June 3, 2016, by Meghan Belnap – The stresses and high-level situations our soldiers face overseas are difficult to relate to. It’s easy to show appreciation and respect to those that currently serve, but what about veterans who find themselves in the difficult process of assimilating back into home life? It’s never easy to transition from the war zone to civilian life. Help make the transition easier for your loved one with these simple suggestions.
Give Them Some Time and Some Space
Your veteran is coming home! Everyone is so excited, and you should be. But after the first few days the excitement wears off and routines set in. It’ll be tough for your veteran to get back into what most consider a conventional routine. This is perfectly normal. Allow them the space and time to deal with this transition.
Give Them Your Understanding
This naturally comes by giving them time and space. You need to try and understand that this may not be the same person you once knew. That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with them, far from it. It simply means that the high-stress environments they have been in made an impact on how they see and deal with the world. It takes time to adjust, and your understanding is often a key competent in helping them progress.
Seek Out Veteran Services
The first two tips on the list deal with more immediate parts of the transition. However, a full transition takes longer than just a few weeks. It can take months, or even years depending on the circumstances. This is where veteran services come in. Helping your veteran connect with facilities that are designed with their needs in mind can support them in the long-term transition process.
Seek Out Career Fairs and Companies That Specialize In Working with Veterans
Finding a job can be difficult for veterans. Translating their military skills into civilian ones is not always simple. Encourage them to look for career fairs and companies that look for and specialize in hiring veterans. There are numerous companies that do this. They can help veterans find a career that is both meaningful to them, and works with their particular skill set.
Help Them Find a Home
While in the military, your veteran did not have to worry about housing as the military ensures that its people are taken care of. That’s not so true in the civilian world. House hunting can be a difficult process, but there are institutions and businesses set up specifically for veterans. Things like VA loans or businesses like Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty work with veterans to make finding a home an easier process.
Transitional periods are never easy, and for veterans this is doubly true. However, using the right strategies, businesses, and institutions can make all the difference. Hopefully these tips can help make your veteran’s homecoming the happy occasion it should be.
Author Bio: Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.