Social workers help people from all walks of life overcome life’s challenges. To learn more visit the National Association of Social Workers’ HelpStartsHere.org website.
Someone to Talk to Upon Returning from War
John Cowart
John Cowart, who is National Social Worker of the Year, devoted his 30-year career to helping improve the quality of life for veterans.
The Atlantic Magazine sat down with Cowart, who is now retired, to talk about the challenges and rewards of working with our nation’s veterans.
The North Carolina resident, who served as a medic in Vietnam and worked at the VA Medical Center in Asheville, said there is more respect for veterans now than during the Vietnam War era. However, veterans of all wars need help in reintegrating into society and dealing with mental illnesses such as post traumatic stress, he said.
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I’m a Vietnam Vet and Social Worker too. I too enjoyed helping our active duty Navy & with Domestic Violence Social Worker & Mental Health Triage Social Worker for Army in Hawaii. As a PSR Psychosocial Social Worker, Fellow, Bedford VAMC focused on helping Vets with Serious Mental Illness issues with their recovery and resiliency issues.
I once worked with an agency who had a contract with the VA hospital in Cortland, NY and I worked with VietNam vets who suffered from PTSD. I learned first hand how much veterans appreciate all the help available. I applaud John Cowart for his dedication to working with vets. They so need all the care and support available after all they have done for us and for our country.
Welcome Home , Brother ! Thank you for your service on and off the battlefield !