Veteran Services

 

Press release

 

Unruh Chiropractic & Wellness Center Dr. John Unruh, D.C.
Dr. Ryan Hasenclever, D.C.
Contact: Miranda Bertrand
Tel: (479) 621-9006
Email: Miranda@yourwellnesspractice.com		 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2011

FREE CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR VETERANS RETURNING FROM IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN
Providing More for Returning Heroes

Doctors of chiropractic from around the United States have answered the call to participate in a new initiative aimed at supporting America’s newest returning veterans with immediate access to chiropractic services, in addition to the limited programs officially available through the US Department of Defense. Out of a desire to serve and to fill in a vitally important health care gap, ICA (International Chiropractic Association) doctors around the nation have extended an offer of care for one full year for any US military veteran returning from overseas deployment in Afghanistan and Iraq, at no charge.

The concept was developed by ICA’s Southern Regional Director Dr. R.J. Kelly, who had initiated such a program in his own personal practice, with very positive results among veterans. “Right now there are literally thousands in our country that are offering an even greater gift... their lives. Our military, our returning veterans, whether visibly wounded or free of outward symptoms, are coming home changed, and need our help as chiropractors,” said Dr. Kelly.

Locally, Dr. John Unruh and Dr. Ryan Hasenclever of Unruh Chiropractic & Wellness Center have “enlisted” to serve the US military personnel returning to the area. “These men and women have helped preserve our freedom; it’s my turn to help preserve their health. It’s a privilege to give to those who have given so much,” said Dr. Unruh. ICA believes that through the power of a chiropractic adjustment, chiropractic offers a unique asset, as returning veterans strive to recover and restore their lives physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. “Words cannot express our gratitude for what our military provides for each and every one of us. I feel this program is the best way I can give back to our veterans for their service to our country,” said Dr. Hasenclever. All veterans have been subjected to exceptional strain, with a new pattern of injury and trauma. Regrettably, the care those returning veterans have been receiving through official channels has not always been adequate. Whatever the situation for returning veterans, they need help and support from the community, including the chiropractic community.

Unruh Chiropractic & Wellness Center has been striving to improve the quality of life for members of our community for more than two decades. Dr. Unruh and Dr. Hasenclever will now assist in meeting the health needs of our returning heroes. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact Unruh Chiropractic & Wellness Center at (479) 621-9006 or visit www.yourwellnesspractice.com.







International Chiropractors Association

Returning Veterans Volunteer Service




Goals

The goal of this program is the restoration of normal health, ability to function, and self-sufficiency in all aspects of life to veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan. Success will be an individual measure based on each person’s needs, speed and patterns of recovery and the doctors recommended care plan.

Eligibility Requirements & Service Specifications

  • Care is open to all returning veterans, regardless of branch of service.
  • Must have served between in Iraq or Afghanistan anytime between October 2001 and present date.
  • Must provide a copy of one of the following for service verification:
    • a service certificate,
    • orders (indicating destination) or
    • discharge orders (indicating where time was served)
  • One year of care from the date of the first scheduled visit, all free of charge.
  • Supplies (supplements, pillows, etc.) are not a part of free services.






What I need to do

Schedule an appointment with Unruh Chiropractic & Wellness Center at (479) 621-9006.







Other Resources for Veterans

Military One Source

http://www.militaryonesource.com
(800) 342-9647
 

American Legion

http://www.legion.org
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
(317) 630-1200
(202) 861-2786 fax
jsommer@legion.org
 

AMVETS

amvets@amvets.org
James B. King
National Executive Director
4647 Forbes Boulevard
Lanham, MD 20706-4380
(301) 459-9600
(301) 459-7924 fax
 

Disabled American Veterans

http://www.dav.org
National Headquarters
3725 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076
877-I Am A Vet (877-426-2838)
(859) 441-7300
 

Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust

3725 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076
(859 441-7300
 

Disabled American Veterans National Service Foundation

3725 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076
(859) 441-7300
 

Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary

3725 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076
(859) 441-7300
 

Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America

http://www.mca-usa.org
Chaplain Gary R. Pollitt
Executive Director
P.O. Box 7056
Arlington, VA 22207-7056
(703) 533-5890
(703) 533-5890 fax
chaplains@mca-usa.org
 

Veterans of Foreign Wars

http://www.vfw.org
National Headquarters
406 West 34th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
(816) 756-3390
FAX (816) 968-1149
info@vfw.org

Washington D.C. Office
VFW Memorial Building
200 Maryland Avenue N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 543-2239
FAX (202) 543-6719
cwells@vfw.org
National Service Officers Helpline: 1-800-vfw-1899
General information: 816-756-3390
 

Wounded Warriors Project

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
7020 A.C. Skinner Pkwy Suite 100
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Tel. 877-832-6997
info@woundedwarriorproject.org







Resources for PTSD Support

American Psychiatric Association (APA)

Phone: (703) 907- 7300
http://www.healthyminds.org
 

American Psychological Association (APA)

Phone: (800) 374-2721
http://www.apa.org
 

Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA)

Phone: (240) 485-1001
http://www.adaa.org
 

Freedom from Fear (FFF)

Phone: (718) 351-1717
http://www.freedomfromfear.org
 

Gift from Within (GFW)

Phone: (207) 236-8858
http://www.giftfromwithin.org
 

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)

Phone: (847) 480- 9028
http://www.istss.org
 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Phone: (800) 950-NAMI (6264)
http://www.nami.org
 

National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (NCPTSD)

Phone: (802) 296-5132
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov
 

National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC)

Phone: (202) 467-8700
http://www.ncvc.org
 

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Phone: (866) 615-6464
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
 

Screening for Mental Health (For Military)

Phone: (781) 239-0071
http://www.militarymentalhealth.org
 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Phone: (800)-789-2647
http://www.samhsa.gov/vets
 

The Sidran Traumatic Stress Institute

Phone: (410) 825-8888
http://www.sidran.org
 

Suicide Hotline

Phone: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
 

Witness Justice

Phone: (800) 495-4957
http://www.witnessjustice.org







How to Get Back to "Normal"

Whether you’re a reservist or full-time military person, your return from war means the embrace of family and friends, and resuming everyday life. Even before the rejoicing over your safe return subsides, you’ll be trying to find your way back to what’s normal again.

Here are some tips to help you through this time of transition:

  1. Realize the reunion is more than just coming home. It’s a major event for the people in your life -- maybe even bigger than the separation. In fact, research shows that reunion can cause more stress in people’s lives than deployment. That’s not to say that returning service members and their family and friends aren’t happy about the homecoming. They’re usually ecstatic. The stress comes from the changes that have taken place and concern for what life will now be like.
  2. Spend time with family and friends. For months, the people who are closest to you have been living with the fear of losing you. Make a special effort to spend time with them or, if they are far away, call often to support and reassure them.
  3. View stress as normal. Returning to your everyday life is a major change, and change always creates stress. If accepted and handled constructively, stress can be turned into a source of excitement and enthusiasm about new beginnings with family and friends.
  4. Go slowly. Take time to ease back into your routine. Make a list of those things that must be done -- such as banking, making living arrangements, contacting friends and relatives -- and take them one by one. Trying to do too much too soon will only add to your stress level. Consider putting off major decisions until you’ve had plenty of time to readjust.
  5. Communicate with others. Talking with others about your experiences and what you’re feeling can help relieve stress. It’s not a sign of weakness. Talk with a trusted relative, friend, faith leader or family services staffer. Military chaplains can be helpful, as most receive training in pastoral counseling and crisis.
  6. Take care of your physical health. Get plenty of rest and exercise, eat properly, and avoid drugs and excessive drinking.
  7. Do things you find relaxing. Go fishing, attend a concert, or take a long soak in the tub. Be kind to yourself.
  8. Watch what you spend. Now that you’re back, the urge to spend will be strong. Don’t spend more than you can afford.
  9. Start the rebuilding process together. Do it as a family. Make the decision that this time will serve to make you and your family even stronger. Get involved in positive activities that encourage togetherness and reassurance.
  10. Expect something of a letdown. Most, if not all, service members experience it. It simply means that you’re no longer running on pure adrenalin and that things are beginning to settle down. Or, it may mean that the homecoming hasn’t solved all the problems that existed before the mobilization. Possibly, your reunion didn’t go the way you thought it would. Whatever the reason, it’s perfectly normal to feel this way. However, if this feeling doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of something more serious. Read about this in the Mental Health America Fact Sheet, “When the Letdown Doesn’t Let Up.”

If you feel overwhelmed by your homecoming, seek help. It's not a sign of weakness. Nearly every military installation has a family service center, family support center or Army community service center where you can access information, referral, counseling, and crisis intervention services. In addition, all military families, including National Guard members and Reservists who are activated for more than 30 days, are eligible for medical and mental health care either at a military medical treatment facility or at a civilian facility through TRICARE, the administrator of health services for the armed services. TRICARE provides information about mental health benefits programs for the military on their Web site, www.tricare.osd.mil.

Or contact them at 888-363-2273. Also, Military OneSource provides 24-hour access to information and help. Contact them at 800-342-9647 or http://www.militaryonesource.com.