2013 Chicago Marathon

Fans discuss security concerns regarding Chicago Marathon.

Video by Kelsey Miller and Amanda DeVoe

Newly Civilian Vets Work to Bridge the Gap in Veteran Services

Joe Franzese and Juan Perez talk to a DePaul journalism class about grassroots organization Warrior to Warrior. (Photo/Mike Reilley)

By Amanda DeVoe

After serving in the military, many veterans find it difficult returning to civilian life.

There are not enough services geared toward vets to assist with issues they face when they from war. However, there many grassroots organizations geared toward bridging the gap in services to vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

“With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, [the government] didn’t anticipate them lasting 12 years,” said Joe Franzese, program coordinator of veterans organization Warrior to Warrior and a DePaul University alum. “They weren’t prepared for the amount of veterans coming out and needing VA services.

“With the rate of returning vets increasing daily, it can take up to 500 days for the VA to review each case. It’s just a huge bureaucratic mess unfortunately.”

Franzese also said that there are some veterans who need mentorship and assistance but do not know where to start. According to the website, the program is designed for veterans, by veterans to assist in resources which include finance, employment, education and other concerns.