On Memorial Day, foundation trustee Jim Williams hosted Karen Townsend, Boulder County Veterans Services Officer, as well as two local vets on our monthly radio show. If you missed it, you can still tune in to learn how we, as a whole community, can better support our veterans.
On Memorial Day, foundation trustee Jim Williams hosted Karen Townsend, Boulder County Veterans Services Officer, as well as two local vets on our monthly radio show. If you missed it, you can still tune in to learn how we, as a whole community, can better support our veterans, including through the Community Foundation Boulder County’s Veterans Fund.
“Sometimes, vets have needs that they don’t know,” said Karen, who’s also an advisory committee member of the foundation’s Veterans Fund. “It’s my job to connect vets with healthcare, mental health counseling, employment assistance, and more … there’s a lot of back and forth referrals.
“There are also many opportunities in the community to connect veterans in a social way, like Warrior Storyfields.”
Our additional guests on this month’s program were John, who served in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry (1987-1991); and Jim, who served in the Army from 1968-1979, including Vietnam (1971-72). Jim’s subsequent career is with Colorado Department of Labor and Employment as a Veterans Outreach Specialist.
“It’s a different time from post-Vietnam, and things have changed incredibly for the better,” said Jim, who was diagnosed with PTSD. “When I got to Colorado I received very good support … the Vets Center was essential to me.”
Added John, who worked with a guidance counselor at UNC: “Talking with my peers, mental health education is an issue … not just for the vets themselves who are returning, but also for their partners and wives to understand the triggers.
“Counseling like that is much needed.”
Listen to the full conversation here.
To stay informed about issues and opportunities in Boulder County, tune in to “A Public Affair” hosted by Community Foundation Boulder County. Our radio series runs every fourth Monday of the month in collaboration with KGNU Radio 88.5 FM. Shows are also available as podcasts on iTunes and other podcast apps. Search “Community Foundation Boulder County” to download and listen.
