Ministry is Patriotic: Support Returning Troops

V.A. Chaplains, Iraq Vet & Gold Star Mother Speak on Supporting Our Troops & their Families

Learn from V.A. chaplains, Iraq Veteran and veteran's families how churches can support returning vets and loved ones of those who have died. No matter what we think of the war, the soldiers and their families deserve our pastoral care and loving support for healing and wholeness.

Tuesday, May 27, 5:30-6:30pm
Congregational Community Church, 1112 Bernardo Ave., Sunnyvale (Directions to Church)

"So far, more than 200,000 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have been treated at VA medical facilities, three times what the VA projected, according to a Government Accountability Office analysis. More than one-third of them have been diagnosed with mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, acute depression and substance abuse. Thousands more have crippling disabilities such as brain or spinal injuries. In each of the last two years, the VA has underestimated the number of veterans who would seek help . . ." (from Veteran's Today, 1/7/2007)

The Council is hosting this educational opportunity for clergy and lay people to hear V.A. chaplains, vets and families of soldiers speak about the needs of our returning soldiers and how churches can support them. The care of our Iraq/Afghanistan veterans will impact our communities in many ways for decades to come. The Bay Area is fortunate to have one of the nation's flagship VA Health Care Systems, but vets will need the continuing support and understanding of everyone. Clergy and congregations can be crucial in helping serve this rapidly growing population of wounded veterans. Speakers will include VA Chaplain Rev. Sally Brown, who will share current information about returning veterans, suggest practical responses, and provide referral resources; Patricia Matthews, Iraq veteran and spokeswoman for the VA Health Care System; and Rev. Susan Turley, a VA Chaplain and a Gold Star Mom. Rev. Turley's only child, PFC Keith Jesse Moore, died in 2006 while serving the Army in Iraq. Rev. Turley will share her experience in hopes that faith communities will become aware of the particular needs of Gold Star Families.

Tuesday, May 27, 5:30-6:30pm, speakers with Q&A, beverages provided, at the Congregational Community Church, 1112 Bernardo Ave. in Sunnyvale. Click here for directions.

RSVPs to council@councilofchurches-scc.org or 408-297-2660 are helpful but not necessary.