Veteran X
The hands-on process of Veteran ‘X’ engages Veterans in their treatment, resulting in a Veteran-centered treatment plan.
VA Butler Healthcare began a new type of group program for Veterans this past fall—a group for Veterans by Veterans. The program is called “Veteran ‘X’,” and Veteran participants serve as the treatment team for a fictitious Veteran ‘X.’
In the program, Veteran ‘X’ has a number of challenges similar to those faced by the group’s participants. While helping Veteran ‘X’ to solve his issues, participants gain valuable skills and information to resolve their own issues.
“A challenge of mental health recovery is moving from a passive recipient to an active collaborator in the treatment process,” said Cary Adkins, Army Veteran, Peer Specialist, and Veteran ‘X’ Group Coordinator. “Many Veterans are unfamiliar with developing a treatment plan, and therefore, have difficulty playing an active part in establishing the goals and objectives of treatment. Veteran ‘X’ focuses on providing Veterans the opportunity to take an active role in choosing treatment goals and finding solutions to problems they may be facing.”
The hands-on process of Veteran ‘X’ engages Veterans in their treatment, resulting in a Veteran-centered treatment plan. Each week Veterans address a new or ongoing problem/concern for Veteran ‘X,’ often times enlisting the assistance and support of a VA staff member. For example, in a recent group, Veteran ‘X’ met with VA Butler’s My HealtheVet Coordinator and learned how to open and maneuver a My HealtheVet account. He also learned all of the benefits to having an account and all the different features of My HealtheVet.
This group is really about Veterans helping Veterans; Veterans sharing goals, information, and solutions.
This group is really about Veterans helping Veterans; Veterans sharing goals, information, and solutions. So, what do the Veterans in the Veteran ‘X’ group think about the program? One thing is unanimous: They all encourage other Veterans to attend.
Woody Waddell, Army Veteran
“I started attending Veteran ‘X’ eight weeks ago to learn and provide support. I find the comradery the most helpful!”
Robert Joe Blackwell, Air Force Veteran
“I started attending Veteran ‘X’ because I knew it was something that could be very good for me, and useful to be able to help others with the information I learned. I find the information I have received, along with the love and understanding that exists between us Veterans to be the most helpful.”
Wayne Brumagin, Navy Veteran
“While listening to others and proceeding through the Veteran ‘X’ scenario, I have found it to be a humbling experience. And, based on the sharing of others, I should never judge a book by its cover when there is so much I don’t know.”
Joe McKruit, Army Veteran
“Our guests each week not only bring their knowledge, but also take away the experiences and concerns of Veterans, and adjust their approach accordingly. We all feel part of the solution for an ever-changing and constantly improving VA.”
Bill Barger, Air Force Veteran
“I find the people brought in to provide key information and answer questions about specific topics to be the most helpful. Veteran ‘X’ has provided me with knowledge of services available to me as a Veteran. It’s also enabled me to self-advocate.”
Rick Johnson, Army Veteran
“Veteran ‘X’ has helped me feel a sense of belonging and comradery. It’s helped me recover my dignity, and the honor I felt in the Army.”
Bob Sheppeck, Navy Veteran
“What I find the most helpful about Veteran ‘X’ is all the other Veterans I have met. We all have issues, but together we are becoming a strong group of able people again.”
Scott Woods, Army Veteran
Veteran ‘X’ helps us advocate for ourselves and each other. I encourage other Veterans to attend to receive information about VA services that will benefit them.”
Rick Atstupenas, Marine Corps Veteran
“I encourage other Veterans to attend this group. The friendship and education has been invaluable!”
Andrew Slywczuk, Army Veteran
“The group brings back a sense of comradery that many of us lose after we are discharged. The group is Veterans helping Veterans—and that’s a great thing!”
The Veteran ‘X’ group is held every Monday from 6-8pm, and Veterans are encouraged to join at any time. To learn more about the group, contact Cary Adkins (724) 996-8892 or Rebecca Fast (724) 285-2293.
