by Anthony M. Hassan, EdD
I’m coming home after serving my country in times of war and peace.
I may not be one of the 15% with PTSD or 10% with TBI, but I might be …
I may not be one of the 50,000 wounded or severely wounded, but I might be …
I may not be college educated or civilian-job ready, but I might be …
I may not be ready for my transition home, but I might be …
I am a veteran of the United States military and I am coming home.
I voluntarily joined the military—for patriotism, for family, for education, for citizenship.
Running from something or running to something.
I am a member of your newest diversity group.
I have lived under different customs, traditions and laws.
I have served in an occupation quite different from yours—I have been trained to kill; I have moved every 2-3 years.
I couldn’t quit my job or disobey my superior’s orders.
I went to war and other terrible places so others can live without fear, oppression, hardship.
I am a veteran of the United States military and I am coming home.
My family has served and endured hardships along the way that might be quite different than yours.
Frequent school changes for the children
Regular and lengthy separations from a parent or spouse
Worrying that I might not come home and if I do, I might not be the same person who left
Family members who have limited choice, who despite these hardships, serve selflessly alongside me
I am a veteran of the United States military and I am coming home, perhaps with a family.
I may need a “leg up” but not a “hand out.”
I may need some mentoring on civilian employment and college education.
I may need a culturally competent mental health care provider to help me with my transition.
I may need assistance navigating unfamiliar community resources available to my family and me.
I may need you to take a chance on me.
I am a veteran of the United States military and I am coming home.
I want you to know that I have committed precious years of my life in the service to our country.
I have endured hardship in the face of danger.
I have helped others, who couldn’t help themselves.
I have protected the rights and freedoms for the US and the less fortunate.
And, in the process, nearly 7,000 of my brothers and sisters have died in uniform.
I am a veteran of the United States military and I am coming home. Are you ready? I might be …
Are you ready?
Is your community ready? Is our country ready? We have a moral obligation to ensure that this country’s veterans and their families receive the services promised to them when they enlisted and to completely address any injury, illness, or disparity created as a result of their service to our country.
These remarks were given by CIR Director Anthony Hassan during All School Day. The USC School of Social Work’s annual event began in 1992 after racial tensions sparked the Los Angeles riots as a way to raise awareness about diversity issues affecting society. This year’s event, “Duty of Care,” focused on veteran and military issues.
