America’s war in Afghanistan is over. There are no more American boots on the ground. Not only was this America’s longest war, but it was also a tremendous test of military morale. Brave military, as always, made the ultimate sacrifice. The visible and often deep invisible wounds of war impact the veterans but also impact their families forever.
The military community is at times torn – was this all done in vain? Was the tremendous loss of life and sacrifice worth it in the end? On the other end of the spectrum, some military have no regrets and do not look back at the war in Afghanistan regretfully.
If military morale is damaged, what does the future of recruitment look like? How will the landscape of military recruitment change? A new generation of military service members is essential to reinvigorate morale and the future direction of U.S. interventions to come. Because more interventions will indeed come. Those brave service members not only require but also deserve resources that adequately support their mental and emotional health. It is inevitable that there will be a drastic influx in the demand for mental health services that we have never experienced before with U.S. veterans.
We are living in unprecedented times. Not only are we facing challenges with ending America’s longest war, but the COVID-19 pandemic is also still a devastating reality. The pandemic is placing another layer of stress on veterans who are unsure how to seek the help they so desperately need. That’s where the Road Home Program can fit into the solution.
Stephanie Caron
Clinic Coordinator at the Road Home Program
The Road Home Program provides mental health care and wellness to veterans of all eras, service members, and their families at no cost and regardless of discharge status. If you or a loved one needs help, call us at (312) 942-8387 (VETS) or fill out the Get Care form.
