Truly Honoring Veterans

I attended the Vets Town Hall last Sunday, held at St. Michael’s College in Winooski. Based on Sebastian Junger’s model, veterans speak and non-veterans listen. Political discussions were not allowed, but any other topics were fair game.

With 75 people in the auditorium, a number of veterans got up on stage to share stories and emotions about serving in the military, as well as experiences when returning home again. Women and men of all ages were brave enough to speak from their hearts with sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes heartwarming stories.

Each time I have attended these town halls, I feel so honored to be in the room. It’s the very least I can do to show respect for the people who have literally put their lives at risk for our country.

The military can be a messy place. Women and minorities have sometimes suffered greatly. And coming back to civilian life holds its own challenges for veterans as they leave a tight military community and must make a very tough transition. Rates of PTSD, homelessness, mental health issues, drug and alcohol use, and suicide are higher among vets. Regardless of how we feel personally about the military, we owe veterans better options.

Within HANDS, we have made a special effort to include veterans in our programs. We have developed garden programs at veterans housing, delivered delicious and nutritious meals, and offered resources. Every generation and every country has produced veterans who, I believe, the rest of us need to help when necessary.

Thanks you, veterans. ——Megan