By the People

The Bloomington Sun Current covered the Community Stand To for veterans and their families at the Minnesota National Guard armory in Bloomington, Minn., on Saturday, Jan. 12. The event was organized by Bloomington resident Karen Eileen, and others active in the Warrior to Citizen Campaign including National Guard Capt. John Donovan, state Sen. John Doll, Bloomington Mayor Gene Winsted, and a consortium of Bloomington Lutheran churches.

As one example of how the event connected community members, Northwestern Health Sciences University - which wanted to diversify the client base in its student-run clinics - will offer pro-bono chiropractic and massage care to veterans over the next year.

"Janet Drewiske (left) and Amiee Elizabeth (right) of Northwestern Health Sciences give chair massages to Minnesota National Guard troops during the Community Stand To at the Bloomington Armory Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008. The Community Stand To event was a chance for community members and businesses to show support for the troops as they transition home." (SCOTT THEISEN - SUN NEWSPAPERS)

"War changes people, and that extends to their work lives. For some returning veterans, the challenges and responsibilities they experienced in Iraq will lead them on new career paths."- St. Paul Pioneer Press, Nov. 9, 2007

As Minnesota National Guard members return to their civilian lives, they are faced with putting the pieces back together again with family members, friends, and eventually with their jobs. For some, the pieces don't quite fit together anymore, and some are left searching for how they want to contribute to their communities.

For many soldiers, the jobs they held before their deployment don't hold the same meaning or excitement anymore. An article in the November 9 Pioneer Press, Working class heroes, tells the stories of three Minnesota soldiers and their return to the job market or the classroom.

On November 5, Minnesota Public Radio's Midmorning show with Kerri Miller explored Finding work after war. As the show's guest, job search expert Amy Lindgren gave ideas and suggestions for veterans in the midst of transition. Click on the link above to listen to the full show.

Two free government resources for veterans looking for work are www.hirevetsfirst.gov and the U.S. Department of Labor websites. Resources at hirevetsfirst.gov are divided into an employer zone – including 10 Reasons to Hire a Veteran – and a veteran zone, which includes job postings by state, a military skills-to-civilian life translator, and a resume builder. Both Hire Vets First and the Dept. of Labor site have information about federal benefits for veterans and military spouses, and contact information for local assistance.

"On All Saints Day, think not just of church fellows but also of those who have died in war." This compelling Star Tribune editorial about veterans and their public service by Nancy Victorin-Vangerud highlights the Warrior to Citizen campaign. It also encourages all of us to remember those whose lives have been lost this past year in the war in Iraq. Victorin-Vangerud comments that "too often their faces pass too quickly and the day's business returns."

Read Nancy Victorin-Vangerud's full editorial.

Information about combat veterans and the psychological impacts of war was aired on PBS September 28th on the television show NOW.

Click here to read the transcript, watch streaming video, or download a postcast of this show.

The Warrior to Citizen campaign is a statewide grassroots effort designed to build community capacity to support and engage Minnesota's veterans. In the spirit of this campaign, teachers, faith leaders, employers and others can follow the lead of our mental health professionals by working to ease the difficult transition many veterans face in going from warrior to citizen.

As reported in the Star Tribune, a mental health conference that brings military and civilians together convenes today. The topic reflects an increasing concern: improving Minnesota's ability to care for veterans encountering the psychological impacts of war. This conference takes an important step in pointing out that "It's time to share the burden in caring for the state's combat veterans and their families" amongst all Minnesota citizens.

Click here to view the entire article, Trained to Kill... but what happens when they come home?

Minnesota communities and civic institutions can do much to help returning veterans make a healthy transition to civilian life. The Warrior to Citizen campaign promotes a variety of such activities, from simply offering thanks or a listening ear to veterans, to hosting job fairs and convening support groups. [From Editorial: Returning veterans can still serve]