Screen shot of Dan Grinstead courtesy of NBC Universal.

Cheers to Channel 9 News in Denver for this television segment and news article about social worker Dan Grinstead, who deployed to Afghanistan for year while in his 60’s.

A social worker for 35 years, Grinstead decided he wanted to serve his country by providing mental health care to soldiers. “I just couldn’t imagine myself sitting down talking with soldiers in anything other than a uniform,” he said.

During his year in Afghanistan the Iowa resident helped troops deal with a variety of issues including combat stress, relationships, loss of sleep, finances and the deaths of fellow soldiers. The commander of his battalion said Grinstead’s work was invaluable because he helped his comrades be better soldiers.

To learn more about how social workers help men and women in the armed forces visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Veterans Affairs Website by clicking here.