Here are some capusle reviews in the hope that those interested in helping our brave troops reintegrate into society---regardless of your opinion of the wars they were involved in---will follow up.
Will Shapira, Evergreene Digest
I've been a member of Twin Cities Chapter 27 of Veterans for Peace (VFP) for about 10 years now. My qualifications as "veteran" are indeed meagre: a budget-shortened four years in the Minnesota Air National Guard. We were between Korea and Vietnam but every male over 18 had an eight-year military obligation, either on active duty or in a guard/reserve unit.
Eventually, I came to believe that organizations such as VFP, while founded on opposing war and its acoutrements, also have an obligation to help returning veterans. Not all of my VFP mates agree.
Over time, I have reviewed a number of books about this subject and related topics for the VFP national newsletter and the St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
Here are some capusle reviews in the hope that those interested in helping our brave troops reintegrate into society---regardless of your opinion of the wars they were involved in---will follow up:
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⁃ "Best Care Anywhere: Why VA Health Care is Better Than Yours" by Phillip Longerman, PoliPointPress. Yes, there always will be horror stories emerging from VA hospitals but Longman is convincing when he says it's not only doing the job for veterans but could do it for civilians, too, if given a chance. If single-payer ever has a chance to become a reality, Longman's game-plan would be a good one to follow.
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⁃ "The War Comes Home: Washington's Battle Against America's Veterans" by Aaron Glantz, University of California Press. If there is anything more shameful that the way some of our veterans have been deprived or short-changed on the benefits due them, it only could be the illegal, immoral wars they were induced to participate in. While Longman lauds the VA's medical practices, Glantz assails its frustrating, often unjust and illegal bureaucracy.
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⁃ "The Patriot: The Official Magazine of Fisher House Foundation, Inc." www.fisherhouse.org. Not well known, this organization refurbishes and builds housing near veterans' hospitals for families and other loved ones to use while visiting. Contact them if you wish to assist in some way.
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⁃ "The Wounded Warrior Handbook: A Resource Guide for Returning Veterans" by Don Philpott and Janelle Hill, Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group. While readers of this article may never have go into the military themselves, they may be called upon to help a loved one returning from service or just want to help someone. This superb book is indispensable in that regard.
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⁃ "Advice from Veterans on Military Service and Recruiting Practices: A Resource Guide for Young People Considering Enlistment." Published by VFP's Veterans' Education and Outreach Project, this book is designed to either keep you from becoming a veteran or at the very least, let you know what you are getting yourself into. Contact VFP's head office. "The Conscientious Objector and the United States Armed Forces" by Daniel Shubin, Peace Church Challenge, Bakersfield, CA, has a similar mission.
In sum, if we wish to fulfill its claim to being a people of peace, we must extend our helping hands to those who participated in war but now wish to live in peace.
Sunday (Aug 22), the 
The Healing of Memories Working Group of the Warrior to Citizen Campaign at the Center for Democracy and Citizenship at Augsburg College is trying to get the word out about an opportunity to attend a local Healing of Memories workshop. This will be an “open” workshop-- we expect veterans, service members, family members, and those who care for them. Clergy and spiritual directors are also invited because of their unique pastoral care ministry. Pain is universal and we all have memories we need to heal. 
