“We stand today, in their debt.” 2018 Veterans Day Message
On Nov. 11, 1918, the U.S. State Department sent a very simple and short five word telegram. It read: “The armistice has been signed.” The signing marked the formal end of hostilities of World War I.
World War I service members surviving the battlefields in Europe did not come home to a robust system of veterans’ health care and benefits. They were hailed as heroes, thanked for their service and expected to reintegrate smoothly and get on with their lives.
We now know that those who have borne the battle may face challenges in returning to civilian life. Sadly, 100 years ago, this was not common knowledge, and the struggles of some returning WWI veterans were largely hidden from view by most of society.
They were not, however, hidden from the view of their fellow veterans.
The Oregon Lottery’s Unique Support for Veterans
Guest Contribution by Oregon Lottery
You know the old word association game? What would be the first thing you think of if you heard the phrase, “lottery funding”?
For most people, “education” would probably spring most naturally to mind. This makes sense, considering that almost every state across the country has a lottery, the vast majority of which fund education programs to varying degrees (including Oregon’s).
But if you dig deeper, you’ll find that lotteries support a number of different important causes.
Former Vietnam Fighter Pilot Continues to Save Lives of Veterans After War
Carys Fritz, Lines for Life
Lt. Colonel Tom Milligan was an Air Force Fighter Pilot in Vietnam. He served our country, flying almost 300 combat missions, and now he serves our Veterans here at home. Tom is the Director of Military Services at Lines for Life, a service dedicated to preventing substance abuse, suicide, and other mental health challenges that Veterans face.
Milligan leads the team of highly trained specialists who answer phone calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on our crisis lines coming from Veterans and Active Duty Military who struggle with different issues. They offer support and intervention from the perspective of fellow Veterans who can empathize with their pain.