C URAGE
Special Supplement
VICTORIANEWS OAKBAYNEWS SAANICH NEWS
remembered
November 9, 2012
Returning to civilian life can be a battle for vets Cockrell House helps struggling veterans with transition from military Kyle Wells News staff
Gunnar Freyr Steinsson photo
Framed by the rifle of a silent sentry standing watch, Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin prepares to lay a wreath at the cenotaph during Remembrance Day 2011 ceremonies at the legislature. Memorial events are happening around the region on Sunday. See Page 5 for a full list of times and locations.
“LET’S NOT FORGET” Our Past, Present & Future Protectors We Thank You for our
W PLYWOOD
After nearly 27 years in the Canadian Army and five years into her civilian life, Terri Orser came to live at Cockrell House last year when she could no longer keep up with mortgage payments. Now, as resident, co-director, secretary and “den mother” of Cockrell House, the former Warrant Officer in the Canadian Army spends her time trying to help others while tending to her own challenges. The large pink house on Sooke Road in Colwood might look like any average multi-unit residence, but inside Cockrell House are former military personnel trying to put back together lives that have gone off the tracks since returning to civilian life. With space for 11 people in five self-contained units, the house is there for homeless veterans who need help getting off the street. Since opening in 2009, Cockrell House has assisted more than two dozen people. Veterans stay anywhere from a couple of weeks to a maximum three years. While not all who pass through the home’s doors get better, Orser said the vast majority manage to improve their lot. “One guy who lives upstairs now said it’s like being in a palace,” she said. “It’s beautifully set up. And I think they feel safe.” Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common ailment among the residents of Cockrell House. After tours in the Gulf War, the for-
mer Yugoslavia and South Africa, Orser received a medical release from the military. Among other health concerns, Orser suffers from PTSD, having been diagnosed in 1999. It all started with anxiety attacks and an inability to sleep. She also felt a desire for isolation, a symptom marked by an inability to cope with other people or dayto-day life. Orser said the day came when she went to put her combat uniform on and she started shaking. It was then she went to see a doctor. “At that time I wouldn’t have wished it on my worst enemy. It’s just horrible,” she said. “Back in ’99, you never admitted that. You’re the worst type of military person if you have PTSD. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever dealt with. And to admit it, that took me a long time. I didn’t tell anybody.” The disorder frequently leads to depression and in the most extreme cases, addiction or even suicide. While the majority of those who end up at Cockrell House are veterans in their 40s and 50s, Orser has had contact with veterans from the Second World War to people in their early 30s, and some spent limited time in the military. Cockrell resident Mike A., who asked to have his last name removed due to stigma, served in the Canadian Navy from 1978 to 1980. He was 17 years old when he joined and now describes the navy as a “breeding ground for alcoholics.” “I got booted for the drinking. No treatment was offered to me or any of that kind of stuff,” Mike said. “I don’t even know if it was available back then, it was just basically ‘you’re out.’” PLEASE SEE: Having few demands, Page A4
We join in Remembrance of those who fought for our freedom and give heartfelt thanks to our peacekeepers and veterans.
Freedom
Windsor Plywood
Westshore Saanichton 888 Van Isle Way • 250-474-6111 2120 Keating X Rd. • 250-652-5632 Locally Owned and Operated • www.windsorplywood.com
STORE HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM • SAT 9AM - 5:30PM • SUN - FAMILY DAY • FREE PARKING
903 Yates at Quadra
250-381-6000
125-2401 C Millstream Rd
250-391-1110