On PBS NOW Tonight 6-13-08
Of the thousands of U.S. troops getting discharged from the Army each year, many who are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries aren't getting the vital care they need. The Army claims these soldiers have pre-existing mental illnesses or are guilty of misconduct. But advocates say this is a way for the Army to get rid of "problem" soldiers quickly, without giving them the treatment and benefits to which they're entitled.
This week, NOW travels to Fort Hood in Texas to meet traumatized soldiers fighting a new battle, this one against the army they served. Are soldiers being wrongfully discharged for honorable service?
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Visit the site link above to view a few related stories you'll find in a box on the right, if you have the time before tonights airing. If time is limited visit at your leasure, information and incidents that need the public viewing to better understand and educate to the seriousness of what you may not know and aren't told!
Because this is taking place at Ft Hood Tx. it will be Carissa Picard, of Military Spouses for Change, who's husband has either left already or will shortly for a tour in Iraq, who will be discussing the personality disorder discharges and PTSD/misconduct discharges and the cases MSC has been involved in ion this weeks show.
The following comes from Medill Reports: Washington { Northwestern.edu }
Helping warriors find peace of mind
It's about a program started by psychiatrists called Give An Hour
"Give an Hour" is a network of psychiatrists hoping to change the way troops receive mental health care upon their return home
Much more is needed, and has been for a long time, but this is a good start, especially for the civilian professional, there have been some in the past but not enough , to not only try to help the soldier but to gain a better knowledge of PTSD themselves. That would help greatly in their profession in helping the civilian population that suffer through their own traumatic life experiances and develope PTSD usually suffering in silence not knowing how to explain what they've been through and how it has changed their lives forever, or being diagnosed with other trauma disorders.
And while many learn more about PTSD, Combat and Civilian, don't forget the Never Mentioned, the Trauma to those of Invasion and Occupation of their countries and what happens from those. Combat PTSD is not only suffered in the military ranks but also in those who fight the invasions and occupations of their countries, and Especially in the civilian populations of those countries!
These people Need as much Help, or more, not only in attempting to releave their suffering as well but for some how they handle what they are going through, will they lash out in retaliation, further, for what they've been forced to live through, on their own people or others, will they become radicalized beyond the extreme and create terror on others, anyone!
Think how you would feel if placed into the same hell those others are living in!
Also found at the Medill Report site is a series dedicated to the forgotten soldiers, serving their country. When we, the press, and others talk about the occupations, the fallen, the maimed, and wars, a group of this countries soldiers are rarely mention, we talk about the boys and men who serve, describing the military troops in that manner as well, rarely mentioning the Women who serve in uniform and as Honorably.
Women at War
by Melissa Schmitt
This series offers a glimpse into the lives of several women who served in the United States military -- their personal experiences of combat, of returning to civilian life, their dual roles as service member and mother, and some of the more difficult issues that women veterans face -- military sexual trauma and homelessness.
Women in our military today: an overview
by Melissa Schmitt
Women now represent 14 percent of the U.S. military, and they are playing new roles in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet little is known about the long-term effects of combat on women, and some say more services are needed for the increasing amount of women veterans who are expected to use Veterans Affairs facilites.
Wounded women warriors return home to frustration
by Melissa Schmitt
The last thing she remembers is an explosion. Years later, she's fighting other battles back at home. In a war with no true front lines, women are in the line of fire now more than ever before. But should they be there? What is military policy? And what happens to these wounded women when they get back?
Military mom takes it 'day by day' on long tour in Iraq
by Melissa Schmitt
When this Army nurse left home for a long tour as a nurse in a Green Zone hospital, the youngest of her three children wasn't even walking. When she gets back, they will be close to two years older.
Homelessness a problem for women veterans
by Melissa Schmitt
Debra Filter was looking to escape a difficult childhood, get an education and see the world when she signed up for the military. But things didn't go as planned.
A heart of gold, and purple
by Nikki Gamer
Michelle Saunders, a 34-year-old Iraq war veteran, was among the first American women to fight on the front lines. Now that she's back home, she's helping others get back on their feet and back into the workforce.
And this from CBS News
Women Vets Get Worse Care, Review Finds
Women veterans aren't receiving the same quality of outpatient care as men at many Department of Veterans Affairs' facilities, according to an agency review obtained exclusively by The Associated Press.
The review appears to validate the complaints of advocates and some members of Congress who have said the health care system needs to focus more on women's health.
Women in todays military have many more rolls than in any previous time before, many serving in Combat Situations, chopper pilots, jet pilots, participating in combat patrols........................., they are killed, wounded, develope the same mental trauma of their male counterparts and in my thinking probably more so, for women bring life into this world after carrying that life within, than are placed into the situation of war and occupation sometimes taking life to save their own and their fellow soldiers.
Visit the links above to better educate yourselves, especially you in the great majority that haven't served in the military.
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