GRAND OPENING PICTURES

Since the beginning of America’s history men and woman have laid down their lives for our freedom. Many others have sacrificed being with their families and friends, and even their livelihood, to be part of the United States Military.

Most have returned to society and led wonderful lives, sharing in the great American Dream of raising a family, having a good job, and enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Many others have come home and had to deal with physical injuries received during a war, while others have had to deal with the mental anxiety causes by the continued visions of what they experienced during the war.

In some cases both these types of injuries are long lasting. The physical injuries may heal in a few year but the mental images remain, in some cases, forever.

In the past those veterans exposed to the trauma of war have had to suffer in silence. As society became aware of the problem attempts were made to help, but understanding was not always there.

In many cases the veteran suffered in silence, as he or she saw no avenue to ease their pain. Their families suffered with these veterans and in many cases it caused a breakup of the family.

In many other cases the veteran just gave up, ignored society and became homeless. Often he took his family along with him. The U.S. Government has stated that at least 25% of the homeless population in the United States consists of veterans and their families.

Many veterans seek help through the Veterans Administration. These veterans go through County Veteran Service Officers to build cases to present to the VA. In almost every county in the country there are more veterans seeking help than the Veteran Service Officers can handle. Here in Coos County alone we have almost 8,600 veterans out of a population of 62,000. And the number of veterans is rising due to the world conflicts taking place.

In today’s environment our National Guard and Reserves are being utilized to fight global conflicts. That takes them from their homes and families and often leaves the families in financial straits.

Everyone admits the veterans, active duty personnel and their families must be taken care of. Unfortunately the resources to do this are not always available or are stretched so thin that the veteran and his family can not be helped adequately.

Southwestern Oregon Veterans Outreach (SOVO) was formed to help bridge the gap between what is available and what is needed. SOVO was formed by veteran and community representatives to assist in filling the needs of our veterans. We are determined not to let any veterans or their families suffer needlessly because the veteran chose to sacrifice for our freedom.

SOVO is dedicated to assisting the veteran and their families to receive the benefits that are due them for their service to our country. We are experienced in veteran issues and have the determination to give our fellow veterans a helping hand.

We invite you to join us in this endeavor.