There's more than one way to re-integrate into civilian life after a tour of duty, and military personnel don't have to go through this process on their own. Joining a group or class can be a great decision, whether the goal is simply to make new friends and connections or to counter the intense stresses that can go with military service.
Between nonprofits, state and federal government agencies and private undertakings, veterans will be able to find programs that suit their particular interests, whatever those may be. Art, sports, music and any hobby imaginable can become a relaxing bonding experience for service members. Below are two recent examples.
Referees in training
The Los Angeles Times pointed to a very unique group for veterans interested in football – Battlefields to Ballfields, founded by former NFL head official Mike Pereira, who currently contributes to Fox Sports broadcasts. Pereira explained that by joining a sports officiating team, former military members can gain a sense of camaraderie and belonging to a unit, something that they may find themselves missing when they return from a tour of duty.
The organization has ambitious goals for its new referees. The news provider explained that Pereira hopes the refs rising through his program will one day officiate high-level college games, or make it all the way to the NFL. With the need for referees to enforce rules at all levels of play, there is an obvious outlet for members to use their new knowledge.
There is a natural match between officiating sports and the skills veterans pick up in the military. Referees have to respond confidently to high-speed action, and potentially take the jeers of a hostile crowd. The mental toughness and focus built in the armed forces mean that veterans are set up to succeed on the playing field. Battlefields to Ballfields helps them make it to higher levels of expertise with grants for equipment, uniforms, training and insurance.
Rock music heals wounds
Some hobby-based organizations for veterans are aimed specifically at those who were wounded while serving – they use their programs as alternative forms of therapy. Houston Press recently spotlighted one such group, Rock 4 Recovery. This project, spearheaded by Iraq veteran Paul De La Cerda, runs a rehearsal space where vets can come and play music and connect with one another. Performing music can be a therapeutic experience, and the value of having a shared space to meet up is also considerable.
Beyond that, the group also reaches out to famous rock bands to help local veterans with free concert tickets. Sometimes, the stars go even further, offering full-on VIP experiences in recognition of the important service military members provide. The news provider noted that De La Cerda's efforts to bring music to the veteran community also include shows from his own group, Vetted, specifically for military audiences. The many arms of his program all aim to create safe and creative spaces for vets, using music as the connective thread.
No matter what the unifying concept is, any hobby, sport or type of art can become a bonding experience for military personnel as they navigate their return to civilian life.