Where can vets who survive the war go to survive the peace?
by Bob
A news story on Fox 6 Now highlights our new partnership with a program called Dryhootch. Dryhootch is an organization committed to helping veterans of all wars and has a special focus on our returning military members and their families.
“Hootch” was a term commonly used in the Vietnam combat theater for a hut or other safe place to sleep. Adding the word “dry” to the name Dryhootch is a play on the word’s association with alcohol. Alcoholism has been a major problem for veterans of all eras, and the term “dry” denotes the organization’s mission to provide a social gathering place for veterans that is safe, comfortable, drug and alcohol free.
Dryhootch provides a coffee house or café like environment that is dedicated to “helping Veterans who survived the war, survive the peace.” Milwaukee already has a Dryhootch site, and this month our Workforce training Center here at Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin started hosting a new one in Waukesha called the “Forward Operating Base.” It’s a drop-in center for people to stop in, whether they have needs or just want to talk with other vets who know where they’re coming from. From the Fox6 Now story:
Inside Easter Seals’ Workforce Training Center, you’ll find an office acting much like a coffee-shop, with couches and tables, where vets can connect with others on issues like PTSD. They can get employment and educational services, and families can get support too.
Milwaukee and Waukesha are the two Wisconsin counties with the highest number of veterans in their communities: over 30,000 veterans call Waukesha County their home. Dryhootch knows Easter Seals is an established organization with deep roots and a history of service to families. The peer mentors of Dryhootch have lived the military life. At Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin, we have lived to help children, families and individuals live more independent lives for nearly 80 years. Our partnership with Dryhootch is one based on what we each do best. As a result, those that seek us out get the best services possible.
Only 1% of our US population has served in Iraq and Afghanistan on numerous tours. Our staff members believe we are part of the 99% who need to support those that have sacrificed so much and have so much to offer. We are ready to serve.