More support is needed for veterans of the Defence Forces in the Shannonside region
Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann is a charity providing support and advocacy for ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces.
According to a local O.N.E veteran's officer, former troops of all ages are now seeking help with homelessness, mental health supports or PTSD.
Longford man Steven Shields believes the regions strong military history means there are hundreds of ex service men and women living locally.
Speaking to the Joe Finnegan Show today. Steven says many soldiers have experienced trauma on the job that they carry with them everyday:
'In a 60 mile radius we've had Cavan Barracks, O'Neill Barracks, Columb Barracks in Mullingar and Longford in the middle.
The only barracks that remains open, with 900 personnel, is Custume Barracks in Athlone.
So you can imagine how many veterans that have served in those four barracks and the issues that have come up for those personnel.
Everyday is a different day, everyday is different but the main thing is that O.N.E are their to support in any way in any capacity.'
