Veterans need more than our thanks. They need our active support and assistance: Opinion

At Volunteers of America, we are moved by the wisdom of John F. Kennedy, who honored America’s veterans by saying, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

This Veterans Day, we urge every Kentuckian to remember that many veterans need more than our thanks for the sacrifice they make for our freedom. Veterans need our active support and assistance.

Every day at VOA we meet veterans like Michael. He served our nation in the U.S. Army as a Unit Supply Specialist.  When Michael returned to civilian life, the transition was not easy. He had difficulty finding a job and maintaining long-term housing.  He struggled with substance use disorder – a daunting problem that he could not overcome on his own.

Michael’s crisis is all too common for America’s veterans. More than 10 percent of veterans who visit a VA hospital are in active addiction. More than one-third of these veterans exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Many returning veterans are treated for chronic pain, heightening their risk of opioid abuse. The difficult truth is that our veterans’ sacrifice for our nation has put them at greater risk for substance use disorder. They need – and have earned – our help.

More:Here are 24+ events taking place to honor and commemorate Veterans Day in Louisville

Fortunately, Michael and thousands of veterans like him, found VOA. Our comprehensive programs connect veterans to the care they need, with a focus on finding long-term, affordable and stable housing. After nearly 15 years of confronting substance use disorder, Michael worked with our Supported Services for Veterans’ Families team to build an outcome-oriented plan for recovery and support. VOA knows that without stable housing you cannot build a stable future, and within weeks, we found Michael an affordable apartment.  Today, he is employed, taking classes and maintaining a healthy and sober life.

If you know a veteran who is struggling, please join VOA in offering more than encouragement. Our trained professionals can provide the clinical support and wrap-around services every veteran who needs help deserves.  Contact us at (502) 384-0868 to make a difference for a veteran in need. And together, on this especially important day when we say thank you to veterans, we can make sure their sacrifices are appreciated not just in our words but in our actions too.

Jennifer Hancock, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Mid-States.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Veterans need more than our thanks. They need support and assistance