The Long Way Home

Sometimes, the toughest battle for soldiers doesn’t take place on the frontlines but after they come home.

Approximately 30 percent of returning soldiers are affected by mild brain trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder, which can make it difficult for them to re-integrate into society. These soldiers may experience issues ranging from unemployment to depression and suicidal thoughts.

Two researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University who specialize in counseling and community integration are developing a training module for veterans to enhance resilience, a skill that research suggests can be learned.

Amy Armstrong, Ph.D. chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, and Carolyn Hawley, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, have completed the initial step in their pilot study, which is funded by the VCU Presidential Research Incentive Program. They conducted a brief online survey that explored responses of veterans to life events and their experience upon return from service.

“We were interested in the area of resilience. Specifically, how individuals bounce back from traumatic life experiences,” said Armstrong. “We received responses to our survey from across the country, including Florida, Michigan, Georgia and California. There’s been a lot of interest from veterans.”

One such veteran is VCU staff member Brooks Taylor. After serving two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Brooks graduated from Marshall University in Hungtington, W. Va., and started working for VCU’s Military Student Services. Taylor participated in the survey and has also helped reach out to other veterans on campus.

“Anytime a group is working to help soldiers transition from a combat zone to their home life, I am all for it,” Taylor said. “To see VCU at the front of this research also shows the commitment the school has made to serve its ever growing veteran population.”

According to Armstrong and Hawley, training is in place for active duty soldiers, but there’s not a lot out there for veterans.

“Support is needed for these veterans,” said Armstrong. “And many veterans are not aware of what supports are available to them. Veterans have a lot to contribute to their communities, and we think this effort may help them better realize their inclusion and contribution.”

Armstrong and Hawley, who have been working together for six years on various research projects, say the next step is to conduct focus groups and to start developing the training.

The ultimate goal of the study is to have a veteran-driven training program that provides a community support network and teaches veterans resources for helping them re-integrate into nonmilitary life.

“We want veterans to participate as focus group moderators, and later as trainers,” said Hawley. “The training should be driven by the veterans and their needs. The hope is to eventually engage in a much larger project that includes the training session follow up. The aim is for it to become a national program.”