From Deployment to Fatherhood: How VAPs Support Veterans with Family Transitions

Military family resources play a vital role for veterans, as roughly 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder. The transition from military service to civilian life brings unique challenges, particularly for those who become parents during or after their service. Clinton’s story comes to mind. He was just three days into his first deployment when he learned about his wife Jessica’s pregnancy. Many service members miss these personal milestones while stationed thousands of miles away. His daughter Olivia was only nine months old when he left for his second deployment to the Red Sea region. Veterans often face financial uncertainty after leaving military service. The New Parent Support Program is a great way to get help for military families, whatever their rank or service branch. Military family resource centers and specialized support services in Utah and nationwide help veterans thrive during these significant life changes. From Deployment to Diapers: The Emotional Shift Image Source: The War Horse Military families go through deep emotional changes when transitioning from active deployment to parenthood. More than two million children have watched their parents deploy to Afghanistan or Iraq. Nearly half-a-million children under six have a parent on active duty. These young children feel the effects of separation more deeply than others. Age plays a big role in how children react. Babies might get cranky or stop eating, while…

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