War, by any description, is a shock to the system: mentally, socially, emotionally - in all spheres of life. The young man or woman who goes to war is NOT the same one that returns - he or she has changed - and so has society. Battling trauma is a different kind of enemy. Many returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan display irritability and depressive symptoms, some of the classic signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Also a growing number of U.S. troops whose body armor helped them survive bomb and rocket attacks are suffering brain damage as a result of the blasts. Known as traumatic brain injury (TBI), it is similar to "shaken baby syndrome"; many soldiers from previous wars never lived long enough to suffer these effects.

Facilitated by Vietnam-era vets, the veterans group of Iraq and Afghanistan normally meet once monthly on the last Wednesday of each month in Schleman Hall (SCHL), Room B50. The group is open to active duty veterans of all previous wars, both Purdue and non-Purdue students.

The current status of our meetings has been temporarily suspended due to lack of attendance by service members. Should participation increase, meetings will again be employed to encourage members to seek assistance.

An e-mail requesting availability of time from members is sent out each semester. Should anyone need individual assistance, feel free to contact our office or the facilitator for information. As of Spring Semester 2006, our meetings are suspended.

We anticipate a revival of meetings for Fall 2007.

We welcome you!! Contact us at 494-1747 or 494-1250.
Group facilitator: Karen Fraser-Mills

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: http://www.seamlesstransition.va.gov/