By PATTY HOUTS-HUSSEY

John came to Whidbey Veterans Resource Center to gain assistance in receiving Veterans Affairs compensation for his service-related conditions as his illnesses are severely worsening.

John and his family were in critical need of wood for their only source of heat, a wood stove. WVRC was able to connect them with resources to provide some emergency help. There was a delivery of wood the next day.

More than 13,000 veterans live in Island County, the highest per capita in Washington state. Veterans and their families continue to serve our communities in a variety of ways.

Some veterans are struggling. More than 2,500 are disabled. A high number suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Other service-related conditions include heart disease, brain tumors, diabetes, tinnitus and skin conditions. Many veteran families struggle and are barely able to meet their living expenses.

It is often difficult to obtain assistance with VA benefits, medical enrollment and treatment, individual, family and community support, housing, basic needs, transportation, education, and employment.

In response to this need, the WVRC connects veterans and their families with VA, local, state and national resources.

WVRC services include assisting with VA claims by VSO on site, providing info and referrals and allowing disabled veterans to use the Oak Harbor pool free of charge.

The center also organizes the annual Stand Down event, which will be Aug. 1. There, we acknowledge and celebrate veterans and their families, offering food, clothing and access to VA experts who can advise on medical, employment and legal matters.

Weekly support groups are available for men and women at 5 p.m. Tuesdays and for women alone 5 p.m. Mondays.

In these groups, we share our great days, memories, our sorrows, bad days, laughs, hugs and tears. We don’t guarantee to fix anything or make things better. It is a sharing place, and sharing has healing power.

We try to provide a place for vets to gather, get support, talk and to find out how to help each other and other vets and our communities.

The center is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays at the Bayview American Legion, 14096 Highway 525 in Langley.

All are welcome at the WVRC.

Patty Houts-Hussey works at the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center.