Veterans need to be made aware of services

Porterville may have more veterans per capita than any city in America and because of that, it needs to have more services available to help those veterans.

Our story last week looking at veterans and the services they need surprisingly found there is help available. The problem, it appears, is getting the word out to the veterans.

Events like the Veterans Stand Down on Oct. 24 are great, and judging by the turnout show that there are needs. Such events not only offer services, but provide veterans with a list of services available and invaluable contact information.

Too many of our veterans today need help. Many have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder for years, but perhaps only now realize they have a problem. Some were injured and still suffer. Many have fallen on hard times and are out of work, some even homeless.
It shouldn’t be that way.

This nation owes all our veterans a debt of gratitude and no veteran should go unnoticed. Our story pointed out a new challenge — the female veteran who faces a whole new set of issues and one that has been virtually ignored for decades. But, today we have more women serving in the military and the Veterans Administration is trying to adjust.

Thousands of residents turned out last Monday to pay honor to our veterans during the 94th annual Veterans Day Parade. We saluted, applauded and smiled on a bright sunny day. Unfortunately, some veterans did not get to see the admiration. Their physical and emotional wounds kept them from the parade.

We need to change that.

Hopefully our list of resources available to veterans is helpful. Hopefully a friend or family member has lent a hand, offered to help. There is help out there, and while it may not be completely enough, it is there and veterans just need to be aware of the assistance they can find.

Let’s never forget our veterans and the sacrifices they have made.