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POST DEPLOYMENT…. WHAT WILL OUR TROOPS NEED?

Connecticut Veterans Consortium State and Federal Departments of Veteran Affairs Mental Health and Addiction Services Department of Labor Coalition for the Homeless Connecticut National Guard Family Services Transitional Assistance Advisor VA Connecticut Health Care VET Centers VA Regional Office Vocational Rehabilitation Towns and Cities Non-Profit Organizations Veteran Service Organizations

Connecticut Returning Veterans’ Summit “Cutting to the Chase” Agencies Discussion Groups Advocates Whatever it Takes! OJT Outreach Military Pride

Focus Group Themes Being in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan is profoundly life-altering Importance of camaraderie with fellow military or veterans A sense of isolation from the community and not being understood Communication difficulties with everyone except fellow military

PTSD Scores “Feeling “up tight”, aggressive, on the edge” Fear of being stigmatized or seen as weak 25% Reported Symptoms of PTSD severe enough to warrant treatment TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY “My Head is in the Game” 20% Reported experiences which indicated The need for more specific testing BLAST CONCUSSION

POST 9/11 GI Bill Tuition and Fees Monthly Housing Allowance Yearly Books and Supplies Stipend 1. 2 Million Service Members Eligible 2. $19 Billion in last 4 Years ,100 Iraq and Afghan Veterans Attend on the GI Bill 4.National Successful Graduation Rate 18%

Barriers to Success in School Don’t Fit in with Non-veteran students Civilian Friends Don’t Understand me Do not share interests as other students Conflicts with instructors, Hard concentrating in Class

FOR RETURNING VETERANS IN CONNECTICUT COLLEGES Create a place on Campus where veterans can study, socialize and find information on resources that will support their efforts in the academic community. Enlist the support of all State Community Colleges and Universities including University of Connecticut to assist OIF/OEF veterans attending these schools. Veteran Friendly Environment on Campus Operation Assist I Incoming S Servicemembers I In S Studies OASIS PROGRAM

OASIS PROJECT Veteran Friendly Campus Environment

Finding Your Way in a New World

Outreach and Education Benefits and Claims Benefits and Claims OASIS Center Located in Connecticut NorwichRocky Hill Newington Bridgeport New Haven CCSU Charter Oak Southern CT Western CT Eastern CT

Business and Professional Women’s Foundation American Association of University Women

Middlesex Community College

Student Veterans And OASIS Center

Central Connecticut State

Oasis Centers Serving Connecticut Veterans

Today America has deployed over 1.7 million Armed Forces in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. OUR MISSION IS THEIR FUTURE