Langbein, of the Department of Veterans Affairs Washington Medical Center, is the program manager for the Welcome Home Celebration for returning combat veterans. The event will be Saturday at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where are you from and how did you get to D.C.?
I am from the Pittsburgh area and worked at the Pittsburgh VA Health Care System for 12 years. I transferred to the VA in Washington in 2005 when my husband and I relocated here for employment.
What is Welcome Home?
Welcome Home is an annual event hosted by VA hospitals to express appreciation to returning combat veterans and their families, welcome them home and into the VA system of care. This will be its fifth year.
What’s happening Saturday?
Veterans will have the opportunity to enroll with the D.C. VA Medical Center to access health care services. We are partnering with the United States Marine Corps and United States Army for their annual musters. More than 40 community partners will be available to provide resource information on employment, education, Veteran service organizations, military service organizations and VA programs.
Are combat veterans more resistant to getting help than, say civilians?
There are many issues that combat veterans address when they return home from deployment. These include re-establishing their relationships with family and friends, seeking employment, or pursuing education; trying to regain a sense of normalcy. The VA wants to avoid any delays in treatment which could impact long-term effects.
How hard is to adjust from a life of combat to civilian life?
Adjustments are very individualized. … Some [combat veterans] have established families and careers and may have learned coping skills. Younger veterans may not have that advantage and are seeking to establish themselves as an adult in a career and relationships. Having a strong support system helps greatly.
Scott McCabe
