Committee votes to protect vet gun ownership
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jun 27, 2008 6:27:14 EDT
Lists of veterans who have been assigned fiduciaries to handle financial matters on their behalf could not be used to prevent gun ownership under an amendment approved by the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Thursday.
By voice vote, the committee attached to a veterans’ health care bill an amendment prohibiting the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing lists of so-called “incompetent” veterans with the FBI. Only if there has been specific ruling that a veteran poses a risk to himself or others could the VA pass a name on to the FBI for inclusion in records used to make instant background checks before gun purchases, under the amendment to S 2969, the Veterans’ Health Care Authorization Act of 2008.
Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, ranking Republican on the veterans’ committee and the chief sponsor of the amendment, said the VA makes a determination of incompetence based, primarily, on whether a veteran is capable of handling his own finances. If he cannot, a fiduciary is appointed to handle their benefits.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/military_veterans_gunownership_062608w/
Not sure on this one at all. A friend is in this postition. What we have to remember is that there is not always a one size fits all answer. Some of these veterans should never have been able to own a gun, just like some people in this country should never be able to own one. But what is the answer? Do we go with this but allow the local law enforcement to make their own rules given the fact they are the ones dealing with whatever happens in the long run? Murphy and Akaka want to side on common sense but Burr wants to take the side of the NRA attitude. Who is right?
When Congress was taking on gun ownership for PTSD veterans, they were very upset wondering if veterans with mild PTSD would have to give up their jobs if they had to give up their guns. some of them decided that they would not seek treatment for PTSD because of this. Would you rather see a veteran with PTSD owning a gun and not getting help or would you rather see them getting help and keeping their jobs? Again there is not a one size fits all answer when it comes to PTSD. After all, we do have thousands of them in Iraq and Afghanistan right now with weapons a lot more dangerous than a hand gun.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Brain imaging may show PTSD, TBI or both
High-tech testing for war vets with post-traumatic stress disorder
'Magnetic stethoscope' will search for brain injuries in soldiers
By Kristen Kridel Chicago Tribune reporter
11:13 PM CDT, June 25, 2008
An Elk Grove Village hospital plans to use brain-imaging technology to determine whether combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder also might suffer from undiagnosed traumatic brain injuries.
A "magnetic stethoscope" primarily used to study epilepsy and autism will help determine how brain function is altered by PTSD, officials at Alexian Brothers Medical Center said Wednesday.
The MEG technology—short for magnetoencephalography—allows doctors to read magnetic signals produced by the brain when exposed to visual or auditory stimuli, said Jeffrey Lewine, director of the Alexian Center for Brain Research.Those signals appear to differ in a veteran who only has PTSD compared with one who has PTSD and traumatic brain injury, Lewine said.
The combination can be hard to diagnose but critically affect proper treatment, according to Lewine. "You have to know what you're treating to get the right treatment," Lewine said.
"Behavioral testing doesn't always distinguish the different components. We need to look at the biology."
go here for more
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-vets-trauma-center_both_26jun26,0,3069101.story
'Magnetic stethoscope' will search for brain injuries in soldiers
By Kristen Kridel Chicago Tribune reporter
11:13 PM CDT, June 25, 2008
An Elk Grove Village hospital plans to use brain-imaging technology to determine whether combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder also might suffer from undiagnosed traumatic brain injuries.
A "magnetic stethoscope" primarily used to study epilepsy and autism will help determine how brain function is altered by PTSD, officials at Alexian Brothers Medical Center said Wednesday.
The MEG technology—short for magnetoencephalography—allows doctors to read magnetic signals produced by the brain when exposed to visual or auditory stimuli, said Jeffrey Lewine, director of the Alexian Center for Brain Research.Those signals appear to differ in a veteran who only has PTSD compared with one who has PTSD and traumatic brain injury, Lewine said.
The combination can be hard to diagnose but critically affect proper treatment, according to Lewine. "You have to know what you're treating to get the right treatment," Lewine said.
"Behavioral testing doesn't always distinguish the different components. We need to look at the biology."
go here for more
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-vets-trauma-center_both_26jun26,0,3069101.story
Veterans-good enough to serve but not to live next door to Betty?
Neighbors worry about home intended for homeless veterans
Rockford Register Star - Rockford,IL,USA
By Chris Green
RRSTAR.COM
Posted Jun 25, 2008 @ 12:10 PM
Last update Jun 25, 2008 @ 03:16 PM
ROCKFORD — The grass is mowed, the flower beds are weed-free and the scent of freshly painted interior walls lingers throughout the home.
Carpenter’s Place closed Friday on the three-bedroom ranch home at 3426 Ridge Ave. It moved in furniture over the weekend, and on Tuesday, a group of employees and volunteers stood in a circle in the living room, held hands and prayed for the people who will live in the house and the neighbors.
The only thing missing now is the tenants, and that’s what has neighbors worried.
Located in a quiet northwest neighborhood, the home will be used to house three military veterans who are transitioning back into society.
“It’s got the neighbors in an uproar,” next-door neighbor Betty Percey said Tuesday afternoon.
“They’ve been exposed to war. What happens if one night one of them goes off the deep end? All of this looks fine and good now, but is it going to last?”
click above for more
First, not all homeless veterans have PTSD and the majority of PTSD do not "go off the deep end" so both of these notions are absurd. Are there some who commit crimes? Sure but they are rare compared to how many veterans have PTSD. Do some "normal civilian" neighbors commit crimes too? Yes. So why aren't the homeless veterans worried about the neighborhood they are moving into? Anyone can have PTSD if they lived through trauma. So it could be anyone in the neighborhood. Why do they have to single out veterans when it comes to them living in their "nice" neighborhood?
Veterans are just like everyone else surviving trauma, only veterans were willing to lay down their lives for the sake of people who do not want them in their neighborhood because of some ridiculous notion. Homeless veterans were good enough to serve the country but not good enough to move in? Given a choice, I would rather have someone with the character who was willing to serve the country living next door to me. It takes a special person to be able to do that. Does Betty Percey understand that law enforcement officers get PTSD too? Well maybe she'll move and improve the neighborhood these veterans want to move into.
Rockford Register Star - Rockford,IL,USA
By Chris Green
RRSTAR.COM
Posted Jun 25, 2008 @ 12:10 PM
Last update Jun 25, 2008 @ 03:16 PM
ROCKFORD — The grass is mowed, the flower beds are weed-free and the scent of freshly painted interior walls lingers throughout the home.
Carpenter’s Place closed Friday on the three-bedroom ranch home at 3426 Ridge Ave. It moved in furniture over the weekend, and on Tuesday, a group of employees and volunteers stood in a circle in the living room, held hands and prayed for the people who will live in the house and the neighbors.
The only thing missing now is the tenants, and that’s what has neighbors worried.
Located in a quiet northwest neighborhood, the home will be used to house three military veterans who are transitioning back into society.
“It’s got the neighbors in an uproar,” next-door neighbor Betty Percey said Tuesday afternoon.
“They’ve been exposed to war. What happens if one night one of them goes off the deep end? All of this looks fine and good now, but is it going to last?”
click above for more
First, not all homeless veterans have PTSD and the majority of PTSD do not "go off the deep end" so both of these notions are absurd. Are there some who commit crimes? Sure but they are rare compared to how many veterans have PTSD. Do some "normal civilian" neighbors commit crimes too? Yes. So why aren't the homeless veterans worried about the neighborhood they are moving into? Anyone can have PTSD if they lived through trauma. So it could be anyone in the neighborhood. Why do they have to single out veterans when it comes to them living in their "nice" neighborhood?
Veterans are just like everyone else surviving trauma, only veterans were willing to lay down their lives for the sake of people who do not want them in their neighborhood because of some ridiculous notion. Homeless veterans were good enough to serve the country but not good enough to move in? Given a choice, I would rather have someone with the character who was willing to serve the country living next door to me. It takes a special person to be able to do that. Does Betty Percey understand that law enforcement officers get PTSD too? Well maybe she'll move and improve the neighborhood these veterans want to move into.
Iraq Vet Driven by Friend's Death
Iraq Vet Driven by Friend's Death
Daniel W. Reilly
Politico
Jun 25, 2008
June 25, 2008 - On the eve of last month’s Senate vote on Sen. Jim Webb’s GI Bill, Patrick Campbell clicked "send" on one last lobbying e-mail to staffers. Then he broke down and cried.
Campbell, the legislative director for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, had started his message by laying out all of the latest developments on Webb’s bill.
In the final paragraphs, the Iraq war veteran shared the news that was foremost in his mind, news that he hadn’t shared with anyone outside his unit.
"Yesterday," he wrote, "one of my buddies from Iraq committed suicide."
It should have been a heady week for Campbell, a week in which the former staffer for Sen. Barbara Boxer (Calif.) and other Democrats shared a rally stage with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), saw the Senate vote overwhelmingly in favor of Webb’s bill and graduated from law school at Catholic University.
go here for more
http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/ArticleID/10492
Daniel W. Reilly
Politico
Jun 25, 2008
June 25, 2008 - On the eve of last month’s Senate vote on Sen. Jim Webb’s GI Bill, Patrick Campbell clicked "send" on one last lobbying e-mail to staffers. Then he broke down and cried.
Campbell, the legislative director for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, had started his message by laying out all of the latest developments on Webb’s bill.
In the final paragraphs, the Iraq war veteran shared the news that was foremost in his mind, news that he hadn’t shared with anyone outside his unit.
"Yesterday," he wrote, "one of my buddies from Iraq committed suicide."
It should have been a heady week for Campbell, a week in which the former staffer for Sen. Barbara Boxer (Calif.) and other Democrats shared a rally stage with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), saw the Senate vote overwhelmingly in favor of Webb’s bill and graduated from law school at Catholic University.
go here for more
http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/ArticleID/10492
VCS thanks Judge for hearing them anyway
June 25, VCS Press Release: Court Rules that Veterans Should Seek Relief from VA and Congress, Veterans to Appeal
VCS thanks Judge Samuel Conti for our day in court. By confirming many of the allegations in our lawsuit, VCS considers the Court’s ruling a very loud and bright warning shot over the bow for Congress and VA to overhaul VA now. VA needs massive reform soon, before the situations becomes worse as hundreds of thousands of wounded, ill, and injured Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans flood into the VA system. VCS stands willing to work with Congress and VA to resolve the many serious problems the Court confirmed. VCS intends to work closely with our attorneys, Morrison & Foerster and Disability Rights Advocates, as we move forward with an appeal.
click above for more
Shingles and PTSD
‘Madness of the trenches” flourishes
I was briefly in the emergency room at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center recently, and the young man who took my history was a former soldier.
When I brought up my experience with shingles, the virulent and terribly painful herpes zoster, grandchild of chickenpox, he told me some interesting information about military medicine.
Shingles, it seems, is very familiar to combat soldiers. It is part of that widely experienced battle wound, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The fact that young people could experience that condition, which I thought of as an old folks ailment, surprised me.
The reason is obvious. Herpes zoster has several triggers. But by far the most common is that well-known but ill-defined thing called stress.
Now, my mother had another name for shingles. She called it “the mad itch,” because it can literally evoke hair-pulling agony during its tenure.
The conversation at the emergency room led me to an unusual topic of military history.
That is, the non-bleeding wounds that war inflicts on its participants.
What one poet has called “the madness of the trenches,” and what World War II soldiers generally referred to by the polite term “battle fatigue.”
The fact that soldiers could literally go mad on the battlefield is an old phenomenon. The armies of Tzarist Russian actually established hospitals for soldiers whose injury was what we would term psychiatric rather than physical.
go here for more
http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=297593
Before I was 5 years old, I was tossed off a very high slide and landed head first on the ground. My scull was cracked. A few months out of the hospital, I had shingles. I have a tiny scar left over. I can tell you, it is not something I would wish on anyone. Later on in my life, I managed to get the hives. Both are terrible and you want to get rid of the skin you are in. Stress makes both of them worse. Having the shingles or hives adds to the stress and makes the conditions worse.
I was briefly in the emergency room at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center recently, and the young man who took my history was a former soldier.
When I brought up my experience with shingles, the virulent and terribly painful herpes zoster, grandchild of chickenpox, he told me some interesting information about military medicine.
Shingles, it seems, is very familiar to combat soldiers. It is part of that widely experienced battle wound, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The fact that young people could experience that condition, which I thought of as an old folks ailment, surprised me.
The reason is obvious. Herpes zoster has several triggers. But by far the most common is that well-known but ill-defined thing called stress.
Now, my mother had another name for shingles. She called it “the mad itch,” because it can literally evoke hair-pulling agony during its tenure.
The conversation at the emergency room led me to an unusual topic of military history.
That is, the non-bleeding wounds that war inflicts on its participants.
What one poet has called “the madness of the trenches,” and what World War II soldiers generally referred to by the polite term “battle fatigue.”
The fact that soldiers could literally go mad on the battlefield is an old phenomenon. The armies of Tzarist Russian actually established hospitals for soldiers whose injury was what we would term psychiatric rather than physical.
go here for more
http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=297593
Shingles
Also known as: Herpes Zoster
What is it?
It is an infection of the skin that causes painful, fluid-filled blisters.
Who gets it?
Shingles can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox. While it can occur at any age, it is more common in people over the age of 50.
What causes it?
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. If you have had chickenpox, the varicella virus remains in a group of nerves in your central nervous system, but doesn't cause any symptoms. This is called a dormant virus. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are connected to the nerves in the body. When the virus becomes active again, it causes the symptoms of shingles. No one is sure why the virus becomes active. However, it seems to be linked to a weakened immune system, such as in people who are ill (such as with cancer or HIV), have had major surgery, or are taking immunosuppressant medications or drugs with cortisone.
It can also be triggered by skin trauma, such as sunburn or injury, and emotional stress. Although shingles is not contagious, someone who hasn't had chickenpox can develop chickenpox if they have contact with fluid from a shingles blister.
go here for more
http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthinfo/s/shingles.htm
Before I was 5 years old, I was tossed off a very high slide and landed head first on the ground. My scull was cracked. A few months out of the hospital, I had shingles. I have a tiny scar left over. I can tell you, it is not something I would wish on anyone. Later on in my life, I managed to get the hives. Both are terrible and you want to get rid of the skin you are in. Stress makes both of them worse. Having the shingles or hives adds to the stress and makes the conditions worse.
Marine Eric Hall to be buried at Arlington National Cemetary
Jeffersonville marine to be buried at Arlington National Cemetary
08:27 PM EDT on Wednesday, June 25, 2008
WHAS11) - The Jeffersonville marine found dead in a Florida culvert in March will be laid to rest this Friday. The discovery of Eric Hall's body came after a month-long search.
Hall had been seriously wounded in Iraq and suffered from post traumatic stress disorder. His family is now working to prevent this tragedy from repeating itself.
After combat in Afghanistan in 2004, serious injuries from a bomb in Iraq in 2005, and three years of chronic pain and mental anguish, Hall will finally be able to rest in peace and with honor. Hall's cremated remains will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery
go here for more
http://www.whas11.com/topstories/stories/whas11_topstories_080625_erichall.3bee5d14.html
08:27 PM EDT on Wednesday, June 25, 2008
WHAS11) - The Jeffersonville marine found dead in a Florida culvert in March will be laid to rest this Friday. The discovery of Eric Hall's body came after a month-long search.
Hall had been seriously wounded in Iraq and suffered from post traumatic stress disorder. His family is now working to prevent this tragedy from repeating itself.
After combat in Afghanistan in 2004, serious injuries from a bomb in Iraq in 2005, and three years of chronic pain and mental anguish, Hall will finally be able to rest in peace and with honor. Hall's cremated remains will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery
go here for more
http://www.whas11.com/topstories/stories/whas11_topstories_080625_erichall.3bee5d14.html
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Mom fought TRICARE to Save Daughter
Mom fought TRICARE to Save Daughter
http://www.military.com/news/article/mom-fought-tricare-to-save-daughter.html
June 23, 2008
The Free-Lance Star
STAFFORD, Va. - Four years after she retired from the Marine Corps, Bessie Miller had to fight the same military she was a part of for three decades.
TRICARE Prime, her military insurance, had refused to pay for a procedure for her daughter, Sloan Hunter. Hunter is 18 and suffers from a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Miller, 57, felt as if she and her daughter were getting "slapped in the face every time we turn around." After she gave the Marines 30 years of her life, she said, she expected its insurance to provide the care her daughter needed.
When it didn't, Miller went to battle.
She fought to get Hunter admitted to VCU Medical Center in Richmond, even though the hospital is not in TRICARE's network.
Then she fought TRICARE when it refused to pay for a bone-marrow transplant for her daughter.
By the time her claim reached the third and final level, Miller had contacted The Free Lance-Star and 1st District Rep. Rob Wittman, whose office lobbied for her.
In addition, Miller called the hospital and insurance company regularly to confirm that each had the needed paperwork.
TRICARE announced on Thursday that it would pay for Hunter's $110,000 operation. Officials said she qualified for care under a rare-disease regulation.
click above for more
http://www.military.com/news/article/mom-fought-tricare-to-save-daughter.html
June 23, 2008
The Free-Lance Star
STAFFORD, Va. - Four years after she retired from the Marine Corps, Bessie Miller had to fight the same military she was a part of for three decades.
TRICARE Prime, her military insurance, had refused to pay for a procedure for her daughter, Sloan Hunter. Hunter is 18 and suffers from a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Miller, 57, felt as if she and her daughter were getting "slapped in the face every time we turn around." After she gave the Marines 30 years of her life, she said, she expected its insurance to provide the care her daughter needed.
When it didn't, Miller went to battle.
She fought to get Hunter admitted to VCU Medical Center in Richmond, even though the hospital is not in TRICARE's network.
Then she fought TRICARE when it refused to pay for a bone-marrow transplant for her daughter.
By the time her claim reached the third and final level, Miller had contacted The Free Lance-Star and 1st District Rep. Rob Wittman, whose office lobbied for her.
In addition, Miller called the hospital and insurance company regularly to confirm that each had the needed paperwork.
TRICARE announced on Thursday that it would pay for Hunter's $110,000 operation. Officials said she qualified for care under a rare-disease regulation.
click above for more
Returning troops encouraged to seek mental health treatment
Returning troops encouraged to seek mental health treatment
By Senitra Horbrook, Staff Writer
(Created: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:06 AM CDT)
Post traumatic stress disorder often afflicts troops returning from war. The United States Army last year had the highest rate of suicide in 30 years, according to published reports.
That’s why, with the help of a half-million dollar grant, the Mental Health America of Greater Dallas has started a free program to help troops returning from Iraq or Afghanistan find appropriate mental health care.
“The main goal is to help the veterans and service members to relieve the stress issues related to post traumatic stress disorder,” said Walter Norris, one of two coordinators of “Operation Healthy Reunions.”
Mental Health America of Greater Dallas and the American Red Cross received a grant in the amount of $553,260 to support mental health care and case management for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and family members. Assistance paying for health services over a two-year period will be provided through the Texas Resources for Iraq-Afghanistan Deployment Fund (TRIAD) of The Dallas Foundation.
“We don’t want to be like Vietnam. Many of them had PTSD and nothing was done,” Norris said.
go here for more
http://www.scntx.com/articles/2008/06/25/carrollton_leader/news/85.txt
By Senitra Horbrook, Staff Writer
(Created: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:06 AM CDT)
Post traumatic stress disorder often afflicts troops returning from war. The United States Army last year had the highest rate of suicide in 30 years, according to published reports.
That’s why, with the help of a half-million dollar grant, the Mental Health America of Greater Dallas has started a free program to help troops returning from Iraq or Afghanistan find appropriate mental health care.
“The main goal is to help the veterans and service members to relieve the stress issues related to post traumatic stress disorder,” said Walter Norris, one of two coordinators of “Operation Healthy Reunions.”
Mental Health America of Greater Dallas and the American Red Cross received a grant in the amount of $553,260 to support mental health care and case management for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and family members. Assistance paying for health services over a two-year period will be provided through the Texas Resources for Iraq-Afghanistan Deployment Fund (TRIAD) of The Dallas Foundation.
“We don’t want to be like Vietnam. Many of them had PTSD and nothing was done,” Norris said.
go here for more
http://www.scntx.com/articles/2008/06/25/carrollton_leader/news/85.txt
Blood Brothers of Charlie Company
Eye Witness To The Horrors Of War
Reporter Shares First Person Account Of The Origins of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
June 25, 2008
CBS) CBS News has reported extensively on the mental and physical health of American service members fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and the many veterans who have returned home. We have chronicled the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, an increase in veteran suicides and a VA system grappling to deal with the big issues. We recently had the opportunity to hear first hand from a colleague who is looking to answer one fundamental question about war: what does it actually take to trigger PTSD?
Kelly Kennedy is a health reporter for Army Times. A former soldier who served in the first Gulf War and Mogadishu, Somalia, she embedded last summer as a journalist with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry in Adhamiyah, Iraq - a neighborhood in Baghdad. Even though Kennedy says she doesn’t have post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from her trip, she says she understands how the emotional repercussions of war could develop into a full-blown disorder.
Kennedy is the author of a four-part series called Blood Brothers, a you-are-there account of the daily struggle to hunt insurgents, dodge roadside bombs-- often hitting them-and treat the physical and emotional wounds of the soldiers in the hardest hit unit since Vietnam.
"I was numb," is how Kennedy describes readjusting to life after Iraq. "I remember talking to the guys about how you have to feel things or else things are going to get worse. If you can tell the stories enough times, then the details won't have as much an effect on you as they would the first time you tell the story."
She says in the weeks following her return she was distracted, not paying attention and driving through stop signs and red lights. She says she knows from experience how easy it is for servicemen to return home and "shut down" because communicating those experiences can be too difficult and stressful.
For every one soldier, who leaves Iraq with no PTSD symptoms, there are five soldiers who suffer from PTSD or major depression - according to a study from the Rand Corporation.
Kennedy spoke with CBS News investigative producer Michael Rey and summer intern, Kim Lengle, who produced the video.
By Michael Rey
© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
go here to watch this video
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/25/cbsnews_investigates/main4207662.shtml
Reporter Shares First Person Account Of The Origins of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
June 25, 2008
CBS) CBS News has reported extensively on the mental and physical health of American service members fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and the many veterans who have returned home. We have chronicled the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, an increase in veteran suicides and a VA system grappling to deal with the big issues. We recently had the opportunity to hear first hand from a colleague who is looking to answer one fundamental question about war: what does it actually take to trigger PTSD?
Kelly Kennedy is a health reporter for Army Times. A former soldier who served in the first Gulf War and Mogadishu, Somalia, she embedded last summer as a journalist with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry in Adhamiyah, Iraq - a neighborhood in Baghdad. Even though Kennedy says she doesn’t have post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from her trip, she says she understands how the emotional repercussions of war could develop into a full-blown disorder.
Kennedy is the author of a four-part series called Blood Brothers, a you-are-there account of the daily struggle to hunt insurgents, dodge roadside bombs-- often hitting them-and treat the physical and emotional wounds of the soldiers in the hardest hit unit since Vietnam.
"I was numb," is how Kennedy describes readjusting to life after Iraq. "I remember talking to the guys about how you have to feel things or else things are going to get worse. If you can tell the stories enough times, then the details won't have as much an effect on you as they would the first time you tell the story."
She says in the weeks following her return she was distracted, not paying attention and driving through stop signs and red lights. She says she knows from experience how easy it is for servicemen to return home and "shut down" because communicating those experiences can be too difficult and stressful.
For every one soldier, who leaves Iraq with no PTSD symptoms, there are five soldiers who suffer from PTSD or major depression - according to a study from the Rand Corporation.
Kennedy spoke with CBS News investigative producer Michael Rey and summer intern, Kim Lengle, who produced the video.
By Michael Rey
© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
go here to watch this video
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/25/cbsnews_investigates/main4207662.shtml
Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at power of prayer
Prayer as healing source 2:41
Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at the effects of faith and prayer on our health.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2008/06/25/gupta.power.of.prayer.cnn
Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at the effects of faith and prayer on our health.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2008/06/25/gupta.power.of.prayer.cnn
State VA leads the world as PTSD info resource
State VA leads the world as PTSD info resource
By BOB AUDETTE, Reformer Staff
Wednesday, June 25
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION -- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder doesn't just affect soldiers and the victims of war. It also strikes the survivors of natural disasters, childhood abuse, rape, assault and genocide.
And in subtle and not-so-subtle ways, it also hurts the families and friends of those suffering from PTSD.
"Living with someone with PTSD affects families in major ways," said Matthew J. Friedman, the executive director of the National Center for PTSD at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in White River Junction.
Many family members feel they are walking on eggs around loved ones, afraid of sparking an emotional or mental breakdown, rage, depression or even suicidal ideation. Often, it's those wives, husbands and grandparents who turn to organizations such as the VA for help when sufferers fail or refuse to recognize the despair they are subjecting themselves and their families to.
Over the years, PTSD has been called by many names including nostalgia, shell shock and battle fatigue. Those suffering from the disorder were often labeled as cowards or weaklings.
The symptoms of PTSD have been recorded as far back as the 1800s, said Friedman, especially in relation to the Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War in Europe. In the late 1970s, researchers of what was then three different fields of study -- the trauma of Nazi atrocities, rape and serving in Vietnam -- realized they were all studying the same syndrome.
go here for more
http://reformer.com/ci_9688618
By BOB AUDETTE, Reformer Staff
Wednesday, June 25
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION -- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder doesn't just affect soldiers and the victims of war. It also strikes the survivors of natural disasters, childhood abuse, rape, assault and genocide.
And in subtle and not-so-subtle ways, it also hurts the families and friends of those suffering from PTSD.
"Living with someone with PTSD affects families in major ways," said Matthew J. Friedman, the executive director of the National Center for PTSD at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in White River Junction.
Many family members feel they are walking on eggs around loved ones, afraid of sparking an emotional or mental breakdown, rage, depression or even suicidal ideation. Often, it's those wives, husbands and grandparents who turn to organizations such as the VA for help when sufferers fail or refuse to recognize the despair they are subjecting themselves and their families to.
Over the years, PTSD has been called by many names including nostalgia, shell shock and battle fatigue. Those suffering from the disorder were often labeled as cowards or weaklings.
The symptoms of PTSD have been recorded as far back as the 1800s, said Friedman, especially in relation to the Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War in Europe. In the late 1970s, researchers of what was then three different fields of study -- the trauma of Nazi atrocities, rape and serving in Vietnam -- realized they were all studying the same syndrome.
go here for more
http://reformer.com/ci_9688618
Judge let down veterans across the country-after government did
Do you think this judge could have figured out he had no power to do anything before he took the case?
It really would have been great if he figured that part out before he let all this time go by and then left the veterans out in the cold still. What's the answer? Who has the power to make sure the veterans are taken care of if the Bush Administration won't, Congress has limited itself on what it is willing to do and the rest of the American people have not taken enough interest in them to fight for them?
Paul Sullivan of Veterans for Common Sense, should be proud of the effort he put into this law suit and so should everyone else on the veteran's side. That's really all I have to say on this right now because this whole thing is really sickening. Do we care about our veterans or not? Then when are we going to prove it?
Judge dismisses suit charging VA with shoddy mental health care
Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
(06-25) 11:00 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal judge in San Francisco dismissed a nationwide lawsuit by veterans groups today that sought major changes in the Department of Veterans Affairs' mental health system because of long waits for treatment and benefits.
Veterans' advocates accused the VA of making mental health care virtually unavailable to thousands of discharged soldiers through perfunctory exams, delays in referrals and treatment, and a prolonged and complex system of awarding medical benefits.
They cited internal department e-mails, released in response to the suit, that reported 18 suicides a day among all veterans and 1,000 suicide attempts a month among those under VA care. About 30 percent of the nation's 24 million veterans receive medical care from the department, which is required to provide care for five years after a veteran is discharged from active duty.
go here for more
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/25/BAB111EUFF.DTL&tsp=1
It really would have been great if he figured that part out before he let all this time go by and then left the veterans out in the cold still. What's the answer? Who has the power to make sure the veterans are taken care of if the Bush Administration won't, Congress has limited itself on what it is willing to do and the rest of the American people have not taken enough interest in them to fight for them?
Paul Sullivan of Veterans for Common Sense, should be proud of the effort he put into this law suit and so should everyone else on the veteran's side. That's really all I have to say on this right now because this whole thing is really sickening. Do we care about our veterans or not? Then when are we going to prove it?
Against the Odds, Injured Soldier Returning to Duty
Joseph Shapiro/NPR
Army Spc. Freddy Meyers wants to return to active duty after sustaining a head injury from sniper fire in active combat.
Iraq
Against the Odds, Injured Soldier Returning to Duty
by Joseph Shapiro
Listen Now [5 min 22 sec] add to playlist
All Things Considered, June 24, 2008 · Army Spc. Freddy Meyers wants to return to active duty. The 21-year-old has been living in the outpatient barracks at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., since this May. And he's about to go to a meeting that will determine his future in the Army.
Generally, it isn't even remotely possible for someone who suffered a penetrating head injury to stay on active duty. Last year, while on patrol in Iraq, Freddy Meyers was shot in the head.
He pulls out the PDA he keeps in a pocket on the pant leg of his uniform. Meyers still has problems with his short-term memory. To compensate, he has had to learn to be very organized and write down the things he needs to remember — like questions for the doctor. He reads them from his Palm Pilot: "I'm going to ask him about my physical limitations, protective profile, my jump status, my deployability, what the effect of multiple concussions will be, Ranger school, duty restrictions, Zyrtec and my Red Cross volunteer letter."
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also on wounded going back
Q and A: Returning to Combat
In June 2003, Army Maj. David Rozelle was leading a convoy west of Baghdad when his vehicle hit a land mine. His right foot had to be amputated. Two years later, with a prosthetic foot, he returned to Iraq as a cavalry troop commander — the first amputee in this war to return to combat.
Henderson, Kentucky Plant shooter kills 5 co-workers, then self
Police: Plant shooter kills 5 co-workers, then self
Story Highlights
NEW: Two people die at scene, four pass away at nearby hospitals, police say
Police say worker "had words" with supervisor before leaving on a break
It's unclear whether the supervisor was among those killed, police say
About 35 people were working overnight shift at plastic plant in Henderson, Kentucky
(CNN) -- A worker at a plastics plant in Henderson, Kentucky, allegedly shot and killed five co-workers, then himself, after an argument with a supervisor Wednesday, police said.
The worker "had words with a supervisor" before going on a half-hour break Tuesday night, Henderson police Sgt. John Nevels said.
"He came back," Nevels said. "Witnesses saw the supervisor and the shooter walk outside together. They heard a gunshot and the shooter come back inside the plant, and he shot numerous people."
Two people died at the scene and four others died at hospitals in Henderson and nearby Evansville, Indiana, said Janet Campbell of the Henderson Police Department.
Another victim is hospitalized and is expected to survive, she said.
It is unclear if the supervisor was among those killed.
Watch authorities respond to the scene »
About 35 people were inside the Atlantis Molded Plastics Inc. plant working the overnight shift when the shooting happened, Nevels said.
Investigators were interviewing witnesses to determine the motive of the shooting and the identity of the victims, another police officer said.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/06/25/plant.shooting/index.html
Story Highlights
NEW: Two people die at scene, four pass away at nearby hospitals, police say
Police say worker "had words" with supervisor before leaving on a break
It's unclear whether the supervisor was among those killed, police say
About 35 people were working overnight shift at plastic plant in Henderson, Kentucky
(CNN) -- A worker at a plastics plant in Henderson, Kentucky, allegedly shot and killed five co-workers, then himself, after an argument with a supervisor Wednesday, police said.
The worker "had words with a supervisor" before going on a half-hour break Tuesday night, Henderson police Sgt. John Nevels said.
"He came back," Nevels said. "Witnesses saw the supervisor and the shooter walk outside together. They heard a gunshot and the shooter come back inside the plant, and he shot numerous people."
Two people died at the scene and four others died at hospitals in Henderson and nearby Evansville, Indiana, said Janet Campbell of the Henderson Police Department.
Another victim is hospitalized and is expected to survive, she said.
It is unclear if the supervisor was among those killed.
Watch authorities respond to the scene »
About 35 people were inside the Atlantis Molded Plastics Inc. plant working the overnight shift when the shooting happened, Nevels said.
Investigators were interviewing witnesses to determine the motive of the shooting and the identity of the victims, another police officer said.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/06/25/plant.shooting/index.html
Enterprise Rent-A-Car refused to help find hit and run killer of Marine
Troopers seize car suspected in Marine's death
By Jamal Thalji, Times Staff Writer
In print: Wednesday, June 25, 2008
PORT RICHEY — The Florida Highway Patrol trooper at the door was looking for a car that killed a motorcyclist on U.S. 19.
The first clue the trooper might be at the right place: Two small children came up and asked him, are you here to see the car that hit the motorcycle?
That's what happened on Saturday, according to an FHP search warrant, before troopers got a court order to seize the vehicle they think was involved in the June 18 hit-and-run crash that killed Nicholas Burns Jr.
The 22-year-old Marine reservist and Citrus County resident was set to deploy to Iraq in December. His funeral was on Tuesday.
After last week's crash, the FHP asked for help in finding the vehicle, described as a gray sedan with a spoiler on the back.
click post title for more
By Jamal Thalji, Times Staff Writer
In print: Wednesday, June 25, 2008
PORT RICHEY — The Florida Highway Patrol trooper at the door was looking for a car that killed a motorcyclist on U.S. 19.
The first clue the trooper might be at the right place: Two small children came up and asked him, are you here to see the car that hit the motorcycle?
That's what happened on Saturday, according to an FHP search warrant, before troopers got a court order to seize the vehicle they think was involved in the June 18 hit-and-run crash that killed Nicholas Burns Jr.
The 22-year-old Marine reservist and Citrus County resident was set to deploy to Iraq in December. His funeral was on Tuesday.
After last week's crash, the FHP asked for help in finding the vehicle, described as a gray sedan with a spoiler on the back.
click post title for more
Orlando mayor defends regulations for feeding the homeless
Orlando mayor defends regulations for feeding the homeless
Mark Schlueb Sentinel Staff Writer
June 25, 2008
A confident Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer took the stand in federal court Tuesday, defending the city's regulations on feeding the homeless in public parks.
It was the final day of a trial that pitted the rights of the homeless against the city's responsibility to protect its parks and citizens.The homeless advocates who are suing the city over the 2006 rules are the ones who called Dyer to testify. But that decision may have hurt their case.
Attorneys for Orlando Food Not Bombs and First Vagabonds Church of God questioned Dyer for less than five minutes, and he had no problem coming up with answers.
The city's lawyers then questioned the mayor for 20 minutes, discussing his administration's programs to help the homeless and the complaints the city had received about feedings that regularly drew dozens of transients to Lake Eola Park.
16-year-old boy, mother shot in Volusia County FL
16-year-old boy, mother shot in Volusia County
Jun 25, 2008 10:28 -0400
Updated: 10:28 a.m.
Sheriff's deputies are searching for the person who shot a 16-year-old Deltona boy in the chest and his mother in the leg this morning.
16-year-old boy, mother shot in Deltona Photos
Jun 25, 2008 10:28 -0400
Updated: 10:28 a.m.
Sheriff's deputies are searching for the person who shot a 16-year-old Deltona boy in the chest and his mother in the leg this morning.
16-year-old boy, mother shot in Deltona Photos
NH VA hospital unlikely to be made full-service
NH VA hospital unlikely to be made full-service
By Clare Trapasso
Associated Press Writer / June 24, 2008
MANCHESTER, N.H.—Despite requests from members of the congressional delegation, the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs said Tuesday he does not foresee returning the state's VA hospital to full service.
After touring the Manchester VA Medical Center, VA Secretary James Peake also said he is against giving veterans cards to let them receive treatment at non-VA facilities.
"That's called Yellow-Page medicine," Peake said. "I think that potentially is dangerous, because I'm not sure the individual is necessarily the best consumer. It's hard to be an educated consumer of health care."
He said keeping veterans in the system improves care by keeping it coordinated.
Peake commented hours after being asked by Sen. John Sununu, who invited him on the tour, to return the hospital to full service.
"When Granite State veterans are forced to travel out of the state to receive medical care, it can be a hardship for them and their families," Sununu said in a statement.
Reps. Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes also support making the hospital full-service, and Sununu said veterans should be able to use local non-VA hospitals.
click post title for more
By Clare Trapasso
Associated Press Writer / June 24, 2008
MANCHESTER, N.H.—Despite requests from members of the congressional delegation, the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs said Tuesday he does not foresee returning the state's VA hospital to full service.
After touring the Manchester VA Medical Center, VA Secretary James Peake also said he is against giving veterans cards to let them receive treatment at non-VA facilities.
"That's called Yellow-Page medicine," Peake said. "I think that potentially is dangerous, because I'm not sure the individual is necessarily the best consumer. It's hard to be an educated consumer of health care."
He said keeping veterans in the system improves care by keeping it coordinated.
Peake commented hours after being asked by Sen. John Sununu, who invited him on the tour, to return the hospital to full service.
"When Granite State veterans are forced to travel out of the state to receive medical care, it can be a hardship for them and their families," Sununu said in a statement.
Reps. Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes also support making the hospital full-service, and Sununu said veterans should be able to use local non-VA hospitals.
click post title for more
VA Can Help Veterans Avoid Foreclosure
VA Can Help Veterans Avoid Foreclosure
Wednesday June 25, 2008
The Veterans Administration (VA) is making a special effort to assist veterans who are having trouble making their home mortgage payments.
"VA is reaching out to veterans -- both those who use our home-loan guaranty program and those who don’t take advantage of our guaranties -- to keep people in their homes," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake in a press release. "I’m proud of our solid record of success in helping veterans and active-duty personnel deal with financial crises."
By beefing up the staff at its regional loan centers, VA can now provide financial counselors to personally offer advice and even work out special financing arrangements to help veterans and active duty personnel with VA-guarantied loans avoid foreclosure.
The VA can work directly with the lenders on the veteran’s behalf to establish repayment plans, forbearance, and loan modifications that can help veterans keep their homes.
To obtain help from a VA financial counselor, veterans can call VA toll-free at 1-877-827-3702 or visit the VA's home loan guaranty program Web site.
Also See:
VA Releases 2008 Veterans Benefits Booklet
Veteran's Suicide Prevention Hotline Begins Operation
http://usgovinfo.about.com/b/2008/06/25/va-can-help-veterans-avoid-foreclosure.htm
Wednesday June 25, 2008
The Veterans Administration (VA) is making a special effort to assist veterans who are having trouble making their home mortgage payments.
"VA is reaching out to veterans -- both those who use our home-loan guaranty program and those who don’t take advantage of our guaranties -- to keep people in their homes," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake in a press release. "I’m proud of our solid record of success in helping veterans and active-duty personnel deal with financial crises."
By beefing up the staff at its regional loan centers, VA can now provide financial counselors to personally offer advice and even work out special financing arrangements to help veterans and active duty personnel with VA-guarantied loans avoid foreclosure.
The VA can work directly with the lenders on the veteran’s behalf to establish repayment plans, forbearance, and loan modifications that can help veterans keep their homes.
To obtain help from a VA financial counselor, veterans can call VA toll-free at 1-877-827-3702 or visit the VA's home loan guaranty program Web site.
Also See:
VA Releases 2008 Veterans Benefits Booklet
Veteran's Suicide Prevention Hotline Begins Operation
http://usgovinfo.about.com/b/2008/06/25/va-can-help-veterans-avoid-foreclosure.htm
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