Peer Support Meeting

The military and veteran lifestyle offers unique challenges for the entire family. Due to frequent moves, social isolation, and managing stress and anxiety, mental health issues are higher among the children of our military and veterans. VSN Marketing & Outreach Manager, Ashley Craig, will offer a basic overview of common mental health challenges for youth, review typical adolescent development, and teach a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

This event is intended to be a peer support complement to the EmpowerEd seminar, with Dr. Tatiana Londoño. You do not have to attend Dr. Londoño talk on her work and research on the impacts of Trauma on the Brain, Mind, and Body. But it is recommended. Peer support means organic conversations, a safe place, shared experiences, a network, and active listening. There is both healing and empowerment in sharing. Or maybe you feel more comfortable listening. Let’s talk about what we learned. Let’s share our own experiences and learn from each other too.

There is a lot of focus on the psychological impacts of trauma on the mind, however, trauma can also deeply impact the body. Individuals who are healing from trauma may not realize that their physical health conditions may be related to the traumatic event. They may exhibit physical changes, headaches, sleep apnea, behavioral changes, or suffer from chronic pain.

The world of technology is changing fast, especially as more companies and employees are utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI). Have you ever wondered if your resume may be hitting a wall and not actually being viewed by prospective employers? Are you worried that your job may be replaced by AI in the future? Do you want to learn how you can utilize AI in your job search and benefit from AI while on the job? Log in and learn from VSN peer leader, Sharon Baker, as she discusses the exciting, fast-paced, world of AI. Come ready with questions and prepare to share your experiences too.

Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a maze, trying to find a path through the stresses of the military and veteran lifestyle? Military & veteran families know a lot about change: moves, new jobs, new schools, another new doctor, transitioning out of the military, and other major life events. Change Happens! But it does not always mean change is easy or graceful. Let's come together to learn tips and new tools to manage change while supporting each other.

The intent of the Travel Benefits group is to offer the opportunity to learn, share, and celebrate some of the exciting and positive travel benefits and adventures throughout military and veteran life. The travel benefits group gets really fun when you come ready with questions and insights on personal travel experiences utilizing military travel benefits.
March 26, 2024 at 12 pm CT, we will be covering the best beaches on military installations or military resorts.
Please register for each event within the series separately.

We know that many within our community are fierce advocates for their veteran loved ones, but it can be difficult to support someone who does not want or is reluctant to receive help. For many, you may not know how to approach this conversation, or you may have tried (many times), and it's just not working.

Less than 1% of the US population is currently serving on active duty in the military and veterans only represent 6% of the overall population. The culture of the military is incredibly unique (just like any culture), and it can be difficult to understand when you aren't a part of it yourself.
What are all those acronyms? Why are people always joking about the Air Force or calling Marines crayon eaters? Why does my husband take it so personally when my kids don't do their chores?

Living with and loving a veteran with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can present unique challenges that others in our lives may not understand. A TBI is a severe injury that can leave our loved one with physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, that we may find impacting our relationship. This event is led by VSN peer leader and caregiver, Janie Smith.

Join us for the third installment of the EmpowerEd trauma and relationships series to learn about Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and how a TBI can impact your relationship with your service member or veteran.