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Statement from
Dr. Cynthia Washington

PERCEVD is a dynamic training program designed to educate employers, increase employee retention and productivity, and improve employer-employee relations. Veterans are wonderful employees. They can be outstanding leaders as well as followers. They are disciplined and dedicated individuals who are willing to sacrifice personally for the greater good. But unique challenges may be faced when dealing with veterans, particularly in this day and age given the fact many have served in a combat zone.

War changes one’s perspective forever. Ideals and moral values are challenged, and identities are reshaped. Some say that if you can survive battle, you can survive anything. However, some military veterans face challenges dealing with the stress of battle. Some are injured physically, some emotionally and others suffer both physical and mental trauma. Take for example, a US Marine who lost his leg when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his vehicle, or a soldier who is unable to tolerate loud noises and subsequently experiences anxiety attacks because the sounds distinctively remind her of the mortar attacks she endured on her base in Iraq. Another example to consider would be a soldier who is unable to look at raw meat because it would remind him a comrade that was killed Iraq.

PERCEVD training program, seeks to educate employers and create an awareness to common physical and mental health conditions commonly seen in veterans. Based on the myriad of various media reports, many people have a very subjective understanding regarding war conditions such as “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” (PTSD) and depression.

PERCEVD provides an in-depth perspective about these conditions and provides insight towards recognizing various nuances and providing solutions that may mitigate potential challenges in the workplace. PERCEVD also addresses other conditions commonly seen in veterans such as phobias and other types of anxiety, as well as substance abuse and dependence. Our instruction is not meant to act as a primer to teach employers how to diagnose and treat conditions, but is meant to help them identify symptoms likely attributable to certain conditions and problem solve.

This training is critically important on many different levels. Based on events in US politics, as well as developments in Iraq and Afghanistan, many veterans may be leaving active duty military in growing numbers and will soon entering the civilian workforce. Members of the National Guard and Reserve will also be returning to their jobs after redeployment. Based on the number of veterans hired by large companies and recently publicized reports of stress and mental health related statistics, odds are many will have some issues related to their military service that could impact their civilian job performance. PERCEVD training can help address these various issues and create a more inclusive work environment with workplace accommodations that may yield more understanding and sensitivity towards ‘trigger’ issues and resources for help.

History has demonstrated the challenges faced by returning veterans. Many veterans of the Vietnam War faced challenges attempting to reintegrate into society, and experienced a myriad of problems as a result. Based on this, and recent data on returning veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, it can be anticipated that veterans will continue to face challenges transitioning back in the civilian sector. We don’t have to repeat history since we know what to expect and how to help.

I hope that you will gain from our training program and help make the transition for our veterans a comfortable and successful endeavor. Thank you for your consideration!

Cynthia Washington, M.D. Psychiatrist OIF Veteran