Transition-Plus

Why participate in a Peer-Peer Support Group

Joining a veteran support group can help you to feel better in any number of ways, such as:

• • Knowing that others are going through or have gone through something similar

  • Learning tips on how to handle day-to-day challenges

  • Meeting new friends or connecting to others who understand you

  • Learning how to talk about things that bother you or how to ask for help

  • Learning to trust other people

  • Hearing about helpful new perspectives from others

  • "Peer to Peer" support groups can be an important part of dealing with PTSD, but they are not a substitute for effective treatment for PTSD. If you have problems after a trauma that last more than a short time, you should also get professional help.

• Sometimes the best medicine for a Veteran is the company of another Veteran

What participants have to say about Transition-Plus

Click here for i45NOW news article and video about Transition-Plus.

As a Marine corps Infantryman I felt invincible until I was at rock bottom. A friend brought me to the group my first time. It took me a few meetings to open up and share but just listening to the group I realized I was in the right place. This group pulled me out of a dark place and gave me hope. I highly recommend this group, come see for yourself. My soul came home from the desert. Brent - Afghanistan Vet 

Only through a family member did I find out about this group, and it it took several weeks of persuasion by my family before I caved and began attending. Even after my first visit, I neither wanted to be there nor believed I needed to be there.  Nothing was wrong with me and I was managing fine on my own.  I was wrong.  The past seven years since discharging from the army have been an immense struggle.  Should have started attending these meetings the week I first heard of them.  Should have tried finding a group like this years ago.  Zach - Afghanistan Vet

I was invited to this group with the idea I could help the new vets coming back.  Helping the new vets helped me realize I still had issues. After a few meetings I realized this is where I needed to be with my brothers and sisters new and old helping each other.  I had finally come home.  The men and women in this group are always there for each other no matter what!!  Groups like this are truly God sent. They call me Jack - Vietnam Vet 1970 to 1971

I appreciate the support.  They helped me navigate thru the Veterans Administration maze so I could get my benefits. Iraq Vet

The success of this group is due to the facilitators.  They really care about the Vets that come.  They also create an atmosphere of trust.  Trust is one of the things that cause problems for Vets.  The Vets that have been attending have been a great deal of help to me.  Al - Vietnam helicopter pilot

Transition-plus has provided an empowering safe environment for me as a female war veteran to be the guy in me without the reproach often encountered from other women. I am not the typical shop, mani/pedi going stereotype often associated with women. No one raises an eyebrow when I want to go to the Big Box store tool section over the Mall stores. It is the one time in a week when I can just be me and forget about "Oh how will that come across" to other non military service women. Transition plus keeps me grounded so I can go out into civilian life with confidence. Shelia - Marine Vet

As a combat marine in Vietnam I physically came home 47 years ago. My life was okay on the surface, underneath I was a wreck. I was locked in transition not being a civilian and not being able to let go of my combat experience.  Twenty years after I returned counseling finally let me return home. 

Two years ago I was privileged to be a part of Transition-Plus that would assist veterans transition back home. It wasn’t until a year or so into the group, I realized that I still needed to talk about my experiences of war and coming home.

This group has given me a safe place to share my experiences that I felt only veterans could relate. I have told stories that I haven’t told except with the ones that experienced them with me. I appreciate this group more than they will ever know and tell them frequently.  Jerry - Marine Vietnam Vet

Hey Dan, just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated you coming out to the "homecoming" tonight.  You probably don't remember, but you were the first person to invite me to a TransitionPlus meeting...of course, I stupidly gave some lame excuse not to attend.  I was finally dragged in reluctantly a couple of years later when when Fran was taking food to the group, lol.   I cannot tell you how much you guys have helped me the past few years.  Thank you.  John - Marine Vietnam Vet

At the beginning of each meeting we are reminded that sharing of our experiences while adjusting to our return back to civilian life, or recalling wartime events, or dealing with the effects of our military service are not to be judged or compared, but it is hard to be that neutral.  Some of our group have had physical and emotional scars that cannot be overlooked so easily and maybe the best we can do is just listen, be understanding, supportive or offer some thoughts or personal perspectives that might help.  I hear time and time again that discussions made in this setting have never been shared with anyone who has not worn the uniform, because friends and family just wouldn’t understand.  We are reminded that we are not professional counselors when giving our input, but we all understand that something that won’t ever be said is “get over it.” Jim - Army Vietnam Vet

From the various stories told by those who’ve visited Transition-Plus, I’ve been surprised to hear a number of ways in which those speakers’ experiences share common ground with mine.  In the fabric of those stories we become aware that we are, indeed, part of a real brotherhood.  

Having heard from speakers whose specialties I thought were always conducted “well inside the fence”, I realize that this brotherhood includes the overwhelming majority of the men and women who put on the uniform. No matter where they served or how close or far that might have seemed from the pointy-end, they’ve earned and deserve their membership as well. 

I’m honored to be a part of this “squad” and extremely thankful to the individuals who create the environment that supports these kind of peer groups for growth and recovery. Without a doubt, we are in their debt for the benefit they’re creating for our military vets, their families and our community. Pete - Retired USAF/USAFR 

Transitioning from military service to civilian life is very stressful.  A new career is only part of the stress.  An identity crisis is a bigger hurdle.  However, with the assistance of veterans service organizations like Transition-Plus help is available.  The hard part is connecting both the veteran and the service organization.

How do we unite the two?  With the help of faithful civilian volunteers and veterans who are consistently reaching out and holding local peer groups in the community.  Through their efforts, lives are being changed.  To all those who care about veterans and their families by leading these groups, keep up the great work. Sam - Iraq Veteran

Thanks Jerry...I can truthfully say that Transition-Plus has really been helpful to me over the past 2 years...I'm starting to feel a lot more comfortable around other vets and sharing my thoughts, as incoherent as they may be...you guys have a great meeting and Merry Christmas to all of you! Ron - Vietnam Vet

It's an instant connection.  I don't feel so isolated.  It's confidential.  Folks are here to give and receive assistance.  All participants are appreciated and accepted.  Our wartime experiences are not judged or compared. Comments from different participants.