June 27 is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screening Day. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers an online screening tool for those who may be experiencing symptoms.

The VA website says it is the world’s leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress, and explains “PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event.”

The VA reports that 23% of Veterans using VA care have had PTSD, compared to 7% of those not using VA care. In 2021, of the 6 million Veterans served by the VA Health system, about 10% of men and 19% of women were diagnosed with PTSD. The VA suggests talk therapy, medication, and other treatments are available for people experiencing PTSD.

A 2023 study published by the American Psychological Association found that veterans who received service dog placements had better emotional health, improved quality of social interactions, and lower odds of panic attacks.  K9 for Warriors shared the story of Kerry, a Virginia resident, mother, Marine veteran, and former first responder. She received  Bass, her certified service dog from K9s for Warriors,  the nation’s largest shelter-to-service organization, said publicist Olivia Stern.

Kerry had many traumatic experiences in her career and found K9s For Warriors online when searching for help. The organization paired her with rescue-turned-Service Dog Bass, who is specially trained to help PTSD or other war-related traumas that afflict veterans. During their first night together, Bass woke Kerry up from a nightmare.  Kerry said she and Bass are now a team that tackles everyday situations that previously seemed impossible.

The VA encourages those who may have experienced traumatic events to consider taking the self-screening test, reaching out to medical providers, and talking to friends or family. The VeteransCrisisLine is available for veterans and their families.

Kelly Sienkowski is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News. If you’re not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

A new VA hospital in Spotsylvania County, set to open in March 2025, is generating significant concern about traffic congestion in the area.

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Six veterans graduated from the Prince William County Court's Veterans Docket May 1, 2024.

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Veterans Growing America: “Veterans Growing America held its weekly veteran business pop-up store this past Saturday. This event was graced by multiple military-connected small business owners and an administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman.”

“This pop-up store event was held to aid in accomplishing the administrator’s goal of advocation and promotion for small businesses and the approaching Small Business Saturday.”

“Come support Veterans Growing America in our mission on Small Business Saturday in Woodbridge, VA, at 15001 Potomac Town Pl Suite #130 between 11 am and 8 pm and visit vgapopupshop.com for more information.”

FauquierNow.com: “Despite yet another unforeseen delay in the opening of the long-anticipated Puller Veterans Care Center in Vint Hill, officials remain optimistic about the future.”

“Most recently rescheduled for 2023, the project’s completion has been pushed back to 2024.”

Stafford County Government: "Stafford County will hold its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Armed Services Memorial on the Stafford County Government campus. All veterans and the public are invited to join Stafford in recognizing all who have served our country. As well the ceremony will be streamed on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/staffordcountygovernment."

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At 11 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, the Potomac Region Veterans Council partnered with Quantico National Cemetery and Quantico Marine Corps Base for its annual Memorial Day Ceremony.

RPV Chair Rich Anderson: “I moderated the ceremony with about 500 attendees. The featured speaker was Army Brig. Gen. James W. Ring, Assistant Adjutant General of Virginia who will become Adjutant General next Saturday and be promoted to major general (two stars).”

“The PRVC has been planning and conducting the Memorial Day (in May) and Veterans Day (in November) ceremonies at Quantico National Cemetery since 1972.”