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New Initiative for Military Veterans
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has launched a new initiative to provide comprehensive support for military veterans and their families. This significant effort was organized by the Church’s Military Relations, Chaplain Services and Prison Ministries Division of the Priesthood and Family Department, which has been advising the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for over 75 years.
This initiative is designed to serve Latter-day Saint veterans worldwide, not just in the United States. The division has stated, “We have a new veteran support team with local liaisons across the globe who stand ready to support veterans and lovingly assist in connecting them with helpful resources that can benefit them and their families and enhance Church leaders’ local efforts on their behalf.”
Origins and Leadership
The veteran support initiative began more than a year ago when Latter-day Saint veteran Dallas Johnson felt a spiritual prompting to approach the Church. He became the founding coordinator of this important effort. Currently, Elder Timothy Fagan, a military service missionary and veteran, serves as the Church’s veteran support coordinator.
Veteran Challenges
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 20 million veterans in the United States, including almost 2 million women. The challenges faced by veterans are significant and often devastating:
- An average of 20 veterans die by suicide each day
- A 2019 Pew Research Study reported that about 47% of post-9/11 veterans found it difficult to readjust to civilian life after their military service
- Many veterans struggle with alcohol or substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and difficulties in finding or maintaining employment
- A 2021 New York Times article highlighted veterans dealing with health problems, trauma, and feelings of displacement and alienation
Resources Provided
The Church’s Military Relations, Chaplain Services and Prison Ministries Division offers a wide range of resources for veterans:
- Veteran peer support and recognition
- Family Services and counseling resources
- References for veteran benefits
- Employment resources
- Networking and recreational opportunities
- Missionary and service opportunities
- Military relations missionaries
- Support for local Church leadership
Church Involvement in Veteran Events
The Church demonstrated its commitment to veterans by sponsoring the 38th annual National Veterans Golden Age Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. These games, held from August 24-29, featured sports competitions and health education sessions for veterans 55 years and older. The event aimed to showcase the value of sports, wellness, and fitness in assisting veterans to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Local Latter-day Saints had the opportunity to serve as volunteers at the games through JustServe.org, further strengthening the connection between the Church community and veterans.
Personal Experience and Insights
Elder Fagan, who served nearly 30 years in the military, participated in various events at the games, including pickleball, table tennis, javelin, discus, and swimming. He shared how engaging in physical activities helped him through difficult times:
“If you’re doing something physical, you don’t have time to think about your wartime scars,” he said. Elder Fagan also emphasized the importance of veterans supporting each other: “Veterans helping veterans, that’s the best source of help because a fellow veteran understands what the military life is like. I think that is going to be the key to pulling veterans out of homelessness, poverty, the drive to commit suicide and mental health issues.”
Stake Military Relations Specialist
To further support this initiative at the local level, the Church is encouraging stake presidencies to consider calling a military relations specialist. According to the Church’s General Handbook, this role can be filled by either a man or a woman, and military experience is not required. The specialist ensures that resources are provided to support members of the military in the stake.
Elder Fagan highlighted the importance of this role, stating that the military relations specialist can be the individual who provides a personal connection to veterans in their respective stake.
How to Learn More and Get Involved
Veterans or family members seeking support can contact Church veteran support at 801-240-2286 or email veteransupport@churchofjesuschrist.org. For more information about the Church’s Military, Chaplain Services and Prison Ministries Division, individuals can visit ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
This comprehensive initiative reflects the Church’s commitment to supporting and honoring those who have served in the military, recognizing the unique challenges they face and the valuable contributions they have made to their countries and communities.
