http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/ WBV Blog en Copyright 2009 2009-10-15T19:50:46+00:00 http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/matthew-mcconaughey-psa-issues-a-call-to-action/ http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/matthew-mcconaughey-psa-issues-a-call-to-action/ Matthew McConaughey shows his support for returning veterans in Welcome Back Veterans' latest Public Service Announcement. McConaughey stresses the far-reaching impact of small gestures of kindness toward veterans and their families and calls on us to "Honor their service, with ours". 2009-10-15T18:50:46+00:00 http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/how-do-you-participate/ http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/how-do-you-participate/ Welcome Back Veterans is proud to announce a historic partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation and its landmark iParticipate initiative. Learn more about iParticipate here: http://iparticipateusa.org 2009-09-11T14:35:49+00:00 http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/we-asked-and-you-answered/ http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/we-asked-and-you-answered/ When we launched this website, we asked veterans to share their stories about coming back to civilian life after serving abroad. The response was eye-opening -- often heartbreaking, always inspiring, a stunning reminder of the pressing need to support our brave veterans returning home. In the coming weeks, we will post their comments on this blog. Come back often to read their stories. Feature 2009-07-28T14:20:30+00:00 http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/welcome-back-veterans-featured-in-politico-article/ http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/welcome-back-veterans-featured-in-politico-article/ In his article discussing the state of United States servicemen and women, Michael O'Hanlon praised Welcome Back Veterans for the work that we are doing with troops returning from combat. "Returning to mental health issues, one worthy new initiative is now being promoted by an organization known as Welcome Back Veterans," O'Hanlon wrote. General 2009-07-15T14:41:56+00:00 http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/an-interview-with-megan-lewis/ http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/an-interview-with-megan-lewis/ Megan Lewis decided to join the National Guard in order to pay for her college education. Influenced by her parents, who both served in the Air Force, Megan was placed in the the signal corps communications unit. Megan's unit was deployed to the Anbar province of Iraq for twelve months.Transitioning back to the United States was "one of the hardest things" that Megan ever had to do. "Especially going from a soldier to a student. It is such a different mind set," Megan said. "Nothing can capture the absolute feeling of aloneness on campus." 2009-07-08T13:24:20+00:00 http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/welcome-to-the-newly-designed-welcomebackveterans.org/ http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/welcome-to-the-newly-designed-welcomebackveterans.org/ It's a thrill to be able to launch our new site just before the 4th of July weekend -- a time when millions of people, all across the country, will be thinking about and celebrating our brave veterans. General 2009-06-30T13:03:50+00:00 http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/an-interview-with-derek-blumke/ http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/an-interview-with-derek-blumke/ Derek Blumke joined the Air Force along with friends from high school and served as an aircraft technician. His experience in Afghanistan, where he was deployed three times, was limited largely to the base because he was part of the only unit that could repair planes. After his tours were up, Derek returned to the United States and enrolled in a community college. "During active duty I was basically doing the most important thing I am ever do in my life. I return home am going to community college sitting in a classroom with eighteen and nineteen-year-olds, and basically feeling worthless. I'm living in my parents basement - the typical [veteran assimilation] story." General 2009-06-30T12:45:57+00:00 http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/invisible-wounds-of-war/ http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/invisible-wounds-of-war/ Welcome Back Veterans was founded to help our veterans cope with the “invisible wounds of war”—especially mental health challenges that may prevent effective re-entry into families and society. This is a national issue with profound ramifications, but one that most of us don’t recognize or understand. In April of 2008, the RAND Corporation released a study that shows our veterans need us now more than ever. 2009-03-20T14:32:42+00:00 http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/univ-of-michigan-depression-center-receives-wbv-award-for-returning-veteran/ http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/univ-of-michigan-depression-center-receives-wbv-award-for-returning-veteran/ The McCormick Foundation in Chicago has awarded a grant to the University of Michigan Depression Center and Department of Psychiatry to help address the “invisible brain injuries” among returning Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans and their families. These include sleep, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and associated problems. 2009-03-13T14:27:00+00:00 http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/stepping-up-to-the-plate/ http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/stepping-up-to-the-plate/ Major League Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig shares some of the many reasons MLB Baseball is a proud supporter of Welcome Back Veterans. "Major League Baseball is a social institution with important social responsibilities. We understand and appreciate our unique position and make every effort to lend a helping hand to those who are in need and to recognize and champion those who make our communities better places to live." Feature, News 2009-02-03T19:00:26+00:00 http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/mlb-honors-veterans/ http://www.welcomebackveterans.org/blog/entry/mlb-honors-veterans/ To honor our nation’s 232nd anniversary of its birth, a select group of veterans tossed honorary first pitches at ballparks hosting games for the Fourth of July holiday. The gesture is part of Major League Baseball’s “Welcome Back Veterans” initiative taking place at big league games across the U.S. this weekend. Feature, News 2008-07-05T13:44:54+00:00