Veterans Support Workshop

The First Lutheran Church will be hosting an interactive veterans support workshop on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Four major topics will be covered including military culture and wounds of war, pastoral care with veterans and their families, mental health services and referrals as well as building community partnerships. The event will be facilitated by Ken DuVall, a retired Montana Army National Guard chaplain and recently retired Lutheran paster with over 30 years of service in each role.

Research indicates the stigma regarding mental health is significant in rural America and often inhibits veterans in seeking care. However, many are less resistant to seeing a clergyperson than a mental health professional, feeling this will have less negative impact on their reputation within their community and careers. However, many clergy have limited understanding of the issues common to returning veterans.

If rural clergy can be helped with a better understanding of the health and readjustment issues of returning veterans, they can better assist vets in seeking help, and their families will be better served.

This understanding can also enable clergy, social workers, medical staff and community organizations to better partner in helping veterans and their families.

The event is free and open to the public, with clergy, social workers and medical staff encouraged to attend. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. Register by Tuesday, Sept. 18, by calling 406-228-4862.