24- Peer Leaders assist Vietnam Vet maintenance groups [17:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this episode of the Southern Branch, H21 Austin, Texas, Chapter of the Combat Infantrymen’s Association podcast series, we discuss the topic of the plight facing the Vietnam Combat Infantrymen who are seeking help from the VA, and who are being supported by both formal programs and courses (e.g., PTSD 101, PTSD Track II, Anger Management, Stress Management, Diet Management, etc.), as well as the ongoing MAINTENANCE GROUP sessions (often referred to by the VA counselors as “Group.”).

Due to the overwhelming demand placed upon the VA counselors by both the economic situation today, as well as the sheer volume of returning veterans who suffer from PTSD from both OEF and OIF (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom) from Afghanistan and Iraq, the VA is trying to continue supporting the Vietnam Veterans suffering frm PTSD in combat as infantrymen with the help of volunteers.

These are the Volunteer Peer Leaders who are trained and “certified” by the VA after going through some courses of instruction (which are supplied by a third party training firm which is paid by the VA). They then take an ongoing maintenance group and act as discussion facilitators to continue the face-to-face meetings of the combat infantrymen suffering from PTSD.

In addition to the fate of the Maintenance groups now in the hands from the pilot programs of Volunteer Peer Leaders (who are ex-combat infantryman who also suffered from PTSD), the audio episode centers around personal experience and opinion as to the semi-structured approach taken at the Austin, Texas, VA clinic.

In addition, we also deliver a summary of Suggestions from Veterans who were involved in Combat in the Vietnam War, from the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center (Spring, 2000) and titled “What We’d Like our Family Members and Friends to Know about Living with PTSD.” This document outlines 15 major suggestions (and the author has added 3 more from personal experience). This document is attributed to the Support and Family Education: Mental Health Facts for Families, Michelle D. Sherman, Ph.D.

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