When soldiers return from overseas tours to places like Afghanistan and Iraq, many must deal with medical or psychological issues. Ten years after the beginning of the war in Iraq, veterans are facing increasing challenges at home. Two veterans’ medical centers are serving upstate New York and Vermont with a variety of services.
Veterans in New York and Vermont can turn to two veterans’ medical centers in the region for help after they return from the war zone. The White River Junction VA Medical Center provides services in Vermont and the four contiguous counties in New Hampshire. Special Assistant to the Director Andy Lacasse says returning veterans receive a variety of services.
TheAlbany Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany NY aids veterans from Kingston to Canada and Vermont to Utica, with five facilities across the region. Spokesman Peter Potter says a key challenge is getting the word out about what services are available.
The White River Junction facility hosts the executive directorship for the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress. Andy Lacasse credits Vietnam veterans for teaching this generation what soldiers need post-battlefield.
National Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK
