An OIF and OEF Vet needs a few Signatures........

I wouldn't normally pass on a petition link in this fashion. But a young lady from the area has taken this request on and I'd not only like to give her a hand but the Vet who's requesting the help.

With this 'stimulus package' being worked up, that 'stimulus' is what should already have been being spent on infrastructure and needs from our tax dollars all along, there is already some billions going towards military and veterans needs. But more is needed and should be allocated. Most, if not all, of those serving in these theaters will be doing so not just one tour but many tours and some in both theaters. Many more clinics are needed around the country, especially in the rural area's, closer to these Veterans and as to the populations of same, both for physical and mental care needs!

This is what Dana sent me:

I came across this mans myspace yesterday his name is Rey Leal and he has to go 5 hours out of his way to get to his VA hospital he lives in South Texas. He wants to put a VA hospital closer to him. He is trying to get veterans in his area to stand togehter for their rights so that they will get a VA hospital within a reasonable distance in his area. I thought you might want to check it out here is his myspace: OIF & OEF Veterans of the RGV
And this is where you can sign the petition: Petition for VA Hospital in South Texas
I signed it and am donating to his cause also I am trying to write his local congressman
I think that its ridiculous that someone would have to go 5 HOURS out of there way at their own expense that is extremely cruel and especially someone who has done so much for our country. He has to go all the way into San Antonio Texas if he wanted to get surgery done or see a specialist. I am writing to his local congressman and I really want to help him.

Dana is heading into college to study psychology and especially leading towards understanding, research and care of those with PTSD. Give her and this vet a hand and sign his petition,

Thanks

That Feeling of 'Aliveness' Combat Veterans Miss Most:

Ilona Meagher, of PTSD Combat: Winning the War Within, shares with us, from her Blogspot, the writings of another blogger, a Combat Veteran, Scott Lee, a Gulf War I Veteran , who writes about his experiences with PTS and returning to civilian life after the military and combat experiences and more.

Can it Be Recaptured in Ho-Hum Civilian Life?

A powerful post by Scott Lee, a Gulf War veteran who blogs over at PTSD, A Soldier's Perspective, arrived on Friday. We Cannot Make it Through the Confines of Our Minds Without the Help of Others is so full and rich and speaks entirely to my current research that I hope he doesn't mind my reprinting it here to share with you:

I am a Gulf War I vet, I felt the same as you when I returned home from combat. For me it was the total sense of feeling alive and being a part of my squad that I missed, although I did not figure this out until after 15 years of insanity.

Ilona commented at his blog on the post, just above, by Scott, the one in the blockquotes, and it seems they are both sharing their thoughts on each others blogs for all. Ilona's is above and Scott has this Some Insights From Ilona Meagher on Presence of Mind posted at his.

The more I write here, the more blessings God gives me. Lately I have been talking with people on the national scene, some of the leading PTSD advocates. A high profile PTSD lawyer, some of the leading proponents in the veterans court movement, and authors. Such as the veteran blogger of PTSD: Winning the War Within, Ilona Meagher, who had commented on one of my latest articles. Additionally, Ilona has authored Moving A Nation to Care: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and America's Returning Troops. I do not think that she will mind me dropping her name (I hope).

You will find both writings informative and open.

As Ilona points out you really should read what other thoughts Scott has put out for all to read and learn from, especially for those who've never experienced the Military and especially engaging in what you train for actual Conflicts and Occupations. But it, as any writings and research about PTS, will also inform and bring to light the suffering many go through after their own traumatic experiences in their lives, PTS is not only related to Combat, War and Occupations, for the soldiers or the civilians of!

Here's a few links to Scott's recent writings:

Structural Dissociation of the Personality

Not One, But Two Stars Died to Make You

Dissociation, Fructose, Insomnia & Escape

Visit and read more of Scott's writings and thoughts at PTSD, A Soldiers Perspective