Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, February 1, 1991 TAG: 9102010271
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Joe Kennedy
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Support groups have been established at some schools with significant numbers of pupils who have relatives serving in Operation Desert Storm.
At other schools, guidance counselors are working individually with youngsters worried about their friends and relatives in the conflict.
Steve Harris, coordinator of the support group Operation Homefront for adults, sponsored by the American Red Cross in Roanoke, is trying to find space so a support group for entire families can be established. A school or church building would be ideal, he said.
He has talked with the Roanoke City school administration and is waiting for a reply. "They really want to see this happen," he said. In the meantime, anyone with space to offer should call Steve Smith at the American Red Cross in Roanoke at 985-3560.
Harris, who is with Mental Health Services of Roanoke Valley, says the school guidance counselor is a good place for a child to start. If his or her worries continue strongly, you could call the Red Cross number above and ask to be referred for counseling.
Support groups have been meeting at Garden City and Monterey elementary schools, at Patrick Henry and William Fleming high schools and possibly others in Roanoke, said Lou Talbutt, supervisor of guidance for the city schools.
She and Harris are setting up in-service training for teachers, counselors and staff to provide help for worried children.
Residents of outlying areas should check with their schools to see if such groups are available.
If you have questions about anything from Persian Gulf geography and climate to effects on the price of gas or how to write a member of a military unit, call the Mideast Hot Line at\ 981-3313 leave a recorded message. We welcome other contributions - tips for coping, letters and photos from loved ones overseas, ideas for boosting their morale. Send them to\ MIDEAST HOT LINE, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va., 24010. note that items sent to us cannot be returned.
by CNB