Ethel Lansdale Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 67

Today is the first day of June!

June is a busy month for VFW Auxiliary members. In addition to being the month during which most Department Conventions take place, there are a number of holidays, military birthdays and other observances this month. Below are just a few.

June Monthly Observances:
Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, Aphasia Awareness Month, National PTS(D) Awareness Month, National Safety Month, Pride Month, Oral Health Month, Cancer from the Sun Month, Fireworks Safety Month, National Foster a Pet Month and National Adopt a Cat Month.

June Holidays & Observances:
Don't Give Up the Ship Day (6/1), Anniversary of D-Day (6/6), Donald Duck Day (6/9), National Women Veterans Recognition Day (6/12), Flag Day (6/14), Juneteenth (6/19), Father's Day (6/21), Summer Solstice/First Day of Summer (6/21), PTS(D) Awareness Day (6/27).

June Birthdays:
United States Army (6/14) and the Coast Guard Auxiliary (6/23).

Happy June!

June is PTS(D) Awareness Month.

While post-traumatic stress does not solely affect veterans, veterans are statistically more likely than the general public to suffer the effects of PTS(D), with a documented 6% of male veterans and 13% of female veterans experiencing it in their lifetimes (though actual numbers may be substantially higher, as many of those who struggle with post-traumatic stress do not seek diagnosis or treatment). The number of veterans diagnosed with PTS(D) is higher among those who've served in recent conflicts (for example, up to 29% of Iraqi Freedom veterans) than those who served nearly a century ago (3% of WWII and Korean War veterans) but it is important to remember that what we now know as PTS(D) was known by a number of other names in the past: "Shell Shock," "Battle Fatigue," "Soldier's Heart," "Combat Stress Reaction" and even the misleading "Nostalgia."

“Asking for support is not waving a white flag, it is a tactical decision to stay in the fight for your family, your future and your life,” said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore.

As a VFW Auxiliary members, you can help by knowing the signs, memorizing the Veterans Crisis Line number and sharing resources with those in need. Use the linked articles below to get started.

The VFW is shining a spotlight on PTS(D) this June. Read their article here: https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2026/6/vfw-highlights-importance-of-mental-health-this-national-ptsd-awareness-month

The VA shares the basics of PTS(D), including signs:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp

The VA also has linked resources for those who need help:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

For those having suicidal thoughts or feelings, or feelings of hopelessness, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7.
Just dial 988, then press 1.

For a brief history on the usage of PTSD versus older terms like shell shock, see this History Channel article:
https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-ptsd-and-shell-shock

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