YOUNGSTOWN — Several hundred veterans, family members and others enjoyed a buffet-style lunch and one another’s company, though the message after the meal probably will have the longest staying power.

“So many veterans come home physically, but mentally you’re still in a war zone,” Kim Y. Jordan said during her keynote speech for Thursday’s second annual Mahoning County Veterans Holiday luncheon at the Maronite Center, 1555 S. Meridian Road, on the West Side.

Jordan, a readjustment counselor with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Maple Heights, delivered her remarks to about 300 attendees during the three-hour gathering, themed “A Time for Healing.”

Sponsoring the program was the Mahoning Valley Hospital Association.

The occasion also was in memory of Raymond P. Ornelas Sr., a Marine Corps. veteran who served two years in the Korean War and was vice commander of Struthers-based Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3538. He died Nov. 11 at age 87.

Jordan, who also served 20 years in the U.S. Army, noted that her department assesses veterans who suffer years of post-traumatic stress disorder, anger, frustration and isolation after having returned from combat. Some also struggle with survivor’s guilt; in addition, some men and women are victims of military sexual trauma, while others experience difficulties readjusting to civilian life, she explained.

“Nobody in a combat zone comes back the same, after you experience that culture,” Jordan continued.

She also tries to assist Vietnam War veterans, many of whom were excoriated, spit on and called names after having returned home. In addition, Jordan works with children, some of whom may not understand the source of anger from a parent who fought in a war, she said.

Another piece of Jordan’s underlying message to veterans was that regardless of what they’ve been through or are experiencing post-combat, they have nothing to be ashamed of or any reasons to feel guilt.

“Whatever you’re carrying, it’s time to unload it,” Jordan said while imploring those who need emotional or other help to seek it. “It’s time to get some peace in your life.”

Making additional remarks were Susan Krawchyk and Delmas E. Stubbs, director and community-outreach coordinator, respectively, of the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission in Youngstown.

Also at the luncheon, Ruby Yates, 96, and James A. Rogers, 95, were honored for their military and civilian service. Both served in the Army during World War II and fought for others’ civil rights at home.

Mike Senchak, the Mahoning Valley Hospital Association’s president and chief executive officer, said he was honored to have the MVHA pay for the luncheon as a means to recognize the contributions veterans of all military branches have made to the nation. The action also is in line with the organization’s effort to participate in a number of local projects, he added.

“It’s a small way for us to say thank you to veterans for their sacrifices and everything they’ve given us. It’s an honor for us to be involved with it,” Senchak said about the luncheon.

Also on hand was area artist Quincy Henderson, who brought several pieces of his artwork that included a portrait of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, who led the U.S. Central Command during the Gulf War. His collection also consisted of a sketch of the Battlefield Cross, a portrait of Jesus Christ shedding a tear over lost soldiers, one of a man and a woman in military gear and another with an eagle and the caption “Gone, but never forgotten.”

“We have to represent both sides of the military,” Henderson said, referring to his decision to paint a man and a woman in military uniforms.

The program also included a basket raffle, along with information on job training for veterans, free clothing and pamphlets on job opportunities.