Ep 21: Welcome to the Mixtape - Born in the USA - Supporting Veterans with Edwin Arce Jr. & Patrick Hayes
Drew & Roger are back! We're launching the Common Good Mixtape where we mix the music of the 80s and 90s with social work and nonprofit practice. We're joined by Edwin Arce Jr. & Patrick Hayes to kick off our segment on mental health to discuss social work practice with veterans. We talk common misconceptions about veterans, the divide between civilians and those in uniform, and how to support veterans experiencing homelessness. We also talk about invisible wounds and the lasting legacy of trauma for veterans returning from overseas conflicts. And we also listen to Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA in light of the challenges of integration into civilian life for veterans.
So that we can play the music of the 80s/90s right in the episode, we are releasing our podcast on Spotify. Get Spotify Premium to listen along with the music mid-episode.
Key Takeaways
Veterans suffer wounds both visible and invisible. Traumas experienced during times of conflict may cause psychosocial challenges well after the return home.
Not all veterans suffer from mental health challenges, though many will navigate what can be a difficult transition into civilian life.
As a group, veterans are model citizens, known for being more likely to vote, to run for office, to volunteer, and to make charitable contributions when compared to civilians.
Misconceptions and stereotypes about veterans as being “damaged:” or “unhinged” as a result of their service are harmful. Social workers and nonprofit leaders have a responsibility to challenges these negative stereotypes.
Veterans experiencing homelessness are a unique group with unique and specific needs. Local providers through their Continuum of Care can collaborate to reduce the duplication of services and provide tailored services to support the needs of veterans.
Civilians and veterans alike have an advocacy role to play to improve the wellbeing of those who served in uniform. For civilians, taking time to learn more about veterans issues, supporting veterans in the workplace and in practice settings, and remembering key holidays and important moments for veteran communities are a good place to begin.
Resources and Links
Bialik, K. (2017). The changing face of America’s veteran population. Pew Research Center, 1-9.
Bloeser, K., & Ray, K. (2018). Contemporary social work practice with veterans: An introduction to the special issue. Clinical Social Work Journal, 46(2), 69-73.
Tsai, J., & Rosenheck, R. A. (2015). Risk factors for homelessness among US veterans. Epidemiologic reviews, 37(1), 177-195.
Our Guests
Edwin Arce Jr. is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate in Charlotte, NC. He currently works in the Veterans Health Administration. He has over 5 years experience working with the chronically homeless in Charlotte, Sickle Cell community, families and individuals, as an agent of support and guidance.
His professional life includes a commitment to serving the biopsychosocial needs of Veterans. Edwin is an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran,, having served in the Marine Corps for 10 years. He sits on the Harrisburg Racial Equity Board and is the Service officer for American Legion Post 555 in Mint Hill, NC.
Patrick Hayes is an experienced professional Social Worker with over 10 years of military and civilian leadership experience. He currently works as an independent freelance social worker specializing in Veterans with an emphasis on Veteran Homelessness.
Patrick served on active duty for seven years and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Fort Lee, Virginia. He deployed to Afghanistan in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010. Patrick transferred to the US Army Reserves in 2013, and is currently the Battalion Executive Officer for the 812th Transportation Battalion located in Charlotte NC.
Previously, Patrick was the NCServes Metrolina Network Director at Veterans Bridge, a Charlotte-area nonprofit supporting veterans successfully transitioning home and connecting Veterans in the community with resources.
