According to the 2017 index of human freedom, Canada is ranked the seventh freest country in the world. In most situations, Canadians can wake up, feeling safe with the ability to make their own decisions. However, this freedom is often taken for granted. Individuals neglect the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep our country safe. Transitioning from a war-zone to regular society is extremely difficult and the current system we have implemented in Canada makes it even more difficult. As it stands, “to be eligible for benefits and services from Veterans Affairs Canada, a current or former member must wait months for the department to decide whether their illness or injury was a result of their service” (TGAM, P2). This time period can become very stressful for ex-service officials as they rely on government funding.
Canadian Veterans
The government’s lack of urgency to assimilate soldiers back to Canadian society is frankly embarrassing. This topic is important to me as I have firsthand seen the effects that war can have on a person’s life. My best friend’s brother, was stationed in the Afghanistan province of Kandahar. His job was to convoy ally territory and scout the area for dangerous activity. He left a young man with the ambition and pride to serve his country. After being overseas for just under a year he returned home a shell of his former self. He struggled to transition back into society. He would constantly struggle sleeping and suffered from anxiety attacks. Loud noises would terrify him and in general he was not happy. It was apparent professional help was required. He applied for military benefits but did not hear back until 5 months later.
Canadian Soldiers in Kandahar
In his case he was fortunate enough to have his family pay for immediate trauma counselling. Furthermore, he has made a full recovery after several months of treatment. Unfortunately, some service men and women do not have access to the same support groups. These individuals are forced to wait for months struggling with their internal demons. The government has to do a better job at speeding up the acceptance process for post-military recovery. It is essential that military officials are treated with the utmost respect and that we as a society pool together resources to help them make a fast recovery.
WC : 378
References – Websites
http://www.heritage.org/index/ranking
https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/injured-ill-military-personnel-deserve-an-easier-transition-to-civilian-life/article36392524/
Pictures
Veteran Image – http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/veterans-affairs-to-cut-budget-by-226m-1.1002213
Canadian forces in Kandahar – http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada-prepares-to-pack-everything-for-kandahar-pullout-1.619397