Operation Research: From the Frontlines to Homecoming

By Sathya Achia Abraham

Since 2001, nearly 2 million troops have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. They’ve endured lengthy deployments and multiple tours of duty, been exposed to devastating scenes of war, experienced critical combat injuries, lost comrades and been separated from loved ones for long periods of time.

Across the campuses of Virginia Commonwealth University, research teams are working to improve the lives of many soldiers, veterans and their families with efforts such as the creation of a comprehensive traumatic brain injury program, the development of a hemostatic bandage to stop massive bleeding of soldiers on the front lines, the study of the biology of post-traumatic stress disorder and an effort to strengthen veterans’ relationships with their spouses.

Through a multifaceted research enterprise, researchers from VCU’s Monroe Park and MCV campuses, together with those at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, are developing life-saving technologies for soldiers in combat, examining the mental health needs unique to those who have served, exploring the issues related to reentry and the transition from active duty to civilian life, and creating programs to support service families.

Further, VCU honors and salutes its student and faculty veterans through Military Services Appreciation Week with a schedule of activities planned – including participation in the National Honor Roll reading slated for Nov. 11. To help student veterans settle back into life as a student, VCU has developed and promoted a Green Zone program, which identifies faculty and staff volunteers throughout the university who have received special training and are knowledgeable about issues facing military students and the resources available to help them.