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Note:  CCVC monthly meetings are cancelled for the next few months due to the COVID-19 viral outbreak. Check Back for updates.

                          2020 President's Newsletter

To all our friends and members of the Collier County Veterans Council,

Welcome to our newsletter of 2020, as always, I would like to take a moment to wish you and your families the absolute best in life and health.

Our year started with an unexpected virus crisis the “Coronavirus”. The Government placed an act to slowdown the crisis which imposed a stay at home policy that focuses on keeping your hygiene status safe for yourself and others. This includes wearing gloves when you’re in contact with others and wearing a mask to help stop the airborne spread of the virus. Also, closing several businesses and jobs which have now caused a drop in the economy. Research showed that the economy was on an upscale climb that has not been achieved in many years.

I would like to share my view on, something sensitive, profoundly serious, and incredibly prevalent with the current issues among today’s veteran’s community during this Corona Virus pandemic. That is Joblessness, Homelessness, PTSD, and Suicide.  Many people follow scary news broadcasts that feed on the pain we are all sharing together as a nation. Not all news is scary but when a tragedy happens it sells. I would rather watch the local news broadcasts to know what is happening here in my community and find ways we can all help each other through these times.

My mission to help the veteran community started with Homelessness, PTSD, and Suicide. I personally have had experience in my own family growing up in all three of these areas. Please don’t pass by a person who needs help thinking “Why should I get involved?” Instead ask yourself, “What’s stopping me from helping?” The Collier County Veterans Council knows from experience that the pride of a veteran, or even a civilian in need, can make it extremely hard to ask for help. Let’s all keep an eye out for those in need. You might just be the one that makes all the difference in the world to someone who needs a helping hand.

First in regard to Veterans jobs and homeless, the quarantine caused doors to close on many different small and large businesses with no income for the veteran to earn. They are now finding themselves having to look hard to find jobs, some with only part time income. If they do find one, new stressors come with a new job. They also must make some big decisions, like what bill they can pay 1st?  How much longer can they stay afloat and make it work? Prior to the virus crisis, many Veterans were on the verge of homelessness because of low paying jobs, some working hard to carry two jobs, barely making ends meet for their families. Some carrying this burden by themselves as they live alone. With you as a team player we will all get somewhere dealing with our homeless veteran community.

Start at the basics. Do not be surprised if you meet someone on a drug or alcohol addiction that will say they are a veteran because they think that’s all you are willing to help. Remember, when you meet a homeless man or woman, no matter the addiction, explain you are willing to help veterans and civilians who are homeless because you care. When you’re helping a homeless person and you are not sure if they are a veteran, ask if they are willing to provide their info to the Veteran’s service office so they could help track down verification.  If you can take a moment call the Naples Veterans Service Officer at: 239-252-8387. Ask what you should get from a veteran who is a homeless man or woman that does not have their separation paperwork or DD214. Help them retrieve this important documentation. Remember they are homeless and may not have a phone to make this phone call.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an epidemic sweeping our country. PTSD does not discriminate.  It is an issue for active duty, veterans, reservists, and family members. We have seen veterans who suffer from PTSD go to the local liquor store and drug dealer, or even commit suicide thinking it helps them escape their problems. The issue can grow if we do not provide them with somewhere to turn for help, or counseling. So, who can these men and women turn to? We can all shed a little light in this darkness. We want to help end the stigma surrounding PTSD and provide resources for the men and women suffering from this invisible wound.  By addressing the whole family unit, we can help end the war that people face on a daily basis. There are many organizations locally that are also working extremely hard to make life worth living. If anyone has thoughts of suicide, or has a family member in crisis, please call:

 Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.  You can also text 838255 or go on the website at www.veteranscrisisline.net 

Our Board of Directors is comprised of a diverse and skilled group of individuals who have a lot to offer both our civilian and veteran communities. They are working hard as a team to bring the local veteran community relevant news, events, information, and support. Please make it your personal promise to attend some of our monthly veteran’s council meetings at City Hall. The meetings are always scheduled for the third Wednesday a month at 7 pm. Our meetings truly are rich with information to share with the veteran community. We need to be there for one another, and we vow to never leave anyone behind.

With warm regards,

William Carl, CCVC President

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                                 ~ Quote of The Month ~

"Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom."

-General George S. Patton-

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The Veterans Council of Collier County is the umbrella organization of the 20 veterans groups that exist in Collier County, Florida.
 

The Veterans Council is comprised of representatives from each group and meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

We bring all groups together for networking and fellowship in an otherwise fragmented community.  We each have our allegiances but are fighting the same battle.  United we stand.

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We now have a donate button for our organization.  Donations are always greatly appreciated!  100% of the donations go right back out into our community.  This allows us to continue to hold events in the county and help veterans whenever we can.  We thank you for your continued support.

Collier County Veterans Council is a 501(c)(3)  Our EIN is 82-1947585

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