A Focus on the New Veteran at Stratford Ceremony

Veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are struggling mightily to readapt to life once they return home from combat.

Some startling figures were shared Monday at the town’s annual Veterans Day ceremony at the monument park on Academy Hill.

Citing an article he recently read, VFW Post 9460 District Commander Richard Kennedy said that there would be 100,000 veterans sleeping outside tonight.

“These are kids coming back from Iraq, Afghanistan,” Kennedy said. “It’s just something that’s horrendous whether you’re in a war or not.”

Post Commander Bob Johnson said that last year more military members died from suicide than combat. The present rate, he said, is 14 suicides a day.

Johnson also cited research that said more than 300,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, a mental disorder that has been found to increase the risk of suicide.

“We have an obligation now more than ever to support our veterans,” Johnson said.

Brian Turco is a veteran of the Navy who’s been coming to the town’s annual Veterans Day ceremony since he got out of the service in 1993. Before any figures were shared Monday, he expressed worry over the modern vet.

“I don’t think these kids are prepared” once they get out, Turco said.

In addition to its services for aging members, Johnson said VFW Post 9460 has developed a support group for veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan that helps them “enter back into civilian life.”

The organization, located at 100 Veterans Boulevard, Stratford, also is working with the state Department of Labor to offer job opportunities to these veterans, he said.

“We’re doing everything we can,” Johnson said.