Leadership and Trust July 11th, 2014 Veterans Corner by Ronald Verini The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted (OATAG) recognized Daniel Wenger of Vale as the recipient of the 2014 OATAG Young Scholars Award. Daniel was selected for this honor due to his strong academic and intellectual ability as well as his values of service, leadership and citizenship. Stephan Price the President of OATAG and a very important contributor in the Legion Boys State program announced this important award and I agree that Daniel should be recognized for a job well done. Additional information can be found at oatag.org. When a young man walked into Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida, I could see the eyes of a man that had seen hell and many emotions that held him captive. This incident occurred about two years ago. He said that he had seen the VAOI sign the night before, and thought that he might see what we were all about. I was in the office and introduced myself, told him what we do and we had a cup of coffee. He talked about his several tours in Afghanistan and trying to fit in here at home. I mentioned the mental health programs at the VA in Boise. If the door of VAOI was not open that day and a friendly face was not there I could only imagine the road he might have taken? I talked with this young man last week and he mentioned that he was getting married; still going to the VA for help, now had a job in Fruitland. He appreciated our talk and was pleased that our community supported a place that welcomed all military and families. This made me proud of the work done in this community helping veterans. Mental health issues should not be brushed aside. We have a private connection to the VA Behavioral Health councilors right here in our community and weekly visits from the VA Mobile Vet Van dealing especially with combat veterans. Call Charlene or David at 541-889-1978 and they will connect you to the right folks. Call me anytime. Robert McDonald is moving into one of the most scrutinized jobs in Wash D.C., he will be watched and his every move documented. I know that just maybe with the Congress stepping up and giving the position of director some teeth to work with we just might be getting the support we need and the medical attention we deserve. Let me know how you have fared with the VA and the support system in place? My suggestion is that whether you are a Vietnam War veteran or just back from the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict we should not have to prove we need the care. We should be trusted that our ‘word of need’ is all that is necessary. The claims process is surrounded with skepticism and that is demeaning at best. Trust goes beyond flag waving. With that said: give Robert and the new legislation from Congress a chance to work at the VA. “There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing and be nothing.” Aristotle.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 00:59:26 +0000
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