For many veterans, the holiday season intensifies feelings of stress, depression, anxiety and loneliness. Creating a community and building connections are ways to combat the holiday blues and provide a sense of purpose. For those unable to meet in person with family and friends, you can schedule video calls, online game nights, or virtual dinners, workouts, and watch parties. You can also volunteer with local VFW Posts and veteran support organizations in your area.
Free Connections to Resources
The National Resource Directory (NRD) gives service members, veterans, family members, and caregivers the ability to find and connect with organizations that can assist with specialized recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration needs. The NRD is the product of a partnership with DOD, VA, and the Department of Labor. This program is meant to facilitate free connections between individuals and stringently vetted resources that provide support in many areas such as employment, education, veteran benefits, caregiver support, housing and the Military Adaptive Sports Program.
Note to Erie VA Visitors
Veterans that use the Erie VA Medical Center are not able to enter the VA from the back second floor entrance. You must use the first floor, East 38th Street, entrance. Note: Veterans that are scheduled to have surgery can still use the second floor Ambulatory Surgery Entrance door.
POW/MIA Update
Army Pfc. Hood E. Cole, 26, of Atlanta, Georgia, was assigned to L Company, 3rd Battalion, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division. He was killed in action on Jan. 14, 1945. He will be buried on Jan. 15, 2024, in Canton, Georgia.
Marine Corps Capt. Ronald W. Forrester, 25, of Odessa, Texas, was assigned to Marine All-Weather Attack Squadron 533, Marine Attack Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. He was killed in action on Dec. 27, 1972. Interment services are pending.
May every one have a safe and a very merry Christmas. Let us remember what Christmas is all about.
Till next week, praying for everyone.
– Charles Castelluccio
