The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith[1] is partnering with the Wounded Warrior Project[2] on an event set for Oct. 20 designed to help connect veterans, active-duty members, and families with support services, and community resources.
“Connecting Veterans with the Support They Deserve,” is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Reynolds Room of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center on the UAFS campus.. It will feature a keynote address from U.S. Army veteran Dr. Yolanda Poullard, a panel discussion with advocates and veterans, and resource tables staffed by Wounded Warrior Project, and the UAFS Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits. Closing remarks are scheduled to begin at 6:55 p.m.
Poullard, who served as a company commander in Iraq and Afghanistan and now lives in Louisiana, will share her personal story of military service, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and recovery through the Warrior Care Network.
“PTSD overtook me,” Poullard said in the UAFS press release. “It kept haunting me. It consumed my life — the guilt of not being there. I couldn’t function. All I would do was sleep or sit in a chair.”
After connecting with the Warrior Care Network through Wounded Warrior Project, Poullard said she found the support she needed to heal.
According to the Wounded Warrior Project, there are an estimated 600,000 veterans and active-duty members with PTSD symptoms.
“The challenges associated with repeatedly reliving traumatic experiences can be crippling to anyone,” noted the organization. “For veterans, this can make the transition to civilian life even more daunting.”
Following Poullard’s remarks, UAFS VA certifying official Heather Chance will moderate a panel discussion on the student veteran experience, post-service transition and available resources. Panelists include local veterans and advocates, as well as Fitha Dahana-Ellis, a Warrior Care Network specialist with Wounded Warrior Project.
“Wounded Warrior Project understands that student veterans often face unique challenges connected with their service,” said Dahana-Ellis. “Our goal with this campus visit is to meet veterans where they are – providing them with resources before they need them and ensuring they know support is available throughout their educational journey.”
Information tables will be open before and after the program, offering guidance on education benefits and mental health resources, as well as local and national support services. Link here[3] for more information about UAFS programs for veterans and military members.
Related
References
- ^ University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (uafs.edu)
- ^ Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org)
- ^ Link here (uafs.edu)