To the editor:

Suffolk would benefit greatly by having the program, Orders Home, to help veterans and their families (“Veterans support veterans in Western Tidewater,” Feb. 26).

As a child, I had to move around a lot, because my father was in the U.S Army. As a result, I was able to witness all of the sacrifices that someone in the military may have to make.

For example, every time he would get deployed, it would take a toll on him and our family. Five years ago, he retired after 20 years of service, and our family settled here in Suffolk. Like many veterans, my father had a difficult time transitioning to civilian life. It took him a while to attain a career that he was satisfied with.

Although veterans have made many sacrifices in order to protect us, our society has often neglected their needs. The new laws that are being implemented today are long overdue. If Orders Home was around at the time that my father retired, it would have been a great resource for him.

As a society, we should continue working together to provide these types of programs for our veterans, because members of the military sacrifice so much to keep our country safe.

 

Ayana Williamson

Suffolk