The United States has a long and diverse history of military conflicts, which has produced thousands of veterans whose lives have been forever changed. Most veterans face many difficulties when they return home from service, including homelessness, addiction to drugs or alcohol, mental disabilities, and even suicide.
One veteran who served in the Intelligence Division recalls his life after returning from war. He lost his two legs and was unable to cope with the adjustment back into civilian life. He experienced homelessness three times and even attempted suicide. Another veteran recounts how he felt uncomfortable entering stores due to the unfamiliar environment and began drinking heavily in a vain attempt to cope with the immense stress he was under. It was only through taking up Tae Kwon Do that this veteran was able to regain control of his life.
It is important to note that most of these veterans joined the military voluntarily following the end of the military draft in 1973. This means that while they were all proud to serve their country, many feel that they were misled or duped into enlisting, making it even harder for them to cope with their experiences once they returned home. Many veterans are now dealing with lifelong disabilities resulting from the trauma experienced during their service – both physical and psychological – leaving them feeling helpless and unaided by support programs such as those offered by US Department of Veteran Affairs.
Not Forgotten Outreach is a non-profit organization located in Taos, New Mexico dedicated to helping veterans reintegrate back into civilian life upon returning from service. The organization was founded by a veteran and military widow who understands first hand just how difficult it can be for these men and women trying to adjust back into everyday life without any guidance or help. The program offers sanctuary for those suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety, drug/alcohol abuse, as well as providing psychological support with an emphasis on holistic healing methods over medication alone.
This inspiring story of hope is documented in a thought-provoking documentary that brings attention to an often overlooked issue facing our society today: how do we help our veterans cope with life after service? Not Forgotten Outreach strives not only to provide aid but also offer solace for those affected by war – both physically and emotionally – so they can lead more productive lives after sacrificing so much for their country’s safety and security. We encourage everyone who is interested in learning more about this initiative to watch this amazing documentary now!
