Page 10 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, May 10, 2019

10 May 10, 2019 www.aerotechnews.com/nellisafb
vETS, from Page 5
primary objectives. The first is to
train with law enforcement and Crisis Intervention teams on how to deal with veterans. The second goal is establishing and working with Veteran Treatment Courts and preparing veterans who may be going through the veterans justice system for the first time. Finally, VJO identifies and works with incarcerated veterans to en- sure that they are receiving health- care and support, whether in local county jails or state prisons.
“I think there is a strong push in communities throughout the country to get veterans the servic- es that they need,” said Matthew Stimmel, Clinical Psychologist and Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist at the Palo Alto VA. “They realize that some of the problems that led them to contact with the justice system are treat- able problems, and often the result of their service, and not necessar- ily because they are bad people.”
The VJO and HCRV fall within the VA’s Homeless Veterans pro- gram. Often times, justice-involved veterans are susceptible to home- lessness. “Having any kind of
criminal justice history, whether it’s a single arrest or a long-term incarceration in prison, is a huge risk factor for becoming homeless,” said Blue-Howells. “Whether its access to housing or to maintain housing, it’s difficult to achieve either if in your credit record, you have a criminal history.”
Justice-involved veterans are also a concern for the VA’s top clinical priority: preventing Vet- eran suicide.
“What we’re finding with some new data and new partnerships is that our veterans have a particu- larly high risk of attempting and completing suicide,” said Blue- Howells. “That is why we try to incorporate mental health and veterans peer support.”
Besides clinical and adminis- trative staff representing the VA at this year’s conference, several Veterans spoke who have been on the other side of the bars. Peer Support Specialist Ray- mond Perez had a history of legal troubles following his service as an infantryman in the Army. “After I got out, I struggled with a number of issues that I was in denial about, and I chose to self- medicate. I dealt with addiction,
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homelessness, and ultimately incarceration,” said Perez.
After his release from incar- ceration, Perez turned to VA compensated work therapy, and strived to not only improve his own life, but help other Veterans turn their lives around. “What I do is go to different prisons throughout the state of Arizona and I inspire Veterans with hope,” said Perez. “I let them know ‘I’ve been there. I’ve been incarcerated. If I can get out of it, you can too.’ Each and every one of us have to decide for ourselves when they are ready to make a change. My job is to walk alongside them and remind them that there is hope.”
And it’s helping Veterans upon re-entry where the programs align at the conference. “Rein- tegration can be difficult, but that’s one of the focuses that we have: trying to get our Veterans stably-housed, get them linked to treatment, and meet their em- ployment needs. We’re lucky at the VA to have all of those needs met within one organization, said Stimmel. ”It’s an uphill battle, for sure, and we’re doing the best we can to meet the needs of our Veterans.
Desert lightning news s. nevaDa
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wArriOr, from Page 6
and win in the arena of information warfare,” said Capt. Nick
Andrews, CIWT’s commanding officer. “I’m extremely proud of how their hard work and professionalism prepare our sailors so they are ready for the Navy the nation needs.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Katona is most proud of earning three enlisted warfare pins and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
“The first medal was the most important to me because a commanding officer from a different command than my own presented it to me,” said Katona. “It’s nice to be recognized even outside my group of leaders.”
Katona is bringing a new tradition of service to her family.
“I’m the first in my recent family to serve in the military,” said Katona. “I liked the uniforms and there is more opportunity to go places.”
IWTC Virginia Beach sailors and staff are serving as a key part of the information warfare community in its mission to gain a deep understanding of the inner working of adversaries and developing unmatched knowledge during wartime.
They have a responsibility in creating warfighting options for fleet commanders and advising decision-makers at all levels as they serve worldwide aboard ships, submarines and aircraft and from the National Security Agency to the Pentagon.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Katona and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I get to meet all types of people and be a role model to my brother and sister. Now that I’m advancing, I can mentor junior sailors and help them with their own careers,” added Katona.
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