Page 24 - November2018

Let’s remember the true meaning of Veterans Day
Nov. 11 is Veterans Day and for many Ameri- cans, it’s a paid holiday or day off from work
or school. However, I ask that you take a few minutes to observe the true meaning of
As our Chicago police superintendent writes in his mass emails, stop by the peer support group and start the heal- ing process. If that’s not the place for you, call the FOP and ask President Graham and his team to direct you to the help you need. Additionally, you may contact me y and I’ll also steer you in the right direction. We must pay attention and care for each other because at the end of the day, we are all fraternal brothers, sisters and
the police.
Recently, I visited the Road Home Program and learned about
its wide range of services. For example, there’s counseling for individuals, couples and families, including children. There, fo- cus is on the invisible wounds of war and life. The Road Home Program is in an office building and not a hospital or clinical setting, even though it’s part of the Center for Veterans and Their Families at Rush. Veterans are seen without regard to their discharge status or ability to pay. If you want to know more, visit www.roadhomeprogram.org or call 312-942-8387.
There are plans to expand the program to assist first respond- ers — I’ll keep you updated. Until then, be careful out there and watch out for each other.
If you have a question or comment, email me at LTC_Cruz@ wowway.com.
the day and remember those who fought valiantly for our country’s pride, honor and freedom.
Let’s salute all of our nation’s veterans and thank them for their service. In fact, I suggest that we thank a veteran every time we have the op-
portunity. Former President Barack Obama summed it up for me when he said, “It’s about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year. It’s about making sure they have the care they need and the benefits that they’ve earned when they come home. It’s about serving all of you as well as you’ve served the United States of America.” To my fellow veterans, I salute and thank you for your service to our country.
Sadly, we’ve had another Chicago Police Officer commit sui- cide. It’s clear that we’re in a crisis and must respond like we’re racing to a 10-1. We need to be aware and act when we recog- nize a person who is in pain and needs help. I’m pleading for all officers to talk to each other as fraternal brothers and sisters. If you’re feeling depressed, please seek help immediately — don’t wait.
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JERRY CRUZ
24 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2018