Veteran Perspectives on Family-Serving Recreation and Leisure Programs

Nasaskyia R. Hicks; Iryna Sharaievska; Lyudmyla Tsykalova; Jasmine Townsend; Bryan L. Miller

doi:10.21061/jvs.v11i1.675

Veteran Perspectives on Family-Serving Recreation and Leisure Programs

Journal of Veterans Studies

Volume 11 (2025): Issue 1

By: Nasaskyia R. Hicks , Iryna Sharaievska , Lyudmyla Tsykalova , Jasmine Townsend and Bryan L. Miller

Open Access

|Mar 2025

Abstract

Reintegration is a challenging process for veterans returning to civilian life with various individual and family needs. Recently, recreation and leisure programs have become more popular as a viable alternative to the comprehensive care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Despite the growing use of recreation and leisure programs for veterans and their families, little is known about their potential benefits during reintegration. This study elicited the perspectives of veterans participating in recreation and leisure programs provided by America’s Warrior Partnership. Eighteen interviews were conducted with veterans who expressed multiple individual benefits, including, but not limited to, relaxation, acceptance, and comradery. The families of veterans also experienced benefits related to improved family communication, establishment of new roles, emotional responses, and reconnection.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v11i1.675 | Journal eISSN: 2470-4768

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Language: English

Page range: 80 - 94

Submitted on: Jan 14, 2025

Accepted on: Feb 28, 2025

Published on: Mar 24, 2025

Published by: Virginia Tech Publishing

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

veterans,

families,

recreation and leisure programs,

reintegration

© 2025 Nasaskyia R. Hicks, Iryna Sharaievska, Lyudmyla Tsykalova, Jasmine Townsend, Bryan L. Miller, published by Virginia Tech Publishing
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 11 (2025): Issue 1