They’ve been fighting our battles in the searing heat of the Iraqi desert in summer and the bitter cold of the Afghanistan mountains in the winter. They are the men and women of our Armed Forces.

These brave men and women who have given so much of themselves, often times return home changed people, and it isn't always for the better. Not since Vietnam have we seen this level of combat for our troops and it has taken a toll.

Thirty percent of Marines, Forty nine percent of Army National Guardsmen, and forty three percent of Marine Reservists, (all from the either the Iraq or Afghanistan theaters of war), have reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Answering the call to this growing need, The Salvation Army in Southern California recently began The Liberty Program. Thanks to a $1.3 million grant, The Salvation Army is reaching out to the veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and supplying them with needs assessment, individual and group psychotherapy, drug/alcohol recovery, mental health services, and employment preparation.

In order to survive on the battlefield, a soldier must be hyper-vigilant, emotionally detached, and constantly on guard. In civilian life, those very same survival skills work against a man or woman who is attempting to re-establish bonds with friends and families and ease themselves back into the work force.

For many men and women who have experienced the heat of battle, the transition proves too difficult and they turn to self medicating devices such as drugs and alcohol. For others, the trauma warfare witnessed on an up close and personal basis, has left many with damaging psychological wounds that must be healed if the veteran hopes to regain the life they had before they went to war.

The Liberty Program is offered through The Salvation Army - Southern California Division programs, Bell Shelter, Harbor Light, The Haven, and the Westwood Transitional Center. To find out more information about The Liberty Program please contact David Leonard at (310) 920 – 0067 or email him at
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