Vets Families



The Trial


Since 1984, Point Man International Ministries has focused on reaching out and ministering to the veterans still suffering from their involvement in war, with special emphasis on the Vietnam era veteran. A large number of men and women are still plagued to some degree by war-related readjustment problems. A veteran who suffers from one or more of these problems is generally diagnosed as experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But, most assuredly, the problem does not end there. The erratic behavior and manifestation of delayed stress greatly affects the spouses and children who live with it day in and day out. The following statistics help to illustrate the magnitude of this problem among Vietnam vets and their loved ones.

More than 800,000 Vietnam vets suffer from PTSD to some extent.

More than 40 million Americans, nearly 20% of our population, have a direct personal link to a Vietnam veteran, (i.e. parents, spouses, and children).

The suicide rate for Vietnam veterans is 33% higher than that of the general population.

The divorce rate for Vietnam vets is double the national average. Among combat vets, 80-90% have been divorced.

Unemployment of vets is twice the national average.

The Findings


Psychologists are now finding that the loved ones of Vietnam veterans experience varying degrees of PTSD themselves, and they never even got close to Southeast Asia. Their war, of course, is at home. And many feel like “prisoners of war”, married to veterans who, still today, are “missing in action.”

The following list details some of the major symptoms displayed by Vietnam vets suffering with PTSD, along with the most common reactions/symptoms in spouses, families, and close friends.

PTSD CHARACTERISTICS:


In the veteran:                         In the loved one:
 
Flashbacks                              Constant Anxiety
Isolated self and family                Alienated - no friends
Emotional distance from family/others   Low self-esteem
Depression/worthlessness                Depression/hopelessness
Anger/Rage                              Resentment and bitterness
Substance Abuse                         Over responsibility/Enabler
Anxiety or Nervousness                  Overwhelmed and stressed out


The Verdict


The strategy for healing that Point Man International Ministries has found effective in dealing with the Vietnam veteran is now being offered to the husbands and wives of veterans through Project: Homefront. Homefront Chapters are all led by vet spouses, who have experienced the war at home and found Jesus Christ as the only true answer to their hurts. These women minister love, compassion, prayer support and the Word of God in small home groups on a weekly basis. The three main needs addressed in these meetings are:

Vet spouses need to know that they are not alone in their experience with their partners.

Vet families need to understand PTSD and why the veteran responds to life the way he or she does.

Vet loved ones need to focus on their own walk with God, and allow the Lord to change the way they respond to their vet through prayer and studying the Word of God.

The Purpose of Project: Homefront is:

1. To work together throughout the world to restore the shattered faith and belief in God to Vietnam veteran partners and children.

2. To present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a real way to our hurting brothers and sisters

3. To provide a safe environment for vet spouses to fellowship and grow in the Lord.

4. To foster renewed and restored veteran marriages and families through the healing power of the Word of God

| Mission Statement | Outposts | Vets Families |
| PTSD | PMIM FORUM | Awards |
| Vets Talk | Vet Links | President's Message |
| Prayer Requests | Reveille | EMAIL POINTMAN |
| WebRings | Testimonies | HOME |


Point Man International Ministries
PO Box 267
Spring Brook NY 14140
(716) 675-5552
(716) 675-5552 - FAX
(800) 877-VETS - Hotline

You are visitor # Counter since 7/31/98