Ten years, four months and 14 days.
I am an honorably discharged wartime veteran with a service-connected disability, and that’s how long it took me to complete my first medical appointment at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs after separating from the military.
That wasn’t the VA’s fault, though. It was mine.
When the recession hit in 2009, I was spending thousands in medical bills for treatment of my disability. I was an unemployed student struggling to pay rent. A combination of pride, lack of information, and the “suck it up” attitude I learned in the military delayed my decision to seek help.
The problem wasn’t that there was no place to turn, it was that there was everywhere to turn. There are more than 40,000 non-profits nationwide that offer resources for veterans. It’s a good problem to have, but when you’re feeling lost and desperate, it’s hard to know where to start.
Now I’m part of a great team of veterans and social caseworkers at Denver Human Services who work with community partners every day to solve that problem for our brothers and sisters who’ve served.
Four years ago, I joined the Veterans Services program to make a difference for those veterans who need help even if they won’t ask for it. The program sees roughly 2,000 veterans each year, but there are so many more out there that are vulnerable, at-risk, or worse.
Our team of social caseworkers see the folks who find their way to us, not because they’re looking for help, but because a family member or loved one is seeking help for them. That’s who we want to read this. Not just those who’ve worn the uniform, but those who’ve supported them through the long tours and late phone calls only to see them come home and start fighting another battle. We want them to know they’re not alone and we can help. Whether it’s navigating the thousands of community resources, providing employment counseling to find permanent, sustainable jobs at livable wages, or just help filing for VA benefits. Our mission is to put those veterans who need assistance on the path to self-sufficiency.
On Veterans Day we come together in recognition of, and respect for, those who have served. But eventually the attention will fade and the problems facing Denver’s most vulnerable veterans will remain.
So as we celebrate and honor those who’ve served, don’t just thank a vet. Ask your brother or sister, friend of a friend, parent or child who has served, how they are doing. If they’re like I was, they may not have much to say — but you should listen anyway. If there is any concern, bring them to Denver Veterans Services. We’re on the first floor of the Denver Human Services building at 1200 Federal Blvd. Or you can call us at 720-944-3500. Let these veterans know we’ve got their backs and we’ll make sure they don’t put off that first VA appointment for 10 years.
Dana Niemela served in the U.S. Navy as a logistics officer from 1997 to 2005. She is manager of Veterans Services for the Denver Department of Human Services.
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