Old soldiers never die, they just retire to the Cape. Or so it seems.
And a grateful government is taking notice. Not only to serve older retired veterans, but also those of more recent vintage. The entire gamut, from World War II through the current continuing conflict in Iraq.
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures, as of 2006, there were 28,020 veterans residing on the Cape, or 15.2 percent of the population. That's compared to 10.4 percent for the Commonwealth as a whole.
And that figure can be expected to rise.
The Department of Veterans Affairs at this writing was in the final process of negotiating for a new facility to expand its already over-taxed Hyannis Community-Based Outpatient Clinic; and they recently opened a brand new Vet Center Readjustment Counseling Service in Hyannis to assist veterans and their families with non-medical issues.
According to Team Leader Bonnie McIntosh, LICSW, the Center anticipates eventually serving up to 300 veterans at the rate of 15 to 20 a day for individual or group therapy and counseling. Is there a need? Within weeks of opening with no fanfare, the still sparsely furnished center on West Main Street already had enrolled 36 clients.
The Vet Center is not a walk-in "clubhouse," Ms. McIntosh stressed. It is a facility for counseling. Clients can walk in, but only to make an appointment. Or they can call ahead, 508-778-0124 or 1-800-905-4675. When fully staffed, the Center will have three trained counselors, an office manager and they're seeking a volunteer to handle the phones.
The Vet Center concept was created in 1979 as a response to readjustment problems facing returnees from Vietnam.
All veterans who served in combat are eligible for confidential care at no cost, as are their families for military-related issues. Also eligible are veterans who were sexually assaulted or harassed while on active duty and families of service members who die on active duty "no matter how long ago."
Ms. McIntosh is particularly suited for this assignment. She's worked as a counselor in the VA system for 15 years and recently served a six-month active duty deployment in Iraq as a captain with an Army Reserve medical unit from Boston.
There she provided counseling to service members. And, although reluctant to discuss specifics of this experience, she admits "it helps me understand" the challenges she faces now.
Although the airy, well-lit facility was awaiting most of its furnishings, there already was a big television set and coffee-making equipment up and running. "We try to provide a casual, inviting atmosphere," Ms. McIntosh said.
And the mission is broad, including problems with employment and housing. "We'll do just about anything for a veteran," Ms. McIntosh promises, "no matter what kind of problem they have."