State Programs

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State programs

Among the states setting up programs to deal with the problems of returning veterans:

Illinois: Will require screening of all National Guard troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan for traumatic brain injuries. Screening will be offered to other returning veterans. A 24-hour hotline will be set up for veterans who need counseling.

Minnesota: Offers "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon," a program that helps reintegrate returning veterans into communities, including counseling for family members even before soldiers return home. This year, the Minnesota National Guard funded the program from money intended for training; the state legislature appropriated $1.5 million for next year.

Lt. Col. Kevin Olson of the Minnesota National Guard said: "We realized that while the military does a great job of preparing our soldiers for combat, they don't necessarily do a good job of preparing them to deal with post-combat stress, including divorces, anger management, relationship problems or issues with substance abuse."

Wisconsin: Offers "Mission Welcome Home," which enlists Vietnam veterans, Rotary Clubs and community groups to ease soldiers' transitions to civilian life. State veterans officials acted after noticing that many soldiers finished their tours of duty and returned to isolated rural communities with few services. The program has generated a large response, and officials will seek more than $1 million next year.

North Carolina: Rising domestic problems among returning veterans, few of whom sought help, convinced Veterans Affairs Director Charles Smith to request $600,000 so state officials could offer help to each of the 12,000 veterans returning over the year. He plans to set up a hotline for veterans next month and go before the Legislature early next year to request more funding.

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