Something to consider on this day that we honor those who have served

Incarcerated vets receive community support

Three years ago, Sheriff Tom Allman approached county veterans with an idea: creating a celebration for incarcerated veterans. Though initially met with some trepidation, the idea took root and is now part of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1900's yearly Veterans Day activities.

"We usually have between 12 to 15 veteran inmates in custody. The Ukiah VFW Post does the cooking and socializing. The Willits American Legion Post is very instrumental to this event by raising the necessary money for food," says Allman, who emphasizes that no tax dollars are used to cover event expenses.

Derek Shawk, senior vice-commander of VFW Post 1900, is a Marine who served in the Persian Gulf from 1988 until 1992. The Ukiah native got involved with the VFW three years ago at the prompting of his wife, who is not a veteran but volunteers at their monthly pancake breakfasts.

Today Shawk is head cook for the breakfasts, so it was natural for him to prepare food for the picnic. "The event is unexpected for the veteran inmates. They're very appreciative and humbled by the experience," notes Shawk.

The picnic lasts about two hours, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a barbecue, dessert and socializing. Several years ago, a Ukiah vet made a comment to the sheriff: "Just because someone has done something bad, doesn't mean they haven't done something good in their life," Allman quotes.

Shawk notes that last year, some of the corrections officers who are veterans attended the picnic. "It was a chance for the inmates and officers to see themselves as veterans."

He feels post traumatic stress disorder is one of the root causes of many of the problems plaguing today's veterans. "While you're in a combat zone you don't have time to think. You're not going to leave your buddies behind by telling a counselor you're under stress. It's when they come home and everything's calm that people start to have problems," Shawk notes. "That's what the word post' means, in PTSD."

What was called "shell-shock" during World War I has undergone several re-brandings. During the Second World War, it became "combat fatigue" and today is known as PTSD. Shawk feels vets have always suffered with post-combat, anxiety-related conditions.

Today's soldiers, according to Shawk, spend months in grueling, unrelieved combat situations, making it very difficult to manage stress. Once home, problems with addiction, homelessness, anger and violence can ensue unless vets receive early counseling. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimated that nearly 200,000 veterans were homeless in 2006.

"Many veterans try to assimilate, but they are not the same person they were before they enlisted, and they never will be," he explains.

"I've met vets who prefer to be homeless. They want to be left alone and they prefer to be self-reliant. It happens to the best of us - especially many Vietnam vets who spent years in the jungle," notes Shawk.

For vets suffering with PTSD, Shawk says the road to regaining trust is long and difficult. "The past is what makes us, but the important point is how to get through today. When you are willing to die for a person and they are willing to die for you, it is a relationship like no other." Some vets tend to keep very small circles of trusted friends and family. Many have gone through several marriages and some may panic if they feel confined or in a situation they cannot control, according to Shawk.

Allman notes the picnic stirs up strong feelings for everyone involved. "When I say that this is emotional, I have received mail from relatives of the veterans who have told me that nobody has ever recognized their loved one's duty to our country." Even vets who are locked down are brought a plate of food. "We're doing this for all the vets," says Shawk.

He hopes more local veterans will join the VFW. "I'm the youngest member at 39. We need that younger energy of the 20- and 30-year-olds," says Shawk. One of the most important aspects of his service is participating in the Honor Guard during funerals. "Folding and presenting the flag to the family of a veteran is tough, but it is so rewarding, and families deserve it," says Shawk. "But it would be nice to give our older members a break now and then. If there's one funeral per month or six, we try to be there."

Today, VFW members are handing out poppies at Lucky's. "There are less than 20 active members, but we do a lot with the few we have," says Shawk. The VFW sponsors scholarship programs, puts on awards banquets for the officer and firefighter of the year, provides phone cards for vets and care packages for those overseas. They sponsor school fundraisers and donate flags, and are always at the head of the Memorial Day parade.

Today's picnic has become one of the VFW's signature events. "All served their country," says Shawk. "It's ironic that today when many have the day off, most people working will be veterans."

Allman, a veteran himself, sees the day simply. "It's veterans spending time with veterans."

From The Ukiah Daily Journal