tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605126828527981269.post3276989023400136506..comments2023-06-20T15:19:27.422-04:00Comments on The World According to Tony Polombo: Helping our Returning Soldiers Go On with Their LivesTony Polombohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381438910952235245noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6605126828527981269.post-85929575484118243382009-06-18T14:39:42.992-04:002009-06-18T14:39:42.992-04:00Thanks for caring and writing about this, Tony. I ...Thanks for caring and writing about this, Tony. I appreciate your point about the "all volunteer Army" perhaps causing others in America to be detached and less concerned than they should be. I exchanged words recently in an online forum with a man on the "left" whose opinion is that anybody who volunteered after 2003 is some kind of idiot or idealogue anyway, and, by implication, not worthy of credit or concern. What a tragic state of mind in this great and powerful country. <br /><br />Many don't seem to appreciate the fact that no matter what the politics of the moment, there have been and will be times when our national security requires all the military strength we can muster. For an American to be so belittling toward the military in our society is troubling, to say the least.<br /><br />I chuckle, Tony, as I'm sure you know I'm something of a political "leftie" myself! :-)<br /><br />In order for our military forces to be the best and most moral possible we must include thoughtful and moral people in the ranks. I, personally, have difficulty with those who would ban military recruiters from college campuses. We must respect, honor, and take good care of the people who make up our forces around the world. We -- all of us -- and our family members should be represented among them, with pride!<br /><br />I am pleased to say that the Office of Behavioral Health at Allegheny County Department of Human Services has made efforts in recent years to coordinate with the Pittsburgh Area VA Healthcare System regarding access to mental health care and social services for returning veterans. I no longer am working in the public mental health system but I have seen some coverage on Pittsburgh television stations where social worker Lucille Underwood has discussed these joint efforts in outreach and service design. <br /><br />Ms. Underwood is employed at the Office of Behavioral Health at Allegheny County. I'm sure any veteran or family member could get a referral from Ms. Underwood about services here in Allegheny County or at least a point of contact for getting started elsewhere in Pennsylvania. In the blue pages of the phone book, under Government, County [Allegheny or other], one would find the proper phone number. A direct call to the local area VA or veterans center would also get the process started, of course.<br /><br />Your writing has to do with public perceptions. I'm ever so grateful that we've made at least <i>some</i> progress in combating stigma since the days of General Patton! We have a long way to go. <br /><br />I spoke to a psychiatrist at the Pittsburgh VA a couple of years ago about her caseload. I assumed it would be heavy with recently returned veterans. Her comment was "I haven't been seeing them!" With outreach I hope that situation has improved.<br /><br />Your efforts to promote awareness on this issue is a step in the right direction. Help is available but one must know about it and feel comfortable trying to get connected to it.bellevuebellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13108846815462976796noreply@blogger.com