Combat Stress and the ACVOW Mission

Founded in 2001, ACVOW is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Federal Tax ID# 20-2012147) comprised of veteran volunteers who are committed to guiding our nation’s warriors on their path to living a productive and fulfilling life, despite their combat stress. ACVOW’s signature characteristic is its combat veteran volunteers who mentor, advise and assist other veterans, active duty personnel and military families suffering from combat stress – or post traumatic stress (PTSD) – and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

ACVOW assists veterans in a number of ways. First, it provides a forum, or safe zone, called the Safe Warrior Outreach Program. Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans come together and share their combat and post combat experiences with other veterans. They also exchange dialogue directly with those who share common challenges and can offer assistance in coping with combat stress.

Furthermore, with the encouragement of their peers, combat veterans are assured that it is indeed normal and suitable to seek further counseling if necessary. ACVOW is one of the best tools at helping combat veterans overcome the stigma within the military of seeking help in coping with combat stress.

Second, ACVOW helps our warriors and their families transition from the mental stresses of the battlefield to civilian life. We help them locate the resources available from both the military and the VA to help with their adjustment.

Third, ACVOW serves as an advocacy organization which draws attention and awareness to combat veterans suffering from combat stress. ACVOW not only reaches out to other veterans, but to public officials, government representatives and the public at large.

Fourth, ACVOW assists veterans in navigating through government bureaucracies such as the Veterans Administration. The VA offers an abundance of resources to help our veterans with combat stress, such as the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. ACVOW helps our warriors access these great resources and helps direct them to the proper treatment facility. Our volunteers help with directions, filling out forms and will even sit through counseling sessions with patients to make sure they receive the help they deserve.

Our doors are open for any warrior seeking help with combat stress or any other obstacles preventing them from getting on with their lives. Please stop by.

For more information about American Combat Veterans of War and to learn more about what we do to help our nation’s warriors suffering from combat stress, go to our main website at www.acvow.org.