of life worth it? When we left Vietnam and Afghanistan nothing changed. Both countries are the same. The way of life did not change. The people did not change. The same governments are in place. Just a county torn apart by war, all that is left is veterans with the same blank look that we Vietnam Veterans had. Asking why. Will this question be answered, a second time? Who knows? Do you know the answer?
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
RECONCILING SERVICE IN AFGHANISTAN
Military vehicles inspect a destroyed vehicle.
TALK
Continued FROM PAGE 6 Afghanistan safe.” Finally, consider more general coping strategies that you may want to try including: ENGAGE IN POSITIVE ACTIVITIES. Try to engage in positive, healthy, or meaningful activities, even if they are small, simple actions. Doing things that are rewarding, meaningful, or enjoyable, even if you don’t feel like it, can make you feel better. STAY CONNECTED. Spend time with people who give you a sense of security, calm, or happiness, or those who best understand what you are going through. PRACTICE GOOD SELF CARE. Look for positive coping strategies that help you manage your emotions. Listening to music, exercising, practicing breathing routines, spending time in nature or with animals, journaling, or reading inspirational text are some simple ways to help manage overwhelming or distressing emotions. STICK TO YOUR ROUTINES. It can be helpful to stick to a schedule for when you sleep, eat, work, and do other day-to-day activities. LIMIT MEDIA EXPOSURE. Limit how much news you take in if media coverage is increasing your distress. USE A MOBILE APP. Consider one of VA’s self-help apps (see https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/) such as PTSD Coach which has tools that can help you deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time. PTSD COACH ONLINE. A series of online video coaches will guide you through 17 tools to help you manage stress. PTSD Coach Online is used on a computer, rather than a mobile device, and therefore can offer tools that involve writing. If you develop your own ways of adapting to ongoing events and situations, you may gain a stronger sense of being able to deal with challenges, a greater sense of meaning or purpose, and an ability to mentor and support others in similar. To find local help see the “How can I Get Help?” section on Page 5.
(This is the first in a four-part series about Afghanistan veterans and how they can get help through VA and reconcile their service there. The entire article can be found in the Aug. 3, 2021, edition of “Vantage Point” written by Adam Stump.) Major news outlets for the past few months have focused on the draw-down of our nation’s longest war: Afghanistan. At its peak, there were more than 100,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan in 2010; the number of troops have steadily shrunk over the past decade. While news coverage debates the decision to cease combat operations, the highest-ranking enlisted service member in the military said veterans from the war should remember the positive to help reconcile their service. “Our purpose for being there was to prevent further attacks on the homeland,” said Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón “CZ” Colón-López. “We wanted to make sure that we denied Al Qaeda, specifically, of sanctuary, training ground and places where they could plan terrorism attacks. If you look at the past 20 years, that is exactly what we did. There hasn’t been a single attack on the homeland. They will think twice about doing it
because of our actions over the past 20 years. For our veterans, be proud of what you did, because you have kept the country safe over the last 20 years.” According to Colón-López, one of those positive memories Afghanistan veterans should be proud of is the fact that U.S. troops arrived home safe. The last U.S. combat death was Feb. 8, 2020, more than 17 months ago. “We had been there for 20 years, and I know because I was one of the first people to go out there on the first rotations. What we have done from then to now is phenomenal,” he said, pointing toward the progress made in Afghanistan, including helping stand up a government and building a military force. Both of which denied safe haven to alQa’idah. “For any veteran out there listening, be proud of what you have done,” he added. “Our government has made the decision and we have followed lawful orders.” Do you know veterans of Afghanistan, especially those who might need help? Point them to the “How can I Get Help?” section on Page 5. Other resources include the VA PTSD guide at www.va.gov/directory/guide/PTSD.asp or the Spokane Veterans Center, dedicated to
‘providing help and hope to combat veterans from all wars.” The center is at 13109 E Mirabeau Parkway in Spokane Valley, (509) 444-8387. Vantage Point, at www.blogs. va.gov is the official blog of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It contains many important stories and articles to advance veterans knowledge and understanding and find “Help and Hope” by the sharing of these stories and articles to advance veterans knowledge and understanding and find “Help and Hope” by the sharing of these stories and articles. Please forward this article to an Afghanistan veteran or their families. The complete article can be read at https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/92631 Future installments will include: Part 2: Afghanistan: How Veterans can learn from Vietnam Veterans Part 3: Afghanistan: How spouses, caregivers can support Veterans with PTSD Part 4: Afghanistan: Resources available for PTSD They will also discuss: • Deployment and PTSD • Seeking help • Dealing with the end of combat • Avoidance • ‘Be proud of what you have done’
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
Task Force 6:8 to Afghanistan
Nonprofits continue effort to get allies out
By Nick Palmisciano
SUPPORTOURALLIES.ORG
I was eating a breakfast taco in Austin, Texas, sitting next to Tim Kennedy. Tim and I were talking about Afghanistan. We knew what that country was about to face under Taliban rule. Tim had almost lost his life there. We had both lost friends there. The idea that 20 years of American casualties and sacrifice was going to be washed away was crushing. But neither of us expected the speed with which the country fell, and we knew that a lot of good people were not going to make it out in time. Like many veterans, we were helping put together names and sending them to groups like Allied Airflift 2021, hoping that small action would get someone through the gates at Kabul. But we felt powerless, to say the least. The pundits were already playing the blame game, which I had no time for. These weren’t people to them. They were just pawns that could be used to beat each other with. It was frustrating and exhausting. That’s when I got a text from Sarah Verardo, of the Independence Fund. “Would you be willing to go to Afghanistan? They need help.” I told her I was in Austin with Tim. “Can Tim go too?” she responded. At first the idea seemed comical. I’m no longer a young man. I still try to train, but try as I like to pretend I’m still fire and brimstone, I’m more dad and business guy than I am soldier these days. But Sarah is a trusted friend and doesn’t make requests lightly, so I asked her for more information. While Tim and I discussed going, Chad Robichaux of the Mighty Oaks Foundation texted Tim, and then me in rapid succession, asking the same question.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Afghanistan is in chaos right now as the Taliban tries to assert rule and implement a functional government. Chad’s interpreter, Aziz, is trapped in Afghanistan and Chad needs help getting him out. Chad was one of the first fighters Ranger Up ever sponsored. He went on to build a powerful non-profit that has done a lot of good for veterans. When I turned down a job at the White House a couple years ago, Chad was the guy I recommended in my stead. I’m big on Chad, and Chad needs help. I connected Sarah and Chad on the phone and we all start talking. When we hung up, Tim and I looked at each other. Were we really going to do this? Everyone jokes around about your friend pulling up in a white van, saying, “Don’t ask questions? Just get in!” There’s a short list of people
who I’d get in the van for. One was sitting next to me, and two others had just asked for help. Tim and I each had one more gate to pass. Our wives. I called my wife and told her what was happening. I expected an immediate push back. Instead, she took a deep breath and calmly said, “What’s happening over there is terrible and I can’t believe we are letting this happen. I can’t do anything about it. But you can. Tim can. So go do it. But if you get killed, I’m going to be really pissed off.” I flew home that day. I celebrated our anniversary. The next day, I was on a plane to Abu Dhabi, sitting next to Tim, who complained about how I generate too much heat and that he would never sit next to me again. We, along
with 10 other guys that had either already arrived in country or, like us, were on their way. We had just become part of Task Force 6:8, from Isaiah 6:8: “Here am I, Send me.” The idea was Chad’s, and described this group perfectly. Not once did anyone ask about our plates, plate carriers, NVGs, or sat phones, but they did take my glasses screwdriver and Tim’s lockpicking set at customs. We landed in Abu Dhabi at the Joint Operations Center (JOC) that had been created by a combination of Chad, Sarah, and some of our other friends. We were operating out of a military building that had the words “The Chivalrous Knights” written in Arabic at its entrance. We named this mission Operation Chivalrous
Knight. Within hours, Tim and I were on a plane to Kabul. Over the course of eight days our team evacuated 8,911 people back into Abu Dhabi, as well as over 3,000 personnel to other countries at the request of the State Department, for a total of 12,000 people, or just over 10% of all evacuations that occurred in Kabul. We were second only to the Department of Defense. What began as an idea to help a few people led 12 individuals from different walks of life taking action and setting foot into Afghanistan turned into something enormous and life-changing of which I will always be proud. By the end, we had our own hangar and ramp, our organization was on the Department of Defense JOC Board as a Commercial Task Force, and we were fully integrated with DOD and State assets on the ground. Our ground team extracted thousands in impossible situations. One of our members lost 37 pounds because he simply wouldn’t take the time to eat more than a cracker between missions. I grabbed a small camera, finding moments here and there to capture the madness of all of it. At some point, when it will no longer endanger the ongoing mission, I will release the footage. I look forward to sharing that story. The men involved deserve that story to be told. They were superhuman. There’s a lot I didn’t expect. I did not expect 14 passport stamps or to be part of an elite team on the other side of the world. I did not expect the level of desperation we encountered, or how many children were suffering. I did not expect to evacuate 1,000 people, let alone the 12,000 we helped, nor did I anticipate visiting the consulates of multiple countries to See TASK FORCE, PAGE 9
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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VETERANS CHRONICLE
Do you have Medicare? Part A - Hospital stays Part B - Doctor visits Part D - Prescription Drugs
These are some of the extra benefits you are entitled to: Dental Coverage Free Fitness Membership Health Care Products Credit Vision and Eyeglass Benefits Worldwide Emergency Coverage The American military and private efforts continue to bring back Americans and allies in Afghanistan.
TASK FORCE Continued FROM PAGE 8
discuss refugee matters. I definitely did not expect to get back to America and see the customs officer casually look at my stamps in and out of UAE to a mystery location (no stamps in Afghanistan now) multiple times in the same day and ask absolutely zero questions. So when I left the gate and headed to baggage claim, I thought I had finally defeated the unexpected. But Kevin “Hollywood” Heard had other plans. When I stepped off the plane arriving back in the United States, he stuck a camera in my face. I had gone a week and half without any real sleep. I had just finished nearly an entire day of flights home. I just wanted to go to bed. Instead, I was driven to our studio, and gave an interview. Hollywood’s reasoning was that it had to be raw and honest and this was the only time he’d be able to knock that “West Point shine” off of me. So I did. I have a lot more to say about this, but for now, I simply want to say that the people I worked with are some of the finest I have ever met. They gave everything they possibly could, often at great risk to their own lives. The mission is still ongoing, and we have a lot of
Are you a Medicare Veteran, have Tricare For Life or CHAMPVA? You are eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan $0 Monthly Premium $0 copay for Civilian Primary Care Visits $60 Part B Premium Rebate
American military members evacuated the country quickly. refugees that will require considerable support. Please consider donating to the effort at SaveOurAllies.Org to assist with refugee care and integration as well as future mission support. We will not quit until truly no one is left behind.
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Lynn Bryan MSgt USAF, Retired 509-855-9407 lynn@mcmadeeasy.com McMadeEasy.com
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Friday, October 15, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VETERANS HEALTH ISSUES If you served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) any time after Oct. 7, 2001, you may be at risk of certain health conditions. Learn about these conditions and what to do to take care of your health. What health risks should I know about related to my service in Afghanistan? You may be at risk of:
• HEALTH PROBLEMS CAUSED BY TOXIC CHEMICALS OR OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT, LIKE:
Sand, dust, and particulates: Tiny matter found in the air Burn pit smoke: Smoke from open-air pits often used to get rid of waste (like chemicals, paints, munitions, and other substances) at military sites in Afghanistan Depleted uranium: Uranium used in military tank armor and some bullets • INJURIES CAUSED BY:
Extreme cold: Health problems (like skin cancer in frostbite scars or pain, tingling, or numbness in the fingers and toes) caused by the effects of cold climates Extreme heat: Health problems (like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and sunburn) that can be caused by serving in hot desert climates Toxic embedded fragments: Shrapnel and other metals (some containing chemicals) that stay in your body after an injury and can cause injury at the site of the fragment or in other parts of your body Explosions: Explosions that can cause concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI), an injury to the head that affects the way your brain works Noise: Harmful sounds from guns, explosives, rockets, heavy weapons, jets and aircraft, and machinery that can cause or contribute
to hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) • ILLNESSES CAUSED BY:
Infectious diseases: There are 9 infectious diseases related to Southwest Asia and Afghanistan military service. These are malaria, brucellosis, campylobacter jejuni, coxiella burnetii (Q fever), mycobacterium tuberculosis, nontyphoid salmonella, shigella, visceral leishmaniasis, and West Nile Virus. Rabies: A disease that you get from a bite or contact with saliva from an infected animal Occupational (job-related) hazards: Chemicals, paints, radiation, and other hazards you may have come in contact with through your military job Side effects of Mefloquine (brand name: Lariam®): A drug given to military personnel to help protect against malaria (an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes)
What should I do now?
Take these steps to make sure you’re taking care of your health: • Join the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to document your exposures and health concerns. (https://veteran. mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry/) • Talk to your primary health care provider or your local VA environmental health coordinator about any health concerns related to your military service. (Find a list at https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/ coordinators.asp) • Find out if you can get disability compensation (monthly payments) and other benefits if you have an illness or injury caused – or made worse – by your active-duty service. To find local help see the “How can I Get Help?” section on Page 5.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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Friday, October 15, 2021
VETERANS CHRONICLE
A Veterans Story: Bradley Jordan Spokane Air Force veteran shares Bagram Air Base memories
done with extreme caution. Bradley and his team communicated with family back home as often as possible but they did not explain the constant dangers they faced. After returning home, Bradley struggled to communicate with his family. His mind in Afghanistan was on constant alert so it was a big challenge to adjust to life outside a war zone. Today he questions why our military stayed so long in Afghanistan.
By Darrel Maddux VETERANS HELP NET CORRESPONDENT
Bradley Jordan, Spokane VFW 51 member, knows too well the stresses of serving our country in a hostile and dangerous location. Bagram Air Base was formerly the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan. Bradley was an Air Force Tech Sgt E-6 and security supervisor of a sector on the base. His pre-deployment training consisted of lectures by instructors who had never served in Afghanistan and who explained what they had heard from returning airmen. The information received was probably 50% accurate so his first few days behind the wire were crucial to his survival. The Afghan military was deployed outside the base and the para-military forces and American military secured the inside perimeter. The “normal” for Bradley and his personnel was setting up security and being shot at or rocketed almost on a daily basis. They went from boredom to rocket attacks as sunset at 9 p.m. brought the enemy to life. His shifts lasted 12 to 15 hours, but an attack would activate his sleeping team back on security detail. He will never forget Thanksgiving and Christmas when the base was under constant attack from small arms fire and rockets. Bradley assumes that the enemy was attempting to wear the Americans down and to lower morale. A sewage stream ran right through the Air Base and Bradley could smell
Darrel Maddux is a Veterans Help Net Correspondent and American Legion Historian
COURTESY PHOTOS
Bradley Jordan was an Air Force Tech Sgt E-6 and security supervisor of a sector at Bagram Air Base.
Refueling Our Heroes
the ever-present odor of burning trash and burning rubber. Due to the many health hazards, no one was allowed near the stream. Children ages 6-18 were a persistent threat because they would dig tunnels, climb fences and cut wires to gain entry to the base. These children could not be engaged with lethal weapons so the team used paint-ball guns and stingball grenades to keep them at bay. The children would enter the base and steal anything they could get their hands on. Outside the gates were
many dangers because the Afghan Army, Afghan Police and the locals could not be trusted. Children wanted to hug the Americans and would reach into pockets and gear. Local people would appear to be your friend but might attack you later in the day. The use of retinal scanners and finger printing databases were necessary to only allow prescreened locals on the base. Banks, markets, local gathering spots and residential areas were located around the base, therefore, any patrols through these areas were
Support fellow Veterans and be a part of Operation Fly Together.
Buy your flight gear or donate today! A portion of all merchandise proceeds go into a Veterans Fund.
Operation FlyTogether.com
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Friday, October 15, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
National Veteran Suicide Prevention annual report shows decrease The latest data (2019) from the Department of Veterans Affairs shows a decrease in suicide among veterans from the prior year prior. The decrease, reflecting the lowest number of veteran suicides since 2007, provides hope and motivation for continued prevention efforts. In 2019, the suicide rate for Veterans was 61% greater than civilian adults Almost 70% of all veteran suicide deaths in 2019 resulted from self-inflicted gunshots. Only about 3 out of 10 veterans who die by suicide have received VA health care. Washington Veteran Suicide Deaths 2019: 192 (182 men, 10 women) Idaho Veteran Suicide Deaths 2019: 51 (40-50 men, less than 10 women) (After accounting for age differences, the Veteran Suicide rate in both states was not significantly different than the national veteran suicide rate, and was significantly higher than the national general population suicide rate.)
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Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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Friday, October 15, 2021
VETERANS CHRONICLE
What we’re thinking before and after combat Richard Hannah shares memories of Army service By Ruth Aresvik
VETERANS HELP NET CORRESPONDENT
Every military individual has a unique story. Every veteran absorbs that time in service into their blood: it becomes a part of their DNA. For those who serve in combat, these tours of duty can be hard to explain; hard to talk about. They are mixed with raw memories and emotion. What happens before, during, and after war is separate yet together - but always with you. Richard Hannah of Post Falls experienced 24 years with the U. S. Army, including four combat deployments. He agreed to share his answers to these five questions:
1. What led you to join the Army?
In 1993, I was at rock bottom, constantly partying and losing jobs and I knew I had to make an extreme change in my life. My father suggested I consider the military. We visited the Army recruiter, but my weight was not within the standards to join. After three months of dieting and riding my bike around a 5-mile lakeside loop, I was able to join the Army. In October 1993, I was shipped off to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, for basic training, then Ft. Gordon, Georgia, for my specialty as a wire systems installer/maintainer.
2. You were stationed at Fort Huachuca in
Arizona on Sept. 11, 2001. What was that day like there?
I had just returned from training in Georgia on September 9, 2011. My wife was visiting her mother in Colorado, and was scheduled to fly home to Arizona the next day, but all flights were grounded. My supervisor confirmed that we were at THREATCON Delta. He told me to be prepared to go to war. I was still officially on leave at the time, so I packed up my two young children and our dog into the minivan that afternoon. I drove about 11 hours to get my wife and brought her home, then prepared to deploy if called upon.
3. Can you share any details about your four combat deployments?
QATAR: I was deployed to Qatar in April 2002. Our mission was to wire seven warehouses and prepare them as CENTCOM headquarters, the main hub for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) command and control. We ran a total of 1800 pair cable and 44 fiber optic strands with 3773 splices to provide secure and non-secure voice and data.
I didn't realize I had the best that could be PTSD for many years, un- done on an extremely til I retired from the Army tight deadline. I disagree 11 months, we completed and began post medical with the timeline...the miles of copper and fiber with the VA. I was used to quick withdrawal was a cable construction to sup- the "suck it up and drive big factor in the loss of port communications. We on" – that unwritten sol- the last 13 personnel. I completely wired eight? dier mentality as a leader. feel we should have beten? – lost count! – build- I was depressed, angry, gun our withdrawal afings. and easily startled by loud ter Osama Bin Laden IRAQ: In 2005 while noises for a long time. was killed. This is just stationed in Ft. Drum, This was extremely chal- my opinion, but I feel we New York, I was deployed lenging my last five to six went way above and beto Camp Liberty, Bagh- years of my career. yond the call of duty in dad. I was with the 10th trying to provide democMountain Division supracy to a country which porting the 1st Brigade 5. Any thoughts was split between adaptCombat Team. My shop about the ing to democracy and was responsible for prowithdrawal of fighting it tooth and nail. viding radio communicaU.S. forces in COURTESY PHOTO I feel this fueled many tions to convoys that were Afghanistan? insurgents to step up the Post Falls resident Richard escorting our support I am extremely grateful fight to stand against Hannah served in the teams to Abu Grab to in- that the soldiers, civilians American's ways and U.S. Army for 24 years, stall cement barriers for and our Afghan counter- against the adaptation of including two deployments protection from mortars. parts were withdrawn, the western culture. in Afghanistan. We also provided secure and non-secure voice and data to all headquarters OUR COMMUNITY’S ONLY NONPROFIT HOSPICE, buildings. SERVING PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES SINCE 1977. AFGHANISTAN NO. 2:
I was in Ft. Lewis, Washington in 2009, and was deployed to Afghanistan for the second time. I was stationed with the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The mission was to push the Taliban out of the Jelwar Province which was near the HQ's Kandahar Airfield. My Platoon was responsible for communications to Brigade Headquarters. We lost many soldiers the first six months due to flaws in the combat vehicles, which eventually were redesigned.
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AFGHANISTAN NO. 1:
In August 2002, I went directly from Qatar to Afghanistan to support GWOT – Global War on Terror. We completely wired up Bagram Air Base with copper and fiber optic cable to support the communications infrastructure of Bagram. For
4. What have you found challenging after returning home?
The most challenging issues were getting those horrid events that I witnessed during EACH deployment out of my head.
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Friday, October 15, 2021
The Spokesman-Review
VETERANS CHRONICLE
Whitworth honors military, veterans at annual football game Whitworth University invites the public to the second Military/Veterans Appreciation Football game on Saturday, Nov. 6. Kickoff is at noon in the Whitworth University Pine Bowl. Admission is free for all military veterans and their families. The game will include a special program honoring our Armed Forces. The Historic Flight Foundation is planning a flyover with its World War II B-25D Mitchell Bomber. Whitworth will unfurl its 80foot American flag during the singing of the National Anthem at the beginning of the game. During halftime, Interim President Scott McQuilkin will perform a coining ceremony, honoring members of Whitworth’s military community. Whitworth serves more than 200 military-connected students. It is proud to be recognized as a Military Friendly School with bronze distinction by Viqtory Media and has consistently been ranked in the top 10 “Best Colleges for Veterans-Western Region” by U.S. News & World Report. This past summer, Whitworth and Washington State University signed an agreement allowing Whitworth students to enroll in Air Force ROTC classes offered on WSU’s Pullman campus. The university is also preparing to host a grand opening event later this year for its new Military & Veterans Resource Center (MAVRC) and would like to thank the many businesses and community members who have donated to this center. Please note: Per the Washington state mask mandate, all attendees must be masked.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Whitworth University presents its second Military/Veterans Appreciation football game Nov. 6. Like the first one it will pay tribute to area veterans and their families.
Other upcoming Veterans Day events RACE TO FEED OUR VETS WHEN: 10 a.m.-noon, Sunday, Nov. 7 WHERE: Riverside Memorial Park, 211 N
If you go WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY’S MILITARY/ VETERANS APPRECIATION FOOTBALL GAME WHEN: Noon, Saturday, Nov. 6 WHERE: Whitworth University Pine Bowl, in Spokane
Government Way, Spokane ABOUT: Pay tribute to veterans of past and present by joining in the race to fight senior hunger in this 5K run/walk at Riverside Memorial Park and Greenwood Memorial Terrace. Prizes awarded to the first female/male finishers. All proceeds benefit Meals On Wheels Spokane to provide warm, nutritious meals to veterans and their families. Beer and chili will be provided after the race. To sign up visit: www.mealsonwheels.com/vets5k
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
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Friday, October 15, 2021
VETERANS CHRONICLE
Reach out and stay connected to the veteran in your life. Be there.
Send us your veterans stories! Veterans Help Net helps The Spokesman-Review gather veteran stories, veteran organizational stories, “Hey Veteran Did You Know?” articles, and other content for this monthly publication. We are always looking for more stories about veterans who discover a benefit, a Veterans Service Organization or an individual that changed or impacted their lives. These stories are told to increase awareness and to help veterans find hope and help. If you have a story or something you feel would help our readers find hope and help, please send it to info@VeteranHelpNet.com
F
or a veteran facing hard times, your support can provide hope when it’s needed most— and you already have what it takes to show you care. Take a few minutes to check in today.
– Your friends at Veterans Help Net Here are some ideas to help you get started with a call, text, or email: Online: www.veteranscrisisline.net By phone: 800-273-8255 and Press 1 Text: 838255 Chat: www.veteranscrisisline. net/get-help/chat Talking on the phone with your veteran loved ones can strengthen your connection. Calling to just catch up is important — especially during this unpredictable time. Not only does an open and honest conversation help people feel less alone, but it also can give you a window into their experiences. If you’re worried about someone, you might need to have a more serious conversation. Remind them you are there for them, even if physically apart. It’s easier to feel isolated these days—
so reaching out is more important than ever. Validate their experience. Listen more than you speak—don’t dominate the conversation. Even if you can’t relate to what they are going through, you can tell them you understand that they went through something difficult and show them you respect their feelings about it. Let them decide how much information to share. Supportive and encouraging comments, rather than invasive personal questions, will create a space for open communication and avoid putting them on the defensive. If you’re concerned, it’s okay to ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. Asking questions about thoughts of suicide does not increase a person’s suicide risk, and the answers can help you determine the next steps to take.
CALLING VETERANS CRISIS LINE We’re here anytime, day or night – 24/7 If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are veterans themselves. Call 800-273-8255 and select 1 Text 838255 Start a confidential chat Call TTY if you have hearing loss 800799-4889 Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine. net.
Page 16
Friday, October 15, 2021
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