BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer
With this country still at war, and with the issue of the massacre of the civilian families in Afghanistan, many military personnel are returning to this country with a variety of problems or needs. The Tampa Vet Center is there to help them with array of services.
Jimmie L. Thomas, Supervisory Social Worker/Clinical Coordinator, said quite a few returning veterans know where to go.
“For the ones who may not know where to go, we do a lot of outreach in the community. Our Center and the staff at the James Haley Hospital tell the veterans about the services available to them, and 90 days after they return, we talk to them about everything. We go out to military installations and make them aware of what they can do to help themselves and their families.”
Thomas said they offer readjustment counseling for military personnel who have served in war zones.
“Among the critical issues they deal with are martial problems, and we have therapists who work with them specifically on those issues. Employment is also a critical topic, and we work with the Workforce Alliance to seek suitable employment for the returning veterans.”
Thomas said for the veterans returning with medical issues, they are referred directly to the James Haley Hospital so they can be seen and they are also treated for problems like post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“We are highly trained in dealing with that issue, and because of problems some incurred while on active duty, they may qualify for benefits. A new service we offer is counseling for military sexual trauma for individuals who have been sexually assaulted while in the military.”
Thomas said bereavement counselors for families who have lost loved ones is also available, and the Center is one of 5 nationwide that’s a pilot for homeless veterans.
“We locate them and give them access to housing and other life sustaining services.”
For more information on the services offered at the Vet Center for veterans who have fought in a war zone, call (813) 228-2621, or visit the Center at 3637 West Waters Avenue, Suite 600.
