Connect with a Vet

Hi Everyone,
I want you to meet my dear friend (and Air Force veteran) Julie Lecea.
Julie is one of those friends you feel like you’ve known for years!!  Her loving spirit and deep passion for wisdom is unmatched.  Julie and I were talking about blogging and discovered blogging is something she’s interested in pursuing.  Without a moment’s pause, I immediately exclaimed, “You should guest blog on my site!”  (I totally
“should’d” her!). She thought for minute, then said, “I’m in!” Less than an hour later –
she emailed me this blog.

Thank you Julie!!  Thank you for your service to our country!
& Now – thank you for your service to our Helping community!!
With much Love and great Respect!!
– Dorie

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Veteran’s Day is a celebrated holiday in my family. My father and several uncles served in the Vietnam War, and I and several cousins served in Iraq/Afghanistan. Each Veteran’s Day, I call my dad and we thank each other for serving. May seem a little odd to others, but hearing a “thank you” from someone who’s walked a similar path can be very powerful.

Working in law enforcement, I work with many veterans. We share stories – both good and bad – about back in the “sandbox” (a term we use to describe the gulf region). We also knowingly understand the anxiety associated with driving in gridlock traffic, being “stuck” in large crowds at shopping centers, and those anniversary dates of loved ones we lost over there. We joke about the inter-service rivalries (have you heard, “Chair Force” and “Jar Head”?), but there is common ground; we are proud to have served our country and grateful for those who appreciate our sacrifice.

If you have had the opportunity to help veterans in crisis, thank you. If you have not, here are some ideas that may help you connect with a vet.

– Learn about our experiences. The internet provides amazing access to organizations that support our military members, both past and present. Disabled American Veterans, The Wounded Warrior Project, and Team Rubicon are all examples of organizations that strive to empower veterans by helping them capitalize on their experiences while re-integrating with our communities.

– Thank you for your service. The simple act of thanking a vet for their service is a welcome gesture in any circumstance. Done well, it can come across as heartfelt and make a vet feel proud to have served. But like anything else, if done with self-serving intentions (like a photo opportunity in the middle of an airport done just a little too loudly), it can come across as an insincere gesture.

– Buy a vet a coffee. Good coffee was more valuable than gold in Iraq. People would plan their day around where/when they could get a great cup of coffee. A simple gesture of paying for a latte for the vet in line behind you at your local coffee shop, can go a long way to making a vet feel appreciated.

– Accept TriCare and/or offer military/veteran’s discounts. Many vets have to travel a long way to access healthcare either because the VA system doesn’t operate in the local area, or the health insurance plans they receive upon retirement (TriCare) are not accepted by very many providers. Taking on another healthcare provider can be a daunting task, and vets understand and appreciate the effort you’ll make to serve their families and community.

– Consider becoming a Military OneSource Service Provider. The Department of Defense created Military OneSource, a confidential program aimed at helping military members and their families. A primary focus is providing crisis support through a toll free hot line, internet, and face-to-face meetings. Their website (http://www.militaryonesource.mil/crisis-prevention) has invaluable resources for those that provide crisis support and prevention services to veterans.

Our veterans sacrificed for our country; we all know that in theory. Learning about what effects (both good and bad) that sacrifice had on our lives, and what resources are available for us, is a worthy endeavor for those that serve in crisis support.

Julie Lecea is an Air Force veteran and law enforcement professional with 21 years of federal experience. With degrees in both Behavioral Sciences and Forensic Sciences, she has dedicated her career to helping uncover the truth in criminal investigations. Throughout her life, she has also developed a passion for helping those who serve in the military and law enforcement find their truth, recognizing that there is often a heavy burden we carry when we dedicate our lives to helping others in crisis situations.