Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
Photo courtesy of the Lyons Democratic Organization

Veterans column: suicide remains a continuing problem for veterans

Posted on January 14, 2019January 14, 2019 By News Editor No Comments on Veterans column: suicide remains a continuing problem for veterans
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Veterans column: suicide remains a continuing problem for veterans

By Jerry Field

send new and events to [email protected]

There have been discussions and few actions taken on the increasing problems of post-Vietnam Veterans, specifically addressing the high degree of suicide and other related illnesses, mental, physical and social. The solutions are not easy and a proper procedure has not been discovered. A few possible solutions are available often with positive results, on an individual basis.  The results are promising, but as in most new procedures addressing physical and mental health it’s a slow process.

There was a practical solution after the Korean Conflict was drawing to a stalemate. Military being discharged or released to civilian life were given a decompression program. Most GI”s called this “Hurry up and Wait”.  The program consisted of being transferred to a National Guard or an Army Post, most likely away from a city.  Here the assignment was daily exercise, meetings, discussions and talking about what to expect when he get home.

After several days of this routine that most members of the squad were relaxed in a routine they had been accustomed for the last three to six years, The orders were issued for a  five day pass to return  home with a critical assignment. Three questions. One: What has changed since the last time you were home? Two: Will you get your old job back if you wanted it or what new profession or job are you now interested in ? The third question was not easy: What would you like to do with the rest of your life?

Photo courtesy of the Lyons Democratic Organization
Veterans Day Salute

Answering the questions was not as easy as it seemed. In the days before this assignment the squad was briefed on what was available under several Veteran programs, private agencies and to expect your executive officer or recruiter ask if you want to sign up again. There was a list of forms that we could fill out if we planned on using they GI Bill, file with the VA hospitals or health clinics and a ton of other materials. They were well prepared for their homecoming. Decompression process had started. The slow edging from standard military routine to a relaxed schedule did not take long to adjust to, but at times was difficult to understand the change to civilian life would be available soon. Some adjusted well and quickly, others needed more time. The Vietnam military in contrast, got off the bus and went directly home.

At Jesse Brown VA and Medical Center(JBVA) it was refreshing to meet an eight year Marine veteran, Alberto Lopez who also started his professional life with a desire to be a history teacher. We had something in common.. Marine Lopez took a quick change to working with two Veterans organizations. Lopez volunteered at JBVA and later while working with John Mundy, a psychologist, who understood Alberto’s efforts with Veterans, was to build some relationship of a multitude of common situations and address common problems. These opened the discussion with an effort and to seek attainable solutions and a comfortable plan to pursue the solution.

Alberto is at JBVVA every Tuesday heading up coffee hour which often is extended.  All are welcomed, no appointment is needed.  His coffee meeting is conducted at various locations you can call 773-789-9896 for the time and location.  “Just being around others who share the same situations is the start of the program. I have at my disposal a vast number of cooperating organizations, both public and private.  And my company is available to special assignments. Albert Lopez can be reached at [email protected] 773-798-9696.

NEW MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS LAW TAKES EFFECT

TheIllinoisServiceMemberEmployment&ReemploymentRightsActorISERRA(330ILCS61etseq.)wasalegislativeinitiativeofIllinoisAttorneyGeneralLisaMadigandesignedtomodernizeIllinoislawto reflect the realities of today’s operational reserve force. ISERRA garnered bi-partisan sponsorshipand support passing the General Assembly unanimously before being signed into law by the Governor this pastsummer.

Theoverchinggoalof IS E R R A istoprotectandencouragemilitaryservicewhilefacilitatingemployer compliance through assistance primarily in the form of education and training. ISERRA works to minimize disadvantages to military service in civilian careers through reemployment and benefit protections while diminishing the disruption to employers and co-workers. To accomplishthis goal, ISERRAincorporates,reconciles andreplaces,inwholeorpart,sevenstatelawswhichregulateservice memberemployment.Thisconsolidationwillgreatlysimplifycomplianceforemployers.ISERRAalso clarifies areas of ambiguity within current law including the issue of paid military leave for full-time publicemployeeswhoaremembers ofareservecomponent.

ISERRAexpandscoveragetotwonarrowgroupsofpersons.First,!SERRAprovidesbasicreemployment protections to servicein a federally recognized auxiliary of the United States Armed Forces when performingofficialdutiesinsupportofmilitaryorcivilianauthoritiesasaresultofanemergencysuchas anaturaldisaster.Second,I SERRA providesbasicreemploymentprotectionsforaperiodforwhichan employeeisabsentfromemploymentforthepurposeofmedicaltreatmentbytheUSDepartmentof Defense (not the VA) for a condition,illness, or injury sustained in the line of duty. Finally, ISERRA expands benefits to include minimum performance review protections designed to prevent poor performanceratingsduringperiodsofmilitaryleave.

For more information on ISERRA, contact the Illinois Attorney General’s office at 1-800-382-3000.

ADDITIONAL LAWS AND OTHER ACTION BY THE ILLINOIS

 LEGISLATURE WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEEK OF JANUARY 21   

Heads Up!  Agent Orange Is No Joke!

Prostate cancer is one of the 14 diseases now presumed to be caused by agent orange. Additional diseases are being processed for inclusion in this list.  There are numerous links on the web to discuss this if you Google “service-connected disability compensation for exposure to agent orange”.

I know many Vietnam Veterans, like myself, who were in safe, behind the line jobs never considered their risk for agent orange.  But it was airborne and therefore distributed over a large undefined area.  There is even action making its way through Congress to include the “blue water” Navy (ships serving off the coast of Vietnam) where agent orange is believed to have contaminated the water supplies.

Since many of the presumptive diseases result in death, it is also important that spouses and other relatives of Vietnam Vets are aware that, if the presumptive disease is noted as a partial cause of death, the surviving spouse becomes eligible for Dependents Indemnity Compensation (currently approximately $1,280 per month).

If you are a Vietnam Vet, or you know one, regardless of where they were stationed, please be sure they are aware of the scope and coverage of the agent orange compensation.

Prostate Cancer – 

One of the Agent Orange Presumptive

One of the agent orange presumptive diseases that will affect many men (and their spouses and families) as they get older is prostate cancer. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with it, step one (other than learning about the challenges you will be facing) is to file for disability compensation. The sooner you file, the sooner the compensation will begin.

As part of the new education you will begin, there is a national support organization called  UsToo  that can provide a great deal of information about Prostate Cancer and the options you’ll need to consider. Options include Active Surveillance (“wait and watch”, surgery (either traditional or robotic), and radiation (in different forms).

There are two chapters that are reasonably accessible to Lake County:

Us TOO Bill Buckman Chapter  Glenbrook Hospital, Glenview  Meetings 2nd Tuesday each Month – 7:00-9:00 pm  Contact : Peter Wiggins-Email : [email protected] Phone : 847-535-9729

ADDITIONAL LAWS AND OTHER  ACTON BY THE ILLINOIS

 LEGISLATURE WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEEK OF JANUARY 21  

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
News Editor
News Editor
News Editor at Suburban Chicagoland
Managing Editor and News Editor for stories published in SuburbanChicagoland
News Editor
Latest posts by News Editor (see all)
  • Court vacates order of protection, reuniting dad and daughter - September 18, 2025
  • Nick Uniejewski challenges anti-Arab Illinois State Senator Sarah Feigenholtz - September 11, 2025
  • Chicago Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Immigration Fraud - September 9, 2025
NPV: 31
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Baby Boomers, Veterans, Veterans Column Tags:Afghanistan, Iraq, military service, suicide, Veterans columns, Vietnam

Post navigation

Previous Post: Pritzker, Stratton host “Day of Service” to kickoff their inauguration
Next Post: Alderman Burke deserves fair treatment

Related Posts

  • How can movie reviewers all be so wrong? Baby Boomers
  • Congressman Dan Lipinski
    Lipinski introduces bill to end prescription price gouging Baby Boomers
  • Veteran News & Events Government
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., candidate for President in the 2024 Presidential election. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Robert F. Kennedy slams Fauci and media’s silence on COVID vaccine injuries Baby Boomers
  • CERT trainees take instruction from Lt. Bill Leddin and Engineer Tom Rafferty on how to properly apply a tourniquet to an injured limb in a 2016 training. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District
    New Emergency Training Classes set by Orland Fire District Baby Boomers
  • Typical Suburban street view. Courtesy of Wikipedia
    Chicago home values rank among lowest in nation Baby Boomers

More Related Articles

Congresswoman Marie Newman, 3rd District Illinois Reps. Newman and Bonamici, Beyer and Garcia introduce Supporting Older Workers Act Baby Boomers
Orland Fire Protection District hosts Coffee & Conversation March 12, 2025 Orland Fire Protection District hosts Coffee & Conversation March 12 Baby Boomers
Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge Pekau Allies Removed from Electoral Board by Cook County Judge Civil Rights
Steelworker Constructionman Joseph Synowiec, a Lockport, Ill. native, is participating in Pacific Partnership, the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific region. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy. CHON BURI PROVINCE, Thailand (May 20, 2019) U.S. Navy Steelworker Constructionman Joseph Synowiec, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, prepares to weld two pieces of metal together on the roof of a library at the Ban Surasak School project site during Pacific Partnership 2019. The scope of the project includes construction of a library, which is also designed to function as a shelter in the event of a natural disaster. Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey L. Adams) Lockport enlistee serving in Pacific Naval Partnership Features
Congressman Sean Casten Congressman Casten brings home $14 million to help district on climate change, hunger, transportation and domestic abuse survivor Baby Boomers
Decorated Iraq War veteran Senator Michael Hastings appointed to two key statewide veterans groups Frankfort

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters
    October 9, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme