Springfield, IL. - Nearly 20,000 Soldiers and Airmen with the Illinois National Guard have deployed since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Many programs are offered to Soldiers and Airmen when they come home and transition from service member to citizen. The Illinois National Guard’s goal is to ensure every returning Soldier and Airman receives the training and care they need for successful reintegration.
“While 90 percent of Soldiers are fine, there are about 10 percent who legitimately need help,” said 2nd Lt. Justin Anweiler of Lincoln, Reintegration Coordinator.
There are many tools offered to the veterans when they come home, but one service that many do not know about is the psychological health program. The program includes access to military chaplains and one-on-one counseling with trained professionals. This is available to servicemembers and their spouse.
“What makes this program unique is the added level of confidentially,” said Jill McAfee of Athens, Director of Psychological Health for the Illinois National Guard. “Servicemembers and commanders can call me for questions, support and referrals without fear of their unit finding out.”
McAfee has developed and assisted with behavioral health programs for Illinois National Guard members. She conducts training to educate the Soldiers and Airmen and their families. One of her biggest jobs is making sure the servicemember is continuing to get the care they need.
She said it is estimated that only half of the Soldiers that need help get it.
“Help is available but our Soldiers and Airmen just have to put aside their pride and ask for help,” said Anweiler.
Programs exist because other servicemembers have needed the services when they came home. McAfee said there is no shame in asking for help.
Behavorial health
“Each of us at some point in our lives fall down,” McAfee said. “The question is, how long do you want to stay down? The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you will begin to feel better.”
Soldiers and Airmen are trained to find a solution to a problem and fix it. When that problem is internal, McAfee said sometimes it may take the intervention of family to help.
“Our families are the ones that see the Soldier every day,” McAfee said. “They know how their loved one has changed. If you truly care about that person, then make it a priority to help them before it is too late.”
If you or someone you care about is struggling to get back to “normal” following a deployment, contact the Yellow Ribbon team at 217-761-3071.