1875 Virginia Ave, North Bend, Oregon 97459 Hours: Monday 1pm-5pm; Tuesday - Thursday 9am-5pm closed 12-1 for lunch; Closed Fridays
desk@sovoservesvets.org
458-802-3186 (Office) 541-756-8758 (Fax)
Southwestern Oregon Veterans Outreach
About Southwestern Oregon Veterans Outreach, Inc.
(SOVO) helps bridge the gap between what is available and what is needed to assist in meeting the needs of our veterans and their families. SOVO helps ensure that veterans receive the benefits they are due for their service to our country. Coos County, Oregon has approximately 6000 veterans and one County Veterans Service Officer and one Claims assistant.
PM Outpost 101 – A Legacy of devotion
PMIM Mission Statement
Point Man International is considered a service organization with an evangelistic purpose. It provides information to the public but keeps Jesus Christ as the focal point. Point Man acts as a referral service to connect hurting soldiers, veterans, wives and other family members to our Outpost and Homefront system for continued support and fellowship. These support groups are available at no charge and utilize the gospel of Jesus Christ and Biblical principles to facilitate healing and restoration.
Point Man participates in national conferences and international publishing, radio, television and other media forms to help educate and raise awareness of the needs of veterans around the world. We provide evangelistic materials, leadership training seminars, restoration conferences, and support outreaches to act as missionaries to a target group (active-duty soldiers, veterans and their families).
Point Man is an interdenominational mission-oriented ministry. We embrace any Christian denomination that agrees with the basic evangelical Statement of Faith that is established by Corporate Board of Directors of the ministry.
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Point Man Ministries Outpost 101: A History of Service in Coos Bay
The story of Point Man Ministries in Coos Bay begins with Mike Harris, a Vietnam War veteran. After struggling with the aftermath of his combat experiences, Mike encountered a transformative spiritual awakening in January 1981. This pivotal moment led him on a path of faith and healing, eventually guiding him to support his fellow veterans.
1988: The Founding of Outpost 101
Inspired by his journey and the messages from Dr. James Dobson’s “Focus on the Family” broadcast, Mike connected with “Point Man International Ministries” (PMIM). Deeply moved by the book NamVet; Making Peace With Your Past, he decided to establish an affiliate outpost in Coos Bay/North Bend. The inaugural meeting at Blossom Gulch Grade School, attended by veterans Hank Elsworth and John Schwenzfeier, marked the birth of “Outpost 101.” This gathering signified the beginning of a community bound by shared experiences and faith.
1988 – 1990: Building the Foundation
The early years saw the steady growth of the ministry. Veterans from various conflicts started to join the meetings, finding solace and support in the community. Mike’s dedication to his mission was unwavering, as he aimed to be a listening ear for veterans in need.
1990: Expansion and Relocation
Mike and his wife, Connie, felt a call to further serve by relocating to Seattle to work at the PMIM Headquarters. Despite the emotional challenge of leaving their home in Coos Bay, they moved to Clearview, Washington, in June 1990. Later, their commitment to service extended abroad as they spent five and one half years on a mission in Southeast Asia, focusing on communist Laos as their target country, from January 1992 to August 1997.
1990 – 1997: Hank’s Leadership
During Mike’s absence, Hank Elsworth took over as the Outpost Leader. His steadfast leadership ensured the continuity of the ministry. He often described his role as a partnership with the divine, with John Schwenzfeier and Mark Winders attending meetings whenever possible. Under Hank’s guidance, the ministry attracted more veterans, providing them with much-needed support.
1999 – 2014: Mark Winders’ Leadership
Mark Winders joined the ministry in 1999 during a personal crisis when his wife, Libbie, was bedridden. Seeking solace and prayer, he found a place within the ministry. Larry, Mike, and Hank supported him on his first visit, and he was embraced by these men, a moment that still moves him today. Their guidance and support played a significant role in his journey. Mark stepped into leadership when Hank moved north. He led the outpost until 2014 when he moved to Tucson, AZ.
2014 – 2016: Transitional Period
During Mark’s absence, the outpost saw various leaderships. In 2016, upon Mark’s return to the coast, Ron Van Vlack was the current outpost chapter leader.
2016 – 2023: Mark’s Return and Leadership
INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS AND FLASHBACKS:
Replaying military experiences in their minds, searching for alternative outcomes. Flashbacks triggered by everyday experiences: helicopters, the smell of urine, the smell of diesel fuel, the smell of mold, the smell of Asian food cooking, green tree lines, popcorn popping, rainy days, and refugees.
ISOLATION:
He has few friends. Isolates family emotionally and sometimes geographically. Fantasizes about being a hermit, moving away from his problems. Believes no one can understand and no one would listen if he tried to talk about his experiences. Isolates himself from his partner, family, and others with a “leave me alone” attitude. He needs no one.
EMOTIONAL NUMBING:
Cold, aloof, uncaring, detached. Constant fear of “losing control”… ” I may never stop crying!”
DEPRESSION:
Sense of helplessness, worthlessness, and dejection. Lacks self-esteem and suffers from great insecurity. Feels undeserving of good feelings. Seems unable to handle it when things are going well and may appear to try to be sabotaging the situation.
ANGER:
Quiet, masked rage which is frightening to the veteran and to those around them. Sublimating the rage against inanimate objects. Unable to handle or identify frustrations. Unexplainable, inappropriate anger.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
Used primarily to numb the painful memories of past experiences. Heavy use of alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and other drugs.
GUILT -SUICIDAL FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS:
Self-destructive behavior. Hopeless physical fights, single car accidents, compulsive blood donors. Self inflicted injuries to feel pain – many accidents with power tools. High suicide rate. Financial suicide. As soon as things are well off, doing something to lose it all, or walking away from it. Survivor’s Guilt when others have died around them. “How is it that I survived when others more worthy than I did not?” (more so with medical personnel)
ANXIETY or NERVOUSNESS:
Uncomfortable when people walk close behind them or sit behind them. Conditioned suspicion, he trusts no one. Startled responses.
EMOTIONAL CONSTRICTION:
Unresponsive to self, therefore unresponsive to others. Unable to express or share feelings, cannot talk about personal emotions. Unable to achieve intimacy with family, partner, or friends.
DENIAL:
Unable to admit that he has any of the above symptoms or that he may have PTSD. May deny that his military experience could have anything to do with his attitude. In extreme cases, will deny that he was even in the military. Unwilling to seek help. Trusts no one.
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