Jo Anne Truskoski and her husband Michael are no strangers to the challenges a military family can face. Michael is a 35-year Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. He released for medical reasons in 2012 and suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and several other health challenges.

Connecting with the Veteran Family Program

While life after service hasn’t always been easy, since 2018, Jo Anne and Michael have received support through the Veteran Family Program, the local Military Family Resource Centre, and particularly, Louise – their Veteran Family Program Coordinator.

According to Jo Anne, “Our experience with the program has been nothing but positive. Louise is our Guardian Angel. She is an unbelievable listener, she knows exactly where to go to find the resource you need, she’s professional but still manages to make you feel like family. Throughout COVID, Louise has continued to check in to make sure we’re doing ok.”

Getting the support they need

Thanks to the Veteran Family Program and Louise’s support, Jo Anne and Michael participated in a Mental Health First Aid course as well as the COPE program, designed to help couples overcome the effects of PTSD.

Participating in that Mental Health First Aid course and the COPE program changed so much for us. We worked on the impact PTSD had on ourselves and our relationship, and we came through the other side of the program stronger.

For those who may be on the fence about contacting the Veteran Family Program, Jo Anne has the following advice: “Stop thinking about it and DO IT… you will be glad you did!”

If you’re considering the Veteran Family Program, click here for more information.