Portraits of Service

Chris Figura 20 years of service (6 years in Air Force, 14 years in Army) Specializations: Armament Specialist, Firefighter, Security Police, Recruiting “I’ve worked with homeless veterans as a counselor, and I help those people that have hit rock bottom to get back on their feet and be productive in society. I feel it is a calling of mine, because I can relate, I’ve been through the deployments, and I’ve dealt with PTSD in the past. It’s easier to counsel somebody when you have a good idea of what they’re going through, and help them see that there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Erica Holbert-Siebert)

Portraits of Service

Dan Bowman U.S. Army 6 years of service Specializations: Engineer Equipment Mechanic “The opportunity I had to serve is important to me. I got to learn a trade in the Army and the mechanical aptitude is always a handy thing to have. I was a deputy sheriff for 20 years after I got out of the Army. I volunteered while in the Army, and now I volunteer at the VA a peer specialist. I felt like I needed to give something back because the VA has done a lot for me, and now it’s become a sort of life of service in whatever I’ve done. But I like what I’m doing right now better than anything I’ve ever done in my life. When you’re talking to a homeless veteran that might be struggling with some other issues, and you see a flicker of hope in their eyes that says hey, maybe I don’t have to live like this, it gives you tingles, it really does.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Erica Holbert-Siebert)

Scott Veteran's Center helps smooth transition into civilian life

Published Nov. 5, 2015
By Senior Airman Joshua Eikren
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Knowing what services are offered to veterans and their families can be daunting, but the Scott Air Force Base Veteran's Center is getting the word out on how they can help those in need.

The Vet Center is a community-based service for veterans, active duty and family members that use the Scott Clinic for their health care needs.

Chris Figura, Scott AFB Vet Center Readjustment Counselor, said, "One of our main jobs is to help with readjustment to civilian life. Readjustment counseling consists of a wide range of psycho-social services with our goal of helping them make a successful transition."

Other services that are offered are: individual readjustment counseling, referral for benefits assistance, group readjustment counseling, liaison with community agencies, marital and family counseling, substance abuse information/referral, sexual trauma counseling/referral, bereavement counseling, community education and job counseling and placement.

"Our goal is to reach and help as many veterans, retirees, active duty, and family members dealing with readjustments or any mental health problems they may be struggling with," said Figura. "My goal is for people to see that we can be a great resource and support channel to use for any problems they may have."

There is no charge for their service and eligibility is determined by service in a combat zone. They are also active in starting new programs like Smart Recovery, an addiction recovery group, and a PTSD support group meeting.

Anthony Salem, Scott AFB Vet Center volunteer, said, "We've also started programs such as a meditation class that look to help with anxiety and depression."

Salem is just one of the volunteers at the Vet Center that bring their personal experience and understanding to better help those in need. He has turned to a veteran's center in the past for his own benefit.

"For seven years I struggled with severe PTSD, and I always found comfort coming to the Vet Center and getting help," said Salem.

The Vet Center looks to continue helping veterans in need through outreach and sharing connections with military life said Figura.

"The Vet Center is important to me because I have been in combat situations, and I have dealt with a lot of similar issues. My hope is to be that person to help someone see there is light at the end of the tunnel by being an example," he said. "I had no idea when I was in and after I got out that there was anything out there like the Vet Center that could help me ... it can make life a lot easier when you do."

Vet Center staff respect veteran's privacy, and hold in strictest confidence all information disclosed in counseling. No information will be communicated to any person or agency without written consent from veterans, except to avert a crisis (Privacy Act, 1975).

For more information, contact the Scott AFB Veteran's Center at 314-652-4100. It's located on the fifth floor of the medical clinic.