Veterans of all eras are telling their stories to community members and experiencing healing. The “Listen to a Veteran” project focuses on the power of listening as a support vehicle for veterans.
The local chapter is hosting a film screening and panel discussion on Tuesday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Riedl Hall on The Ohio State University at Mansfield/North Central State College campus. The film will educate community members about issues that come with being exposed to military experiences.
The film “Is Anybody Listening?” details the research of Paula J. Caplan, Ph.D. She advocates for the experiences of veterans, serving in peace time or in combat, to be understood by the public. Instead of assigning mental diagnoses as veterans integrate back into their communities, she believes bridging the chasm between veterans and non-veterans provides needed solutions.
“The film screening is a great opportunity for the community to learn about the power of listening as well as an opportunity to engage with the fine veterans that will also be in attendance,” said Ashland Mental Health Board Veterans Project Coordinator Jennifer Whitmore, BSSW, LSW.
Formally called “The Welcome Johnny & Jane Home Project,” Listen to a Veteran facilitates one-on-one listening sessions between a veteran and a non-veteran.
In 2013, the local Listen to a Veteran project was launched by Ashland University, NCSC and OSU-Mansfield as an outreach to student veterans as well as an effort to be a trauma-informed community. Whitmore chairs the steering committee for the local Listen to a Veteran Project.
“As a community, I believe it is our privilege to support our veterans and their families,” Whitmore said. “This event is an opportunity to go beyond ‘thank you for your service,’ and learn how the power of listening can positively impact both veterans and non-veterans.”
The local chapter hosts listening hours at higher education institutions and libraries in Richland and Ashland Counties. Promotion of Listen to a Veteran happens at American Legions, Veterans of Foreign Wars halls, and assisted living facilities.
OSU-Mansfield Business Management Major Mike Carroll sits on the steering committee. He served in the Marine Corp. from 2004-2014 in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We identify facilities where our veterans are located,” Carroll said. “There is a large population of returning veterans taking advantage of the GI Bill to attend college.
The listening hours evolved out of Caplan’s research demonstrating that veterans who tell their stories feel safe, accepted and supported.
“The more stories that are heard, the more knowledge the community has about issues that they face,” Carroll said.
Listeners are not therapists, but with open hearts and minds they help veterans heal by providing a safe space for a veteran to share without judgment. Community members considering becoming listening volunteers should know it will have a two-fold impact on the life of the volunteer and the listener.
“It’s going to make our veterans feel like the community supports them just by having their back,” Carroll said. “Any time you get to know a veteran’s experience, you have more empathy for them. You understand what makes them who they are.”
OSU-Mansfield Business Management Major Scott Sparks joined Listen to a Veteran to help inform people that about what actually happens in the military. Sparks served in the Air Force from 1982 to 2017.
“I think it informs the public at a deeper level beyond what they hear on the news,” Sparks said.
Carroll believes the Listen to a Veteran Project can empower veterans to make our community better by simply being with them as they transition back into civilian life.
In addition to listening sessions, this Whitmore said the project has been a vehicle to raise awareness for the needs of veterans and their families. It has sparked other veteran-related activities such as the Ashland County Veteran Appreciation Day and The Landing Zone coffee and donuts group for veterans.
Whitmore is available to provide resources and training for churches, civic clubs and individuals that wish to reach out to veterans. Contact her at (419) 281-3139 or welisten2vets@ashlandmhrb.org for more information.
