Annual event wants to connect vets with needed services

Group of new vets from recent wars are now struggling

A theme is emerging from the Homeless Veterans Stand Down in La Crosse this year. 

The annual event seeks to connect veterans with needed services – everything from haircuts to employment services, but especially ways to deal with mental health issues.  

It’s incredibly important to Bill Patterson, an army vet from the early 1960s. 

“The government has finally woke up, I think, to the needs of the vets that are out there,” Patterson said.  “Now, if they just wake up to the fact of the mental problems, we’ll be all in better shape.” 

Organizers of the Stand Down tell us a whole new group of veterans from current wars are struggling with PTSD and similar issues, leading to alcohol and drug abuse problems, as well as poverty and homelessness.  

“We can’t continue to sweep this under the rug,” said Chris Hanson, president and CEO of Veterans Assistance Foundation, who feels the issue needs to continue to get attention.