Homefront 911

How Veterans' Families Are Wounded by Our Wars

By: Stacy Bannerman

Narrated by: Moira Driscoll

The hallmarks of America’s War on Terror have been repeated long deployments and a high percentage of troops returning with psychological problems. Family members of combat veterans are at a higher risk of potentially lethal domestic violence than almost any other demographic; it’s estimated that one in four children of active-duty service members has symptoms of depression; and nearly one million veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan require increased care due to physical or psychological trauma. But, despite these staggering trends, civilian America has not been mobilized to take care of the families left behind; the American home front, which traditionally has been rallied to support the nation’s war efforts, has disappeared.

In Homefront 911 Stacy Bannerman, a nationally recognized advocate for military families, provides an insider’s view of how more than a decade of war has contributed to the emerging crisis we are experiencing in today’s military and veteran families as they battle with overwhelmed VA offices, a public they feel doesn’t understand their sacrifices, and a nation that still isn’t fully prepared to help those who have given so much. Bannerman, whose husband served in Iraq, describes how extended deployments cause cumulative, long-lasting strain on families who may not see their parent, child, or spouse for months on end. She goes on to share the tools she and others have found to begin to heal their families and advocates policies for advancing programs, services, and civilian support, all to help repair the broken agreement that the nation will care for its returning soldiers and their families.

©2015 Stacy Bannerman (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Heartfelt Awareness

Seeking informative resource on Veterans perspective on their experience with the quality of government services provided I purchased this book. It is clear VA Hospitals either need to be a superior experience for Veterans or integrated into our public hospital services provided to the general public. To create/fund a separate inferior hospital experience for our Veterans especially in regards to wait times defies all common sense logic. It should be better or simply fund our existing hospitals to expand their services to Veterans at contracted rates.

Our Veterans need a simple one stop national website, with simple quick reference menus to meet their needs from their specific region for healthcare, counseling, job placement/career, suicide hotlines, marriage counseling, drug rehab, local churches, etc.

The author encourages more efficiency & reduced wait times for those Veterans in need of these services. Funding is one issue, quality & efficiency is equally important. The competitive free market will always be competing for superior customer experiences & that is what our Veterans deserve. Outsourcing Veterans services to the free market at contracted rates is likely the best means of serving their needs.

Author does well to inform public on challenges of the aftermath of war & assists many others in identical scenarios. Her sink or swim mentally is very encouraging & has braved the storm of many challenges while assisting others safely to shore. Very informative, compassionate presentation. Job well done.