THE ENDLESS JOURNEY HOME

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Resources

At 19 years old, Specialist Joe Collins deployed to Iraq. After 366 days in-country, he returned home and got a job as a dual status federal employee. Shortly thereafter, he began to notice something was wrong. Afraid of losing all he had fought for, he embarked on a endless journey to discover what was happening to him. Many of the resources listed in this website are lifelines to Joe and his family as the journey home continues.

This powerful CSNBC interview with Joe in 2014 captures the core of his story. https://www.msnbc.com/ronan-farrow-daily/watch/breaking-free-of-ptsd-356575299533

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Unfiltered: An Iraq Veteran and Family Coming Home Story

Taking an unfiltered look beyond fanfares and parades, it tells the behind-the-scenes account that happens to millions of veterans and their families after war, speaking out toward a code of silence with hopes of bringing perspective and awareness as a catalyst for change. This is not just a story about Suman’s veteran son and family. It’s a story of millions of veterans.

“I am confident that Unfiltered will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many years to come, and I hope that it will help others to better understand the sacrifices made by our service members and their families.”

Senator Mullin

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I find financial resources to help pay my bills?

We are an all volunteer organization that attempts to connect veterans and families to resources as well as to educate about the wounds of war. Dial 2-1-1 and visit the National Resource Directory, both connect Veterans with resources in their community. Visit the How to get Help webpage for more resources.

Are you a Veteran or concerned about one?

If you’re a family member or friend of a Veteran in need, encourage the Veteran to connect with the local Vet Center to register for VA Benefits. Go with them. If it’s an emergency, call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 for immediate help. Also, Coaching Into Care is an available resource that can provide coaching guidance and support for family members and friends of Veterans, dial 1-888-823-7458.

Where do I begin to file for Veteran Benefits?

There are 3 branches of Veteran benefits. They are Health Benefits, Burial, and Memorial. You can access more information and find out how to apply for each at va.gov.

You will always need the veterans record of service (called a DD-214). If you do not have it, you may request it at archives.gov under Veteran’s Service Records. This will be essential in filing for any of the VA Benefits earned.

What is a DD-214 and why it is essential?

A DD-214 is a Report of Separation is generally issued when a service member performs active duty or at least 90 consecutive days of active duty training. The Report of Separation contains information normally needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment and membership in veterans’ organizations. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO OBTAIN BENEFITS. If you need a copy, you can request one at https://www.archives.gov/veterans.

How do I get help? I'm homeless and stranded.

If you’re in crisis, dial 9-1-1. Find assistance and call the Homeless Veterans 24/7 Hotline at 1-877-424-3838 which submits referrals on the Veteran’s behalf and provides a coordinator to assist with local resources and needs, with a 1-day response time. See other resources for homeless veterans at https://veteransfamiliesunited.org/homeless-veterans/

What are helpful veteran resource numbers?

  • Coaching Into Care – 1-888-823-7458 (M-F 8-8pm EST)
  • Crisis (Veterans) Hotline – 9-8-8 and press “1”
  • Gambling Hotline – 1-800-522-4700
  • GI Rights Hotline – 1-877-447-4487
  • Homeless Veterans Hotline – 1-877-424-3838
  • In Transition – 1-800-424-7877 (personal coach to help between care providers)
  • Reachout Hotline – 1-800-522-9054
  • Tobacco Hotline – 1-800-784-8669
  • Military One Source – 1-800-342-9647
  • VA Assistance to sign up for Medical Benefits – 1-877-222-8387 (M-F 8a-8p EST)
  • VA Caregivers Support Line – 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8a-11p; Sat 10:30a-6p EST)
  • VA Loan Center Counseling (avoid home foreclosures) 1-877-827-3702
  • Vets 4 Warriors (Peer Counseling) – 1-855-838-8255
  • White House VA Hotline – 1-855-948-2311. Calls are answered by a live agent 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

What support is given the caregiver?

Coaching Into Care provides support and guidance for caregivers, dial 1-888-823-7458 to speak with a representative. Coaching Into Care does not require you to be VA-qualified. Another resource is VA Caregiver Support, and they can be reached by calling 1-855-260-3274. VA Caregiver Support provides resources for VA-qualified individuals and guidance for those who are not VA-qualified. See other resources for caregivers at https://veteransfamiliesunited.org/caregiver-resources/

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