This month is set aside to remember our nation’s veterans and salute them for the major sacrifices they have made for our freedom. Yet, too many of our veterans find it difficult to adjust to civilian life when they return home from military service.

They need help coping with issues such as substance abuse, alcoholism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), unemployment, homelessness, and crime. The most recent national statistics show that as many as one in ten inmates have served in the military. And, the Department of Veterans Affairs says about 20% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD.

We just received good news here at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) in our efforts to help our military heroes. DTE Energy Foundation announced a $25,000 grant to support our programs for veterans and teen moms. We house veterans at one of our facilities and assist them in getting permanent housing and acquiring marketable job skills. We also provide medical care, addiction treatment, and counseling to help veterans achieve sobriety and recover emotionally from the disturbing sights and sounds of war.

Our veterans need help returning stability to their lives.
They didn’t turn their backs on us when it came to fighting for our rights and wellbeing. Now, we must not turn our backs on them.

It’s the least we can do for our nation’s heroes.