The Cabool Church of the Brethren is concerned about the reintegration of the returning veterans of wars into civil society. For example, one in six persons returning from assignment in Iraq have demonstrated signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other pyschological problems. As these men and women return home they continue to struggle with the horrors of war. This program is our congregations attempt to provide a safe place for veterans to deal with their struggles.
We are aware that Post Traumatic Stress can make the veterans return to family, home and community a difficult and scary experience. This program does not have professional counselors or caregivers present but it does provide a group of concerned persons with sympathetic listening ears. Probably the most helpful part of Welcome Home Vets is the possibility for vets to listen to each other and share similar or common experiences which occurred while on assignment.
To provide a safe and secure place for vets to share, the following guidelines have been established:
1. No smoking, No alcohol, No drugs
2. No abusive language, no fighting or rough-housing
3. No rank shall be observed - all are civilian persons
4. This is a sanctuary (a safe place) - no religious agenda will be pushed
5. Assistance for persons in need will not be provided but we will assist the person to find professional help
6. The veterans will be encouraged to help set the meeting's agenda
7. The final goal for this program is to help veterans successfully re-integrate into civil society.
This program is open to any and all veterans of war. We hope that it can provide assistance to persons in the South Central part of the Ozarks. The doors of the Fellowship Hall in the basement of the Cabool Church of the Brethren will be open at 7 pm the first and third Wednesday of each month. The coffee pot will be on, there will be no hidden agenda presented and all veterans are welcome. If you are aware of a family member, friend or any returning veteran, please encourage them to come and share with other veterans.
"We dare not forget the very real and very personal sacrifice of the men and women fighting and dying in past and present wars. Christians will not accomplish peace, will not be able to end war and discontinue this practice of people killing people until a pacifist way is found to honor soldiers who have served in past wars." Stanley Hauerwas