Veterans react to Iran situation, seek support 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- As all Americans process the events of this weekend and Monday, ABC57 asked what it's like for those who served to process what's unfolding in the Middle East.

It is a divided country over the president's decision to strike Iran's nuclear sites Saturday, including among those who served in America's armed forces, who, like any group, are no monolith.

"I can understand veterans being a little more sensitive to today's news," said Douglas Bingaman, a veteran who served in the U.S. Coast Guard in the 1990s.

"I believe, personally, that we're safer," he said. "My understanding is that this has been in the works for 15-17 years, that this particular bomb was necessarily specific for this target."

He is now Commander of the American Legion Post 303 in South Bend and understands a place for veterans should never be partisan.

"It's always nice to have someplace to go where you can share non-political camaraderie, and that would be like an American Legion, here at Post 303."

He also understands that now more than ever, veterans may need extra support.

"Definitely, always important, more so now," he said.

Scott Valentic is another veteran who served in the U.S. Army active duty.

"I've paid a lot more attention to how it must make our veterans feel," he said.

Valentic now works with a veteran support nonprofit, FW22.

"It can be triggering for veterans because this is something that a lot of our service members have experienced who did deploy overseas, to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom," he said.

He said this weekend's events, and Monday's Iranian counter-strike, are all too familiar for some vets.

"By reading about the events, it can kind of bring forward some of those emotions, those feelings, that the veterans or service members have already experienced in their lives, and kind of bring it back to the front," he said.

As news continues to develop regarding the situation in the Middle East, Valentic encourages vets to seek support and to ask for help if they need it.

"It's okay to not be okay, and we are here to support you," he said.

FW22 is based in Fort Wayne, but Valentic said they are available for any veteran and will resource-map support for anyone who reaches out.

The Veteran Crisis Line is available 24/7; simply dial 988, then press 1.