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Lee Ward with her son Tim
WOMEN , CHILDREN ARE VIETNAM VETERANS , TOO!
There has been much said about PTSD for the GIs returning from war - in particular,
those retuning from the Vietnam War. There are many support groups, VA programs,
TV movies and good books on the subject. However, in our efforts to deal with
the war veteran, we have left those other "veterans" of the war
out - namely, the wives and children who tried their hardest to stand by and
love us through out all our adjustments.
Now, it is about time to recognize the needs of these people and
show them some support. For most women in this country, they have never gotten
any closure to the war. It continues in their household and relief is not in
sight for some. To these women and children, there are no monuments, or
memorials - nor any parades. They are our forgotten heroes - ask any veteran who
helped him the most to adjust - it was not the VA, nor some other program - it
was his wife and family. That was our support base and that was our connection
back to the real world.
We now offer a support network run by women just like themselves -
the wives of Vietnam Veterans. One of those is Lee Ward. Who is coordinating
this effort on behalf of the Veteran Support Network. (You may contact her for
help or to join her efforts and become a part of this growing network)
I asked her to submit a short statement of who she is (which you will find
below) but there is so much more to this women that I know. She will be
helping spread the healing process to those in need. She is a loving soul who is
there to befriend and reach out to all those who may need someone to talk to.
She will understand. She will listen. She will be there for you.
In Lee's words:
My Name is Lee (Short for Leilah) Ward
I am 45 years young and married to a Vietnam Vet who is also my soul mate
and best friend. I come from a large family of 7 and I am a twin to the youngest
daughter. I have 2 grown sons and a 5 year old granddaughter. I grew up in the
Hialeah, Florida area where I graduated and went into the service. After getting
out I got married and moved to Wisconsin for 9 years. After becoming separated
from my sons' father, I moved back to Florida. I am passionate about Veteran's
Rights and highly involved in their organizations. At present due to a medical
disability I am not working , out of my house, however, I keep constant vigil on
the computer with Vet Nets and Support groups. I am extremely patriotic, family
oriented and Christian.
I will be here for any one, any time to share my experiences with living
with a Vietnam Veteran through first hand accounts...the wife's.
Mrs. Lee Ward
Hollywood, Florida
For help or assistance contact Lee by email
ward67@earthlink.net
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