Reintegrating Veterans

[MikeF]

Critics and pundits are quick to point out the negative secondary and tertiary effects of how some men change upon returning from war; however, few solutions and recommendations are offered.

On the other hand, some organizations simply take action. This is one example. Yes, it is a Christian organization, but it is not pushing religion. It is simply an outreach for vets. They bring vets into their homes for a warm meal.

If y'all know of others, please share.

From talking to many civilians, most want to do something besides sending carepackages and putting yellow ribbons on their cars, but they don't know what to do. They haven't been asked to do anything by the government. So, I guess we can show them.

After experiencing it personally, I could only imagine what would happen if every family in America took one vet in for one night just to say thank you- one simple act of respect and kindness.



Pointman International

Since 1984, when Seattle Police Officer and Vietnam Veteran Bill Landreth noticed he was arresting the same people each night, he discovered most were Vietnam vets like himself that just never seemed to have quite made it home. He began to meet with them in coffee shops and on a regular basis for fellowship and prayer. Soon, Point Man Ministries was conceived and became a staple of the Seattle area. Bills untimely death soon after put the future of Point Man in jeopardy.

However, Chuck Dean, publisher of a Veterans self help newspaper, Reveille, had a vision for the ministry and developed it into a system of small groups across the USA for the purpose of mutual support and fellowship. These groups are known as Outposts. Worldwide there are hundreds of Outposts and Homefront groups serving the families of veterans.

PMIM is run by veterans from all conflicts, nationalities and backgrounds. Although, the primary focus of Point Man has always been to offer spiritual healing from PTSD, Point Man today is involved in group meetings, publishing, hospital visits, conferences, supplying speakers for churches and veteran groups, welcome home projects and community support. Just about any where there are Vets there is a Point Man presence. All services offered by Point Man are free of charge.

v/r

Mike