| February 13,
2006
SHREWSBURY - Shrewsbury Veteran's Agent Richard Perron would like
to welcome home veterans who recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
While Mr. Perron serves all veterans, he would like to take this
opportunity to introduce newer veterans to some programs specifically
geared toward them.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Counseling
Stress and trauma cause symptoms, like anxiety and mild depression,
that are normal reactions. Some veterans find that over the course
of a few weeks to a few months, their symptoms fluctuate and they
can reasonably function again. Someone who continues to be profoundly
affected by their experience several months, or even years later,
may be struggling with PTSD.
PTSD is tied to a particular experience. Four major types
of symptoms of this disorder are:
- Re-experiencing symptoms involving a sort of mental replay
of the trauma, often accompanied by strong emotional reactions
(while awake, or in the form of nightmares)
- Avoidance symptoms often exhibited as efforts to evade
activities, places or people that are reminders of the trauma.
- Numbing symptoms typically experienced as a loss of emotions,
particularly positive feelings.
- Arousal symptoms reflect excessive physiological activation
and include a heightened sense of being on guard as well as difficulty
with sleep and concentration.
To qualify for a formal diagnosis, the symptoms must persist for
over one month, cause significant distress and affect the individual's
ability to function socially, occupationally or domestically. The
diagnosis is generally made by a mental-health professional (psychiatrist,
psychologist, or clinical social worker).
Approximately 30% of soldiers spending time in war zones have experienced
PTSD, and an additional 20%-25% have experienced partial PTSD. Several
types of education and treatment for PTSD have proven helpful to
veterans and their families. These include classes on dealing with
PTSD symptoms (stress, anger, sleep and personal relationships).
Individual, group and family counseling have also proven effective
for people dealing with PTSD.
If you think you might be suffering from PTSD, and would like information
about diagnosis or treatment, please contact one of the following
resources:
- VA Readjustment Counseling Service Vet Centers 1-800-905-4675
- Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services 508-845-6932
- PTSD Information Line 802-296-6300
Veteran's Employment Assistance
Massachusetts Veterans Inc. and Snelling Staffing Services have
joined forces to aid and assist veterans with employment support
and placement. Veterans are invited to join our Veterans Career
Fair on March 15, 2006 at the National Guard Armory Museum, 44 Salisbury
Street, Worcester, MA.
In addition to the opportunity to meet with the area's top employers,
we also offer job search, resume and interview support, veteran
job clubs, basic and advanced computer training, commercial driver
training tuition and construction supervisor training tuition.
Tuition and Fee Waivers
Members of the Massachusetts legislature have finalized the appointments
of the eleven-member Special Commission to Study Tuition and Fee
Waiver Programs for Veterans. The Commission was established this
past November as part of "The Welcome Home Bill," comprehensive
legislation for veterans and service members.
The primary task of the Commission is to investigate the feasibility
of providing a true, 100% education benefit to Massachusetts veterans.
Under current law, Massachusetts veterans receive tuition waivers
at state and community colleges, yet they are required to pay fees.
The cost of fees at such schools often comprises the bulk of the
financial burden on the veteran. According to the Massachusetts
Board of Education, the 2005-06 in-state, undergraduate, full-time
tuition at the University of Massachusetts Boston was $1,714 and
the fees were $6,551.
"As our newest veterans return home, we must make every effort
to ensure that their transition is as smooth as possible. It is
no secret that education can enhance employment opportunities,"
said Representative Anthony J. Verga (D-Gloucester), House Chairman
of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and lead
sponsor of The Welcome Home Bill. "They have sacrificed to
defend and secure the future of this nation. We will honor their
sacrifice and assist them in securing their future."
The Welcome Home Bill extended full tuition and fee waivers to
members of the Massachusetts National Guard. "The men and women
who have defended our country with honor made a significant sacrifice
for the greater good. It is only fitting for the Commonwealth to
grant educational opportunities to returning soldiers as a token
of thanks for their dedicated service in the armed forces,"
said Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre).
The first meeting of the Commission took place Thursday, February
9, 2006 at the State House. The eleven-member Commission must present
its complete findings to the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal
Affairs by April 1, 2006. The appointed members are:
- Rep. Anthony J. Verga
- Rep. James Vallee
- Rep. Lida Harkins
- Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli
- Rep. Susan Pope
- Sen. Stephen M. Brewer
- Sen. Robert O'Leary
- Sen. Thomas McGee
- Sen. Steven Panagiotakos
- Sen. Brian Lees
- Department of Veterans Services Secretary Thomas Kelly
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