VETOGA family,
I write to you tonight with great sadness and so many emotions that I don’t know what to do with since hearing about recent events in Afghanistan. These tragedies have brought up past and present anxieties, stress and emotions in many of our military, veteran, and their families. I personally had countless temporary duty travel (TDY’s) to dozens of regions in Afghanistan. I spent years working with the local Afghans on a daily basis and made many friends and relationships with so many of them. Today sadly, a lot of them and their families are being hunted down by the Taliban for working with the U.S. as you read this letter. And I fear the worst is yet to come. Please pray for the good people of Afghanistan.
I would also like you all to take a moment to realize that there is still evil in the world and innocent people are suffering. Our military and forces continue to fight the good fight to protect this great nation and our loved ones.
Remember… FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
Please take time in your life in the next 24 hours to reach out to anyone you know that may be affected by these events. Just a simple “Hey, I’m thinking about you given the recent event… I’m here if you need me” will go further than you can ever know.
To my brother and sisters that served in this war with me:
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
It is okay that you are not feeling okay. It’s okay to feel sad, frustrated, and even angry. Take time for yourself over the next few days to reach out to your support system and make time to find a form of self-care like yoga, meditation, a walk, a ride, a hike… or whatever calms your mind.
If you need to talk to someone, call me directly any time of the day or night: (703) 628-7464.
Also please use the VA resources below if needed:
We are proud to all that served and continued server our great country and the sacrifices you have made.
Semper Fidelis,
Justin Blazejewski
CEO, VETOGA
Current Resources from the Veterans Administration (VA)
If you need help, PLEASE reach out for support. Here are some places you can seek help for a friend or for you.
From the VA: “Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan. They may feel distressed about experiences they had during their service. The Department of Veterans Affairs wants you to know that it’s normal to feel this way and there are resources out there for you. They suggest talking with friends and family, talk to fellow Vets or maybe reach out to someone in mental health services.” Find support | VA homepage
From the VA: “Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan. They may feel distressed about experiences they had during their service. The Department of Veterans Affairs wants you to know that it’s normal to feel this way and there are resources out there for you. They suggest talking with friends and family, talk to fellow Vets or maybe reach out to someone in mental health services.” The following resources are available from Veterans Affairs:
- Veterans Crisis Line – If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/. For emergency mental health care, you can also 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.
- RallyPoint – Talk to other Veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?
- Download VA’s self-help apps – Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) – Request a Peer Mentor
- VA Women Veterans Call Center – Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 6:30PM ET)
- VA Caregiver Support Line – Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM – 10PM & SAT 8AM – 5PM ET)
- Together We Served – Find your battle buddies through unit pages
- George W. Bush Institute – Need help or want to talk? Check In or call:1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org
- Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes – Join the Community
- American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network – Peer Support and Mentoring
- Student Veterans of America – Find a campus chapter to connect with.