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Vets connecting with other vets |
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Friday, 24 July 2009 |
By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — Local war veterans have the opportunity to discuss experiences and memories from their service to the country through a new program.
Auglaize County Council on Aging (ACCA) employee Trena Chiles started a program called Vet 2 Vet to offer an outlet to those who have been through any war.
“It’s basically someone else that can relate to what they have been through,” Chiles said. “I can’t even imagine how some people can go on after some of the things they have been through, some of the stories we hear.”
Chiles said her father and father-in-law are veterans.
“My dad and my husband’s dad were both in World War II,” Chiles said. “My dad talked about it and my husband’s dad never did, but when they got together he would talk about it and I thought maybe other guys would be like that.”
Chiles said she believes it is important for the community to know the organization is offering the program.
“We wanted to get it out to people that we are going to be starting it back up in September,” Chiles said.
The program has gathered veterans together a few times already, allowing them to share their experiences.
“We have only had maybe two or three each time, but it’s different ones, we are just trying to get it out to people so they know what is going on,” Chiles said. “The ones that have (been) think it’s interesting to hear, ‘gosh I was close to there.’ They might have been in the same situation or didn’t realize they were close to each other during the war and that they might even live close to each other.”
The group not only offers someone who has similar experiences, but it is also a source for other information and assistance.
“Doug Howard of the Veterans Administration of Auglaize County will be on hand to ask any questions and determine if veterans are entitled to any available benefits.
In addition to the having veterans converse with each other, Chiles said she has another goal for the program.
‘I want to find someone to sit in with the vets that might want to carry on the stories of the vets,” Chiles said.
She said a book was published of stories from Auglaize County war veterans and Chiles said the participation levels vary for those involved and said that is part of the program.
“There are some that will start telling you all about it and some say I put that behind me and don’t want to remember all of that,” Chiles said.
The program will start back up from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 4 at the ACCA. It is open to all veterans.
“Basically if anyone from any era wants to come they are welcome to,” Chiles said. “Even if they don’t want to say anything they can just come and listen.” |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 September 2009 )
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