E. Everett McFall

Vets With PTSD More Prone to Heart Risk Factors

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:34:00 +0000

Young Vets With PTSD Are More Prone

to Heart Risk Factors!!!

Researcher suspects mental health issues may lead

to unhealthy habits...By

Kathleen Doheny, Health Day Reporter

TUESDAY, Aug. 4 (Health Day News) -- Veterans

of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts who have

mental health problems such as post-traumatic

stress disorder (PTSD) are also at higher risk for

having cardiovascular disease risk factors, a new

study suggests.

While previous studies have found that those

with PTSD, a common mental health problem

among veterans who have seen combat, are at

increased risk of developing and dying from

cardiovascular disease, risk factors for heart

attack and stroke have not been evaluated in

this group, said Dr. Beth E. Cohen, an assistant

professor of medicine at the University of

California San Francisco and staff physician at

the San Francisco VA Medical Center.

Cohen led the study, published in the Aug. 5 issue

of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"Our main finding was that vets with mental health

issues -- both PTSD and others -- had a

significantly increased risk of being diagnosed with

a variety of heart disease risk factors," Cohen said.

Cohen and her colleagues looked at national data

from veterans who sought care at VA facilities,

comparing more than 267,000 male vets with

and without mental health diagnoses and nearly

36,000 female vets with and without mental

health issues.

In PTSD, the sufferer "relives" the trauma

via flashbacks or in other ways, such as

becoming hyper-vigilant to everyday sounds.

Other mental health issues seen among vets

include depression, anxiety disorder,

adjustment disorder and alcohol and

substance abuse.

Cohen's team looked at doctors' codes in the

records for cardiovascular risk factors,

including tobacco use, high blood

pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels,

obesity or diabetes. "Because their average

age is 30, they are typically too young to have

already developed heart disease," Cohen said.

"So, we looked at risk factors."

---------------part 2 coming soon------------------

SOURCES: Beth E. Cohen, M.D., assistant professor,

medicine, University of California, San Francisco,

and staff physician, San Francisco VA Medical Center;

Mark Kaplan, Dr.P.H., professor, community health,

Portland State University, Oregon; Aug. 5, 2009,

Journal of the American Medical Association;

Aug. 7, 2009, presentation, American Psychological

Association annual meeting, in Toronto.
Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.

--------------------------------------------

"I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In Sleep"

Amazon.com

--------------------------------------------

Listen to the "Veterans Voice" Every Wednesday

at 3:30 PM EST

ANOTHER HERO REMEMBERED

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:21:00 +0000

Cpl Michael B. Presley U.S. Marine Corps

Cpl Michael B. Presley, 21, of Batesville, Mississippi, died
December 14, 2005 at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
in Germany of wounds sustained from a suicide, vehicle-borne
improvised explosive device while conducting combat
operations against enemy forces in Fallujah, Iraq, on Dec 12.

Presley was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion,
2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N. C.
Brandon joined the Marine Corps in 2003. He graduated from
Parris Island in Dec of 2003 and continued his training in Fort
Leonard Wood, Missouri. Then he served one year with the 1st
Marine Aircraft Wing at Okinawa, Japan.

After Japan, Brandon reported to the 2nd Combat Engineer
Battalion for duty as a Motor Transport Operation in March of
2005 at Camp Lejeune. Cpl Presley deployed to the theater of
operation in Sept of 2005 and supported numerous combat
operations in support of the 2nd Marine Division, 8th Marine
Regiment in Fallujian, Iraq.

On Dec 12th, 2005, while conducting a logistical convoy to
the civil military operations center to deliver ballots and voting
supplies in support of the Iraqi national election, the convoy
that Cpl. Presley was participating in came under attack from
a suicide vehicle borne improvised device (SVBIED).

Cpl. Presley was the vehicle commander for the second
Medium Tactical Replacement in the convoy. As the convoy
passed, a taxi that had pulled off to the right side of route Fran,
the taxi pulled out and into the path of Presley’s vehicle.

When Cpl. Presley observed this, he immediately started to
initiate escalation force procedures. Due to the fact that the
taxi was non-responsive, Cpl Presley drew his M16A4 and
was preparing to engage the lone occupant of the taxi. As he
did this, the SVBIED initiated its device early, before it
had actually impacted the MTVR.

This quick action saved not only his driver, but also the cargo
that they were carrying, the Iraqi ballots. He valiantly put his
fellow marines and mission accomplishment ahead of his own
safety.

Presley was wounded by shrapnel in the blast and
later died of his wounds.

Cpl. Presley will be remembered for his broad smile, love of God
love of life, love of his country and his devotion to duty.

Submitted by Pamela Cousar,
Proud Mother of CPL. Michael B. Presley (Brandon)

Semper Fi, Brother
Doc E. Everett McFall

Vietnam Class of 1966-1967

Laptops for the Wounded Annual Charity Golf Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:02:00 +0000

Laptops for the Wounded has set the date for it's
Annual Charity Golf Tournament. It is October 9th
at Hawk's Landing Golf Course in Southington, CT. If
you would like to play at the outing, please follow the
instructions on the attached registration document.
Laptops for the Wounded Golf Outing Event - 2009.doc
(63KB)

Since last years event, they attainment of the federal
recognized 501c3 charity status. This has opened up
considerable doors for the advancement of the charity
to aid our wounded service members. Another change was
the redesign of the www.laptopsforthewounded.com website
by 2 Brothers Web Design in Branford , CT. This allowed
our mission statement and pertinent information to be
presented in a more intuitive, professional manner.

A new and greatly appreciated supporter of
Laptops for the Wounded comes in the form of the
NJVC Company out of Vienna, Virginia www.njvc.com. Over
the Christmas season, NJVC had a fundraiser for our charity,
the results raised $20,000. Another NJVC fundraiser was a
golf tournament recently held in Chantilly, Virginia that raised
an additional $13,000! 20-laptops have been purchased and
built by Laptops for the Wounded and 16 laptops delivered
to Walter-Reed Hospital, and 2 being sent to the Richmond
Virginia VA hospital for spinal cord injured troops.

50+more laptops are going to be ordered within the next
couple-weeks to bring Fort Stewart, Haley VA in Tampa and
new military hospitals up to a comfortable level of laptops, as
well as further supporting Walter-Reed.

The 8th Grade class of the Woodstock CT Middle School also
had a fundraiser to raise their own money for buying laptops
for the wounded troops. They were able to raise the money
to purchase 3-laptops and I was honored to be able to assist
in their build up as well as being able to personally deliver
those laptops with Viziflex Vision Aid keyboard stickers to
Walter-Reed on June 25th.

Thank you for thinking of our wounded troops health and well-being,

Phil Drouin - President / CEO
Laptops for the Wounded
Acworth, New Hampshire
ALL Donations are WELCOME!!
www.laptopsforthewounded.com
---------------------------------
"Freedom Isn’t Free…..Someone Paid the Bill"
---------------------------------
Doc E. Everett McFall,
Host of “The Veterans Forum” Talk Show.

JBVAMC Farmer's Market

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Today’s Guest on the VETERAN'S FORUM were Dr. Sarah Catanese, Coordinator for the MOVE Program at JBVAMC Chicago, IL and Jenny O’ Donohue, NP, Coordinator for the MOVE Program for VISN 12. Move stands for: Managing Overweight/Obesity for Veterans Everywhere (http://www.move.va.gov/)

They announced the launching of the First Annual Illinois Medical District Farmer’s Market, sponsored by the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, IL.

Excess weight is a major problem for US citizens (64%), but an even greater problem for Veterans (72.7%). This is particularly alarming because the consequences of being overweight or obese include increased mortality, greater cost of care, and decreased quality of life. Not to mention other health problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, blindness, lost of limbs, etc,etc… The MOVE program at the VA focuses on losing weight for health and wellness of its Veteran clients.

The Market will run from July 10th until October 2nd, it will take place every Friday from 7 am until 1 pm on the Arthington Mall, on the UIC Medical School Campus across from the Jesse Brown VAMC (820 S. Damen Avenue, Chicago 60612) off of Damen between Taylor and Polk. Although JBVA’s patients are Veteran’s, their dependants, and Military personnel, the Farmer’s Market is open to the public.
This project would provide access to healthy food and education about the benefits of fresh produce, provide a pleasant oasis in a busy urban environment and serve to reduce stress, and establish the VA as a partner with the adjacent medical centers in promoting healthy eating habits.

Vendors will be selling fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh cut flowers, tomatoes, salsas, pasta sauces, and preserves. There will be music, recipe ideas, and contact information for the MOVE! Program at JBVA. "We are also looking into offering short 'soothing massages' to help relieve stress for a small fee,'' Dr. Catanese said.

JBVA is one of four large medical centers within an economically under served area just southwest of downtown Chicago. Each of three other Medical Centers (UIC, RUSH, and John Stroger Hospital of Cook County) will share a mutual benefit with JBVA. The Farmers Market will provide a chance for the local community and the medical district to enjoy the benefits of social gathering and community activity in a serene and healthy environment.

Tables and booths still available Vendors should contact: Megan Richardson 312-569-6561 or Dr. Catanese 312-569-8505. ----------------------------------------------------- Doc E. Everett McFall, HostThe Veteran’s Forum http://internetvoicesradio.com/
To listen to previous broadcast shows click on “Archives”, then click on E. Everett McFall.
"I CAN STILL HEAR THEIR CRIES, EVEN IN MY SLEEP'' ISBN: 9 781432 704575 Amazon.Com and book stores everywhere! Author Autographed copies available only $14.95 including shipping: E. Everett McFall, PO Box 11557, Merrillville, IN 46411

Would You Want A President With PTSD?

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:08:00 +0000

WHEN MIGHT A MAN [A WAR HERO A POW SURIVOR)
have a PTSD EVENT...A flashback? A outburst of anger?}

P.T.S.D. is no joking matter. This is an illness that is profound
and and can be lifelong, usually requiring medications to keep
(it) under control! ARE THE PEOPLES nominated for
Leadership of this Great Nation required to disclose any
and ALL Prescription MEDICATIONS They are taking?

I NEED TO KNOW THIS Answer? I believe we all know drugs
can alter mood anxiety,...and if not taken can, CAUSE very
unpleasant episodes. I would not want anyone in this position to
have rely on these types of medications for optimal performance,
because without them they become less efficient and think in a
different manner!

My reason! I know that all medications can stop working for any
number of reasons and before a replacement can be found the
person in question may not be in there right mind as we know it!

I feel Senator McCain, has does his best to keep it under control,
or at least, keep the knowledge of it out of the Public View. Why?
It is also my understanding he has released Medical information
which is required for a Presidential nominee. However, we know
very little about His Psychiatric History and medications which
should also be required. As a Vietnam Veteran, with PTSD,
and on several medications, I feel this is also justifiable.

Remember the way he clenched hid jaw so often when debating
Obama, his inability to look at him with respect in his face, I feel
has a deeper significance then just trying to win. I feel that was
the only way he could maintain control of his emotions. PSTD
manifests itself in many ways, uncontrollable anger and many
other ways and has many different features> More info on
PSTD, best source I am aware of:
(the DSM VI American VERSION)

In addition to all of this there's his nasty sense of humor aimed
as hurtful humor that jokes of rape, bigotry or prejudice or the
fact that that McCain twice attempted suicide as he
reported to his doctors in his recently disclosed medical reports.
All of this really begs the question IS John McCain really
mentally fit and rational enough to be president?

This is a difficult question that voters need to seriously answer.
Plus should the McCain Campaign be more forthcoming with
any mental health records, as this information is just as
important if not more so, than the health records they have
so far released.

The U.S. needs a president who seriously weighs when to
actually use military power only when necessary and not one
who sings a song parody of a Beach Boys song,
"Bomb,Bomb, Bomb Iran" when asked a question about
the Iranian nuclear program. The U.S. has the most
powerful military and nuclear arsenal in the world.
Voters need to be darn sure that the person with their
finger on the "red" button has good mental health and
anger management.

How DO WE KNOW ; THAT HE WON'T HAVE A POST
TRAUMATIC EVENT AT A CRITICAL MOMENT IN
TIME! WHAT IF HE HAD A FLASHBACK BACK
TO THE ATROCITIES HE LIVED THROUGH?

Countries like Iran are always going to do nonsense things
to anger the U.S., however this cannot be used as some
justification to take some bold step from which there is no
easy return. Sticky situations like Vietnam and Iraq are
very easy to get into, but famously difficult to exit from.
There's no "I'm just kidding" excuse once U.S. troops or
even worse, nuclear missiles are sent off to answer
something.

Kennedy was famous for the nuclear war that he avoided
with the Soviet Union over the Cuban Missile Crisis in
1962. From what we know of John McCain's reasoning,
judgment, TEMPERMENT and poor anger management
skills, who could really say that McCain would be able to
get the same positive outcome if he had been in the same
position as president.

Would the other presidential candidate be
treated with the same indifference if he had an
attempted suicide in HIS biography?
---------------------------------------------------
National Suicide Hot-Line, 24 hours a day...
1-800-273-8255
---------------------------------------------------

ED FREEMAN - MEDAL Of HONOR RECIPIENT

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:54:00 +0000

Ed Freeman

You're an 18 or 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying
in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley, 11-14-1965. LZ Xray , Vietnam .

Your Infantry Unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so
intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry
Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.

You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you
know you're not getting out. Your family is 1/2 way around the
world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again.

As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.
Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of
a helicopter, and you look up to see a Huey, but it doesn't seem
real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it. Ed Freeman is
coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's
flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the
Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway.

And he drops it in, lands his Huey Helicopter and sits there in the
middle of heavy intense machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of
you on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire,
to the Doctors and Nurses.

And, he kept coming back...... 13 more times..... and took about 30
of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out.

Medal of Honor Recipient Ed Freeman died last Wednesday at the
age of 80, in Boise , ID ......

Thank You Ed Freeman...for YOUR SERVICE and
YOUR SACRIFICE...
May God Rest his Soul...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep...
Journey Into PTSD: by E. Everett McFall

We are looking for special guest to appear on ourweekly radio
show broadcast, The Veterans' Forum.
Contact us at: getpaid365@sbcglobal.net

VA Grants Disability to Military Veterans with Lou Gehrig’s Disease

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:50:00 +0000

The ALS Association Michigan Chapter's

678 Front St ------- 675 Big Beaver Rd
Suite 159 ------- Suite 207
Grand Rapids, MI 49504 ------- Troy, MI 48083
Fax: 616.459.4522 ------- Fax: 248.680.6541

Contact:
Stacey Chase, Executive Director
866.927.CURE
Stacey@alsa-michigan.org

VA Grants Disability and Health Benefits to Military
Veterans with Lou Gehrig’s Disease; The ALS Association
Michigan Chapter Calls New Policy a Historic Victory for Veterans

Troy, MI (September 25, 2008) - The Department of Veterans
Affairs published groundbreaking new regulations today that grant
military veterans diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease full access to
health and disability benefits, regardless of where or when they
served in the military. The new rules take effect immediately.

The decision to establish a presumption of service connection for ALS
(amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a tremendous victory for veterans
living with the disease and is the culmination of years of work by The
ALS Association to expand benefits for those diagnosed with the fatal
neurodegenerative disease made famous by baseball legend Lou Gehrig.

The Association has been the leading organization advocating for this
policy change at the VA for many years. In 2001, The Association
strongly supported the VA’s decision to grant benefits to veterans of
the 1991 Persian Gulf War and has championed legislative efforts to
build on that policy so that it applies to all veterans with ALS.

“We are so pleased to see the efforts of so many ALS advocates
realized. We have many Veterans in Michigan with ALS that will
benefit from this legislation.” – Stacey Chase, Executive Director

According to studies, military veterans within the last century such
as Tom Franz, 62, of Flushing and Eric Fox, 38 of West Michigan are
nearly twice as likely to develop ALS as those with no history of
military service, regardless of where or when they served in the
military.

Most recently, The Association advocated for legislation (H.R. 5454)
introduced by Congressman Henry Brown (R-SC) that would have
established ALS as a service connected disease. Thanks to the
combined efforts of the VA Secretary James Peake, members of
Congress, The Association and veterans across the county this
legislation no longer is needed.

"Veterans are developing ALS in rates higher than the general
population, and it was appropriate to take action," VA Secretary
James Peake said. "ALS is a disease that progresses rapidly, once
it is diagnosed. There simply isn't time to develop the evidence
needed to support compensation claims before many veterans
become seriously ill. My decision will make those claims much
easier to process, and for them and their families to receive the
compensation they have earned through their service to our
Nation."

“We are extremely grateful to Secretary Peake, Congressman
Brown and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for standing on the
side of veterans with ALS across the country,” said Gary Leo,
president and CEO of The Association. “Thanks to their
leadership, veterans with ALS will receive the benefits and care
they need, when they need them. Thanks to their efforts, no
veteran with ALS will ever be left behind.”

Veterans living with ALS across the county also played a vital role
in advancing this critical policy change, which was first identified
as a priority by The Association’s Veteran’s Affairs Issue Team.
Jeff Faull, a Navy veteran from The Association’s Greater
Philadelphia Chapter, Brigadier General Tom Mikolajcik (USAF Ret.),
who helped found The Association’s South Carolina Chapter and Jim
Thew, a Navy veteran from the Greater Chicago Chapter, all
testified to Congress and helped lead the effort to improve
benefits for all veterans with ALS.

“Veterans living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease now have one less
hurdle to face on an already difficult road,” said Steve Gibson,
The Association’s vice president of government relations and
public affairs. “Our heroes who have served in the military and
those serving today can now be reassured that our government
will fight for them just as they fought for us.”

ALS, a fatal progressive, neurodegenerative disease, is striking
at this nation’s heroes the hardest
(ALS in the Military: Unexpected Consequences of Military Service);
however, the reasons are not known at this time.

The ALS Association is a leader in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s
Disease. The mission of the organization is to lead the fight to cure
and treat ALS through global, cutting-edge research, and to
empower people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to
live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and
support.

I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep...
A Journey Into PTSD by E. Everett McFall

We are looking for special guest to appear on our
weekly radio show broadcast, The Veterans' Forum.
Contact us at: getpaid365@sbcglobal.net

I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:24:00 +0000

Wow! We made the front page, and without a big
Post Office "WANTED" Style Poster- LOL
Thanks to Clairice Still and the Staff of the ...
The Veterans Voice Newspaper
www.theveteransvoice.com

I Can Still Hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep...
A Journey Into PTSD by E. Everett McFall

We are looking for special guest to appear on our
weekly radio show broadcast, The Veterans' Forum.
Contact us at: getpaid365@sbcglobal.net

If You Value Your FREEDOM-
Thank A VET!!!

Congress Holds Another Hearing on PTSD and Suicide

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:12:00 +0000

VA Oversight Update:
Congress Holds Another Hearing on PTSD and Suicide Among
Veterans on July 9
Printer Friendly Email Article Discuss Article (2) delicious
digg reddit

House Committee on Veterans Affairs
Jul 02, 2008
Related Articles: At War on the 4th of July - Dialog Between Vietnam
War and Iraq War Veterans
Major League Baseball Honors Veterans on July 4,
July 4, VCS in the News: Vets Mull Wins and Losses in Benefit Fight,
Veterans Celebrate Independence Day in Illinois,
War Photo Brought Dwyer an Unwelcome Fame

News Archives
July 3, 2008 - Why Does the VA Continue to Give a Suicide–
Inducing Drug to Veterans with PTSD

Chairman Bob Filner and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee
Schedules New Hearing on Suicide and PTSD.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008 10:00 a.m.
334 Cannon House Office Building

Comment here (2 comments).
Veterans for Common SensePost Office Box 15514 Washington, DC 20003
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
------------------------------------------------>
SAVE ON GAS NOW!!!
http://www.MoreMilesPerGal.Info/
24 Hour Info Call: 1-877-222-6741

Google PTSD ALERT

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:39:00 +0000

Google PTSD Alert: 07-06-08

Hidden Casualties: Suicides, PTSD Haunt US Veterans
By Signs of the Times: A year and a half ago, Scott Eiswert, a
specialist in the Tennessee Army National Guard, returned
from Iraq, only to face an escalating battle with post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). When he learned that his unit would
deploy again... Signs of the Times - http://www.sott.net

Re: Soldier in Nationally Published Photo Dies After
PTSD Struggle
Stories like this make my heart hurt. I have never seen combat, but
I can only imagine the horrors these men and women see in the war.
To have their brothers and sisters in arms falling around them, and
yet they can find it in their...
MyDeathSpace.com - http://mydeathspace.com/smf/index.php

Question: How best to help a loved one with PTSD/Depression?
By Langdon- My question is this: As a carer, what types of creative
things do you do that help encourage a PTSD sufferer who is
dealing with depression? A very important person in my life suffers
from PTSD and has had reoccuring depression at...
PTSD Forum - http://www.ptsdforum.org

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
By Guest - Many people associate Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) with the military, and that is a valid reason to have the
disorder; however, there are many other traumatic experiences
that can cause a person to experience PTSD...
Romow Health & Beauty Blog-http://www.romow.com/health-blog

Virtual War Zone on 4th of July (PTSD)
By Kilong Ung - Unfortunately, the (celabratory use of) fireworks
can easily trigger terrible fear, anxiety, loneliness, horrible
memory, depression and insomnia for those who have lived through
combat zone and now suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD)...Blog - http://kilong-ung.blogspot.com/
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
------------------------------------------------>
SAVE ON GAS NOW!!!
http://www.MoreMilesPerGal.Info/
24 Hour Info Call: 1-877-222-6741

PTSD - News Updates as of 7JULY 08

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:48:00 +0000

Google News

Echoes of Vietnam: VA Stalls, Dissembles While Vets Suffer and Die
AlterNet - San Francisco, CA, USA It read: "Given that we have
more and more compensation-seeking veterans, I'd like to suggest
that you refrain from giving a diagnosis of PTSD straight out.
...See all stories on this topic

In this war, troops get a rousing welcome home
USA Today - USA By Rick Hampson, USA TODAY WARMINSTER,
Pa. — The young soldier hadn't slept in 48 hours or bathed in 72.
Now that he was finally back from Iraq, ...See all stories on this topic

Soldier in photo dies after PTSD struggle AirForceTimes.com
- Springfield,VA,USABut when he returned from war after three
months in Iraq, he developed the classic, treatable symptoms of
PTSD. like so many other combat vets,
...See all stories on this topic

Fireworks can upset veterans suffering from post-traumatic
stress ...MLive.com
- MI,USASince 2003, about 40000 troops from the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan have been diagnosed with the illness, also known as PTSD,
including 14000 in 2007. ...See all stories on this topic

Bringing the stress of war back home
Newspaper Tree - El Paso,TX,USA
Suicide is the extreme manifestation of PTSD, which can affect
more than a quarter of combat veterans. Gary Larcenaire,
CEO of El Paso Mental Health and ...See all stories on this topic

Obama says America's veterans deserve betterBoston Globe -
United States... Veterans Affairs system with more funding, end
homelessness among veterans, and pay appropriate attention to
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.
...See all stories on this topic

The Price of Freedom: Traumatic Brain Injuries Are the 'Invisible
...DiversityInc.com (subscription)
- USAAccording to the study, nearly 20 percent, or 300000 soldiers,
who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan report symptoms of
PTSD or major depression, ...See all stories on this topic

Federal appeals court rules Rehabilitation Act extends to post ...
JURIST - USAFinding that PTSD qualified as a "mental impairment"
and that sleep constituted a "major life activity," the court concluded
that the condition was covered ...See all stories on this topic

Powerful new MRI to benefit area veterans, soldiers
Waco Tribune Herald - Waco,TX, USA By Cindy V. Culp Untold
numbers of veterans and their family members will benefit from
research that will be done using a state-of-the-art machine
unveiled ...See all stories on this topic
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
------------------------------------------------>

SAVE ON GAS NOW!!!
http://www.moremilespergal.info/

Help For Veterans In PTSD Books!

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:14:00 +0000

PTSD Books Aim to Help Veterans

Jeff St. John
The Fresno Bee Jun 28, 2008

Related Articles:
I Can Still hear Their Cries, Even In My Sleep,
By E. Everett McFall

Wounded Iraqi Forces Say They've Been Abandoned,
Congressional Subcommittee Approves Legislation to Help Veterans
Readjust After Military Deployments
Editorial Column: Veterans United for Truth Responds to Court Ruling
Disabled Vets Face Challenges Finding a Job US,

News Archives
June 26, 2008 -

Dr. Lorie DeCarvalho has spent the past 14 years helping
veterans cope with post- traumatic stress disorder-
the anger, depression, disconnectedness and nightmares
that can linger long after veterans have returned home
from the horrors of war.

Now DeCarvalho, the founder and director of Behavioral Health
Services for Adventist Health in Hanford, has co- written two
books meant to help veterans, their families and friends and the
professionals who treat them -- and, sadly, she knows that the
demand for this kind of help is growing.

"There are literally thousands of individuals suffering from this
condition that drastically affects their ability to function in day-
to-day life," said DeCarvalho, who is also an associate clinical
professor of psychiatry at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Active-duty soldiers returning from the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan can experience panic attacks or flashbacks of horrific
events they experienced on the battlefield, she said. Veterans may
find it difficult to reconnect with loved ones or to enjoy the
activities that used to bring them happiness.

DeCarvalho has studied post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD,
and has developed techniques to treat it during her previous years
with Veterans Affairs and at the National Center for
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Honolulu.

But the two books she co-wrote with colleagues Dr. Julia Whealin
and Dr. Edward Vega are more practical "how-to" guides than
research tomes, she said.

The first, "Clinician's Guide to Treating Stress After
War," is aimed at the mental health professionals who work with
returning veterans and their families, DeCarvalho said.

The second, "Strategies for Managing Stress After War,"
is written as a "work book" for veterans undergoing treatment,
but it can also be a useful as a resource for people who are trying
to cope with a loved one suffering from PTSD, she said.

"If people want a better understanding of what veterans and
active -duty returning soldiers are dealing with, it's a good book
to pick up," she said.

DeCarvalho said there's a common misconception among some
people that PTSD is overdiagnosed in the military personnel
returning from America's wars abroad. Her experience has
taught her otherwise.

"We really haven't seen very many resources to date that
address all of the needs that veterans are experiencing when
they return from war," she said. "There is a great need."
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
------------------------------------------------>

SAVE ON GAS NOW!!!
www.MoreMilesPerGal.Info

Returning Troops Encouraged to Seek Mental Health Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:04:00 +0000

By Senitra Horbrook, Staff Writer

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder often afflicts troops returning
from war. Last year The United States Army 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.

Troops as well as their families from counties including Dallas,
Denton and Collin are eligible to participate in Operation
Healthy Reunions."

Myself and the other coordinator do a psycho social assessment,
focused on whether they're having post traumatic stress disorder.
If they're experiencing problems due to trauma, we'll refer them
to counseling, to physiatrists, marriage counseling, substance abuse
or anger management counseling," Norris said. "Sometimes the
service member could be in Iraq and their family back here is
experiencing problems because the service member is deployed.

"Many troops don't seek treatment because there has been a
longtime stigma attached to mental health treatment."

For many years in the military, if they started having emotional
issues, they were discharged. In the past, they might lose their
ecurity clearance. The Department of Defense is making some
changes there to loosen up those rules," Norris said. "That culture
has been there many years, so it's hard to come forward and
admit they're having some post traumatic stress issues."

Post traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder, related
to a person witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event,
Norris said. The disorder can go away with proper treatment,
which usually includes therapy and may also include medicine.

Repercussions from not seeking treatment can have great impact
on the service member and his or her family. "They start having
family issues, start having marital problems, children start acting
out," Norris said. "The service member can become isolated,
anger issues arise, drinking, taking drugs. They avoid
talking about the war itself. They become depressed.
Depression is a big consequence of PTSD."

Troops and their families interested in more information on
Operation Healthy Reunions can contact the Mental Health
America of Greater Dallas at 214-871-2420 or visit mhadallas.org.

Contact Senitra Horbrook at 972-628-4074 or
shorbrook@acnpapers.com.

RECAP FACTS:
* The US Army last year had the highest rate of suicide in 30 years
* 25 percent of troops serving more than one deployment need
mental health care
* Up to one-fourth of returning troops struggle with psychological
injuries
* Stigma is the major deterrent for not seeking treatment
* Most all mental health illness is curable with proper treatment
* Care is for the service person and their families
* The Secretary of Defense has stated that mental health treatment
will not become a part of a troop's medical file, contrary to previous
regulations
Source: Mental Health America of Greater Dallas

Copyright © 2008 Star Community Newspapers
624 Krona Drive Suite 170,
Plano, Texas 75074
Contact Star Community Newspapers at 972-398-4200
------------------------------------------------->
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
by E. Everett McFall spotlight this

Veterans 'Betrayed' by Government Chantix Trial

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:36:00 +0000

Google News ptsd
Iraq Vets With PTSD Used as Chantix Guinea Pigs

Veterans 'betrayed' by government Chantix trial
WFAA - Dallas,TX,USABy JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA-TV A
stop smoking drug with potentially psychotic side effects, Chantix
has been the subject of an ongoing News 8 investigation
...See all stories on this topic

VA testing drugs on mentally distressed veterans.
Think Progress - Washington,DC,USABy Satyam at 12:21 pm
A Washington Times/ABC News investigation released today finds
that “mentally distressed veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are
being ...See all stories on this topic

';Wash Times': VA Using Iraq Vets as Guinea Pigs in Drug Tests
Editor & Publisher - USAABC aired an interview today with that man,
James Elliott, an Army sharpshooter who suffers from PTSD after
serving 15 months in Iraq. ...See all stories on this topic

VA launches PTSD helpline for veterans
WZZM - Grand Rapids,MI,USAWashington - The Veteran's
Administration announced it has created a new hotline for current
and former military members suffering severe emotional crisis
...See all stories on this topic

Obama Opposes Drug Testing on Soldiers RushPRnews.com
(press release) - Montreal, Quebec,Canada;
Chicago, IL (RUSHPNEWS) 06/19/2008 —
Below is a statement from Barack Obama on disturbing reports
that 'mentally distressed veterans from Iraq and
...See all stories on this topic
--------------------------------------------------------
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number is
1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
and---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ...
A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

Iraq Vets With PTSD Used as Chantix Guinea Pigs

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:56:00 +0000

Why Is The VA Is Using A Known Dangerous Drug On Our Troops?

Posted by: Scott Kappes

June 17, 2008 - 05:48 PM Edited by: E. Everett McFall

Category: FDA & Prescription Drugs
Tags: Chantix, PTSD,

Today the Washington Times and ABC News are reporting
that our Combat Units-Marines and soldiers returning from Iraq
are being used as test patients for medications that have been
linked to serious adverse reactions.

According to reports, the Veterans Adiministration is offering cash
incentives to entice returning soldiers to participate in studies.
In one of the most disturbing cases, it took the VA over three
months to notify the veterans of a link to severe
nueropsychiatric events associated with Pfizer’s controversial
anti-smoking medication Chantix. The warning was not issued
until after one veteran taking the medication was nearly gunned
down by police while suffering from a psychotic episode allegedly
induced by Chantix.

Many of the soldiers / Marines returning from Iraq and
Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
and are in a very fragile state of mind when the initially get back
to the US. Taking advantage of soldiers in this condition is
simply unacceptable. The label of Chantix was updated in
February to advise patients that the drug may induce
thoughts of suicide and trigger even latent mental
health conditions to resurface.

To subject veterans in such delicate mental condition to a
medication that has been linked to mental problems is
tragedy waiting to happen.

In all, nearly 1,000 veterans with PTSD were enrolled in the
study to test different methods of ending smoking, with 143
using Chantix. Twenty-one veterans reported adverse effects
from the drug, including one who suffered suicidal thoughts,
the three-month investigation by The Times and ABC News found.

[Arthur] Caplan, who reviewed the consent and notification
forms for the study at the request of The Times and ABC News,
said the VA deserved an "F" and that it has an obligation to end
the study, given the vulnerability of veterans with PTSD and the
known side effects of Chantix. "Continuing it doesn't make
any ethical sense," he said.

Late last month Chantix was removed from the list acceptable
medications for pilots and air traffic controllers after a non-profit
foundation released a study further affirming suspected
adverse reactions associated with the drug.

RELATED:
Chantix Tested on Vets with PTSD
The Veterans Administration has recruited veterans with PTSD
for Chantix clinical trials, but did not inform trial participants of the
drug's link to suicide until late February. Digg / Health / upcoming - http://digg.com/health
Government is Testing Drugs on Vets with PTSD
By Michael Connery ABC News is reporting that the government is
testing drugs with possible violent and suicidal side effects on
veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan with PTSD. Worse, it failed to
notify those veterans of these possible side effects:
Future Majority - - blogging... - http://www.futuremajority.com ----------------------------------------------------- For more information: The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/ Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/

--------------------------------------------> Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide, and the Lessons of WAR ---> by Penny Coleman I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep.. A Journey Into PTSD By E. Everett McFall Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

FAREWELL DEAR FRIEND !

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:39:00 +0000

Tim Russert Dead At 58

This blog is and will continue to be dedicated to the needs of Veterans. However, Today I felt that we should offer a few words in memorandum to an honest, courageous champion of the "common man", as well as a patriot and fighter of & for the rights of those who had no voice... including the Veteran.

by Poliwonk USA
June 13, 2008 04:37 PM EDT

Whether you agreed with him or not, it will be hard not to remember Tim Russert. Today in the middle of recording a segment in the job he loved the most. Russert was in what is known as a tracking booth, recording voice-overs for the upcoming show, and started having problems breathing. He apparently collapsed and an ambulance was called.

He was unconscious as he left and never revived. He was the longest host of Meet The Press, but more importantly he was a beloved father and husband. He touched every network, and caused them all to be better. This is noted that every network ran coverage of his death. (CNN, MSNBC,CNBC, Fox News, ABC, CBS) Tom Brokaw came out of retirement to break the news. You could visibly notice Brokaw choking back tears and trying not to cry while reading the announcement.

Russert grew up in Buffalo, which Brokaw said Russert had just visited last week to assist in moving his father to a new home. Russert had hosted "Meet the Press" since 1991, taking the seat from Garrick Utley. Russert also authored two best-sellers, including "Big Russ and Me," which focused on the relationship with his father, and the "Wisdom of Our Fathers." Russert honed his hard-hitting interviewing style over the years, and became a make-or-break appearance for any major American politician, as well as must-see television for political observers, in and outside government.

He regularly interviewed the biggest names in domestic and international politics, and moderated presidential debates, including at least three during the 2008 presidential campaign cycle.

Russert, who also was an attorney and a former aide to New York former Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., and Gov. Mario Cuomo (D), had a distinctive on-air style that included posting well-documented quotes and charts on air. During the 2000 election, Russert received light ribbing for repeated references to a white dry-erase board he continued to write on while explaining the ongoing tallies.

Our condolences and prayers to the family, and our thanks in knowing that he is at rest in heaven.

He will be greatly missed by both sides of the isle. The World has lost one of its brightest lights.

The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/ Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/ ------------------------------------------------> Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide, and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman and---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep ... A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

GOOGLE Blogs Alert for: ptsd

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 08:02:00 +0000

Blogs Alert for: ptsd
Senate probes VA on PTSD
Daniel Akaka's accusations of “systemic indifference to
invisible wounds” in its handling of disability claims for PTSD.
During Senate committee hearings, Dr. Norma Perez, Central
Texas Veterans Health Care System, was persistently

...MIWatch.org - http://www.miwatch.org/
PTSD and self harm behaviorsBy Rachael O.(Rachael O.) http://ptsd.about.com/od/relatedconditions/a/DSHandPTSD.htm.

On gangstalking - http://ongangstalking.blogspot.com/
CONFIDENTIAL // PTSD "PTSD Research"By TVV1 Currently,
PTSD is understood as a condition affecting hundreds of thousands
of American men and women. Combat exposure, sexual assault,
abuse, accidents and natural disasters are a few of the events that
can trigger PTSD.

The Veterans' Voice -
http://thenma.org/blogs/index.php/theveteransvoice
VA Lawsuit: Judge orders hearing on internal PTSD email
By Iraq Veteran Project
The plaintiffs asked Conti to reopen the case in light of the e-mail
discovered after the trial ended. The judge agreed, saying
"the e-mail raises potentially serious questions that may warrant
further attention."
Swords to Plowshares - http://swords-to-plowshares.org

Support Groups for PTSD Survivors Can Help - Wellness Coach
By Darlene Siddons
Trauma of any kind has a long lasting effect on individuals and it
is important that PTSD (Post Trauma Stress Disorder) survivors
know that there is help and to be ok with asking for help.
Shame plays a large role in PTSD and many
...- http://www.spiritedboutique.com

Judge to consider VA e-mail about PTSD diagnoses
The plaintiffs asked Conti to reopen the case in light of the e-mail
discovered after the trial ended.Digg / upcoming - http://digg.com/

VA e-mail on PTSD catches court attention
By thedrifter
“Given that we are having more and more compensation-seeking
veterans, I’d like to suggest that you refrain from giving a diagnosis
of PTSD straight out,” Perez wrote to VA counselors. “We really don’t
or have time to do the extensive
...Marine Corps Community for USMC Veterans -
http://www.leatherneck.com/forums

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION CHIEF LIKENS PTSD TO
"HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ...By Bill Corcoran(Bill Corcoran)
When I interviewed Josh about his difficulties seeking help for
his PTSD, he recounted the whole horrific process with a smile
on his face and a self-effacing laugh. It took me a while to realize
that Josh laughed about his troubles
...CORKSPHERE - http://corksphere.blogspot.com/

VA Official Testifies on PTSD Stance in Latest Email Flap http://feeds.wsjonline.com/wsj/health/feed
in veterans got a chance to explain herself to Congress yesterday.
“Several veterans expressed to my staff their frustration after
receiving a diagnosis of PTSD from a team member … when they
had not received that diagnosis during
MyDailyApple News Alert: Personal-
http://www.mydailyapple.com/news

Fellow Friend & Forum Member in Hospital
By goingonhope
I imagine he, like myself recognize that we are not the only two
PTSD sufferers, who suffer alcoholism simultaneous with PTSD.
And, I'm not speaking of suffering the drink, I'm referring to
accepting and living with the three-fold
...PTSD Forum - http://www.ptsdforum.org
--------------------------------------------------------
For more information:
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number is
1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR by Penny Coleman
and---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep
.. A Journey Into PTSD By E. Everett McFall

Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

Nearby Firing Ranges Complicate Soldiers' Recovery From Stress

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:43:00 +0000

Our Thanks to:
Walker Bennett, SF Author
June 03, 2008 03:54 PM EDT

"A loud noise still makes me dive for cover 36 years later. When I
lived in Louisville, Ft. Knox was 40 miles away. When they had
tank target practice, I'd spend a lot of time under the table."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2008/05/30/VI2008053002640.html?sid=ST2008060203019

By Ann Scott Tyson
W ashington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 3, 2008; Page A01

Wounded Soldiers Housed Next to Firing Range
More than 170 soldiers with physical and mental wounds such as
post-traumatic stress disorder are housed across the street from
a string of firing ranges at Fort Benning, Ga., one of the Army's main
training bases. Several soldiers with PTSD said the loud gunfire at
day and night startles them and keeps them on edge and wake,
harming their recovery.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Army Sgt. Jonathan Strickland sits in his
room at noon with the blinds drawn, seeking the sleep that has
eluded him since he was knocked out by the blast of a Baghdad car
bomb.

Like many of the wounded soldiers living in the newly built "warrior
transition" barracks here, the soft-spoken 25-year-old suffers from
post-traumatic stress disorder. But even as Strickland and his
comrades struggle with nightmares, anxiety and flashbacks from
their wartime experiences, the sounds of gunfire have followed them
here, just outside their windows.

Across the street from their assigned housing, about 200 yards
away, are some of the Army infantry's main firing ranges, and
day and night, several days each week, barrages from rifles and
machine guns echo around Strickland's building. The noise makes
the wounded cringe, startle in their formations, and stay awake
and on edge, according to several soldiers interviewed at the
barracks last month. The gunfire recently sent one soldier to the
emergency room with an anxiety attack, they said.

"You hear a lot of shots, it puts you in a defensive mode," said
Strickland, who spent a year with an infantry platoon in Baghdad
and has since received a diagnosis of PTSD from the military. He
now takes medicine for anxiety and insomnia. "My heart
starts racing and I get all excited and irritable," he said, adding
that the adrenaline surge "puts me back in that mind frame that I
am actually there."

"Fort Benning is a training unit, so there is gunfire around us all
the time," said Elaine Kelley, a behavioral health supervisor at the
base hospital. If a soldier had a severe problem, it would have
been identified, she said.

Lt. Col. Sean Mulcahey, who recently took command of the
Warrior Transition Battalion, where wounded soldiers are
assigned, said: "No soldier has talked with me about the ranges."
If it is an issue, "we will address it," he said, stressing that the
battalion's mission is " getting those soldiers to heal."

Under Army rules, commanders of warrior transition units are
supposed to enforce "quiet hours." Officials said the location of the
barracks for wounded soldiers, along with a $1.2 million Soldier and
Family Assistance Center, was chosen for its proximity to central
facilities such as the hospital. About 350 soldiers are assigned to the
battalion--including 176 who live in the barracks near the ranges--
where they stay an average of eight months, Mulcahey said. An
estimated 10 to 15 percent of the soldiers have PTSD, he said.

Soldiers interviewed said complaints to medical personnel at
Fort Benning's Martin Army Community Hospital and officers in
their chain of command have brought no relief, prompting one
soldier's father to contact The Washington Post. Fort Benning
officials said that they were unaware of specific complaints but that
decisions about housing and treatment for soldiers with PTSD
depend on the severity of each case. They said day and night
training must continue as new soldiers arrive and the Army grows.

The soldiers are part of a growing group of an estimated 150,000
combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who have
PTSD symptoms. The mental disorder has been diagnosed in
nearly 40,000 of them.

PTSD symptoms include flashbacks and anxiety, and noises such as
fireworks or a car backfiring can make sufferers feel as though they
are back in combat. Health experts say that housing soldiers near a
firing range subjects them to a continual trigger for PTSD.

"It would definitely traumatize them," said Harold McRae, a
psychotherapist in Columbus, Ga., who counsels dozens of soldiers
with PTSD who are at Fort Benning. "It would be like you having
a major car wreck on the interstate" and then living in a home
overlooking the freeway, he said. "Every time you hear a wreck
or the brakes lock up, you are traumatized."

Fort Benning, which covers more than 180,000 acres, is one of
the Army's main training bases, with 67 live-fire ranges. The base
has thousands of housing and barracks units. "There is no excuse"
for the housing situation, said Paul Ragan, an associate professor
of psychology at Vanderbilt University, who treats veterans with
PTSD. "Charitably put, it's very untherapeutic."

CONTINUED Next >

For more information
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number
is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.va.gov/
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://www.iava.org/
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR-- by Penny Coleman
and---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep
... A Journey Into PTSD --By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

Post-war Trauma Cases Up !!!

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:44:00 +0000

Post-war Trauma Cases Up
Inadequate care blamed for suicide spike...
By William Johnson • wjohnson@dailyworld.com • June 2, 2008

Read Comments(3) E-mail this article
Del.icio.us , Facebook , Digg , Reddit , Newsvine

Last week's Opelousas Memorial Day observance paid special
tribute to Sgt. Joseph Ronald Barnaba II, who was severely injured
in Iraq and was found dead at his home in St. Landry Parish two
weeks ago.

His first cousin, Dexter Scott Freeman, said it may have been
terrorists who attacked him, but it was a lack of adequate
care at home that killed him.

"The insurgents didn't kill him. Our government killed him. Everbody
wants to wave the flag but the truth is so much more. These guys are
coming home with so much pain, many have lost their jobs, their homes.

They are in so much pain most people can't fathom it," Freeman said.
While critical of the treatment his cousin received, Freeman is
no critic of the military. Freeman, a 10-year military veteran,
said he and Barnaba grew up in the same house - a house with
a strong military tradition. Freeman's brother is still in the
National Guard, and other family members serve in the Marines
and Air Force.

According to Freeman, his cousin was suffering from post-
traumatic stress disorder. Local mental health care
professional Paula Carriere said Barnaba was not alone. She said
she is seeing many veterans who are having trouble adjusting.
"One in eight is suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
It is affecting not just them but their families," Carriere told the
Opelousas Noon Rotary Club last week.

(This Vietnam Veteran, strongly believes it's
closer to Six in Eight- that are suffering with
PTSD!)

"A lot aren't getting the mental health counseling they need. They
are dealing with a lot anger, feeling out of control, they are impatient,
constantly on guard," Carriere said. "They have a tremendous set of
issues." In a report released this month, the military said newly
diagnosed cases of PSTD among U.S. troops sent to Iraq and
Afghanistan surged 46.4 percent in 2007.

The numbers are especially troubling concerning the National Guard.
While Guard and Reserve troops make up less than a third of soldiers
serving in the war, they make up more than half of veterans who
commit suicide after returning home.

Officially, the military only acknowledges about 40,000 PTSD cases.
A recent study by the RAND Corporation, a military think tank, called
that number low. It estimates about 300,000 troops, or 18.5 percent,
of the more than 1.5 million troops sent into the war zones exhibit
symptoms of either PTSD or depression.

The government is trying to correct the problem. In November,
President Bush signed a suicide prevention bill, which directed the VA
to improve its mental health training for staff and do a better job of
screening and treating veterans.

As a result, the VA has started its own suicide hotline. The VA and
the military have also made other improvements in suicide
prevention care, such as hiring more counselors and increasing
mental health screening. Despite these efforts, soldiers, veterans
and their families are running into what veterans advocates deem
excessive red tape and roadblocks when they try to use their
military insurance.

The deployment of hundreds of doctors and therapists to Iraq and
Afghanistan and the shortage of military health care providers has
forced patients at veteran's clinics and hospitals to wait months for
appointments - longer if they need to see a specialist.

Meanwhile, civilian doctors and psychiatrists say they're often faced
with tough decisions about whether to turn away patients on Tricare,
the Defense Department program that insures 9.2 million current
and former service members and their dependents. Its
reimbursement rates are low and its claims process cumbersome.

The problem is expected to only get worse. Tricare's reimbursement
rate are linked to Medicare levels. Health care providers who treat
patients on both programs will take a 10 percent pay cut on July 1
and a second, 5 percent, pay cut on Jan. 1, 2009.

In the meantime, Freeman urges family members of veterans to
surround their loved ones with support.

"To those of you who do have family members serving, please make
sure you can surround that individual with the help he or she she
needs because, I have to be frank, this story is going to repeat itself
again and again," Freeman said.

For more information
The toll-free Veterans Affairs Department Suicide hotline number is

1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Veterans Affairs Department: va.gov
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: iava.org
------------------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR by Penny Coleman
and---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep
... A Journey Into PTSD By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

Combat PTSD or Adjustment Disorder? Saving Money, Not Lives

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:24:00 +0000

Stress Management and Relief

Last year, a firestorm erupted when it was found that 24,000 or
more OEF/OIF veterans had been booted out of the military
with Personality Disorder discharges. PD (once labeled "Section 8")
discharges are a quicker and more cost-efficient way of dealing with
service members who are exhibiting problematic behavior.

The problem, of course, was that some of the discharged were
combat-injured Purple Heart recipients who may have instead been
coping with PTSD, a fact that would allow them access to VA health
care benefits to treat their condition.

This week, we've moved from the military's diagnoses of Personality
Disorder over PTSD to a Texas VAMC PTSD program coordinator
advising that Adjustment Disorder diagnoses should be handed out
over that of PTSD. The reason given? Saving money.

From the Washington Post:
"Given that we are having more and more compensation seeking
veterans, I'd like to suggest that you refrain from giving a diagnosis
of PTSD straight out," Norma Perez wrote in a March 20 e-mail to
mental-health specialists and social workers at the Department of
Veterans Affairs' Olin E. Teague Veterans' Center in Temple, Tex.
Instead, she recommended that they "consider a diagnosis of
Adjustment Disorder." VA staff members "really don't . . . have time
to do the extensive testing that should be done to determine PTSD,"
Perez wrote.

"Adjustment disorder is a less severe reaction to stress than PTSD
and has a shorter duration, usually no longer than six months, said
Anthony T. Ng, a psychiatrist and member of Mental Health America,
a nonprofit professional association.

"Veterans diagnosed with PTSD can be eligible for disability
compensation of up to $2,527 a month, depending on the severity of
the condition, said Alison Aikele, a VA spokeswoman. Those found to
have adjustment disorder generally are not offered such payments,
though veterans can receive medical treatment for either condition. ...

"Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake said in a statement that
Perez's e-mail was "inappropriate" and does not reflect VA policy. It
has been "repudiated at the highest level of our health care organization,"
he said. "VA's leadership will strongly remind all medical staff that trust,
accuracy and transparency is paramount to maintaining our relationships
with our veteran patients," Peake said."

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and VoteVets
released a copy of the email on Thursday.

### of Part One
PART TWO TOMORROW
------------------------------------>

The VA has set up a 24-hour suicide hotline round-the-clock access to mental health professionals. The number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK). To learn more about PTSD-- visit the National Center for PTSD website. -----------------------------------> Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide, and the Lessons of WAR by Penny Coleman

and---> I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep... A Journey Into PTSD By E. Everett McFall

Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

ILL Gov. Urges Federal VA To Improve Care For Vets with Traumatic Brain Injuries!!!

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:37:00 +0000

ILL Gov. Blagojevich urges Federal VA to improve continuation
of care for Vets with traumatic brain injuries. New Federal VA
Inspector General Illinois Warrior Assistance Program
offers 24-hour assistance for Veterans in Illinois through
toll-free helpline at 1-866-554-IWAP (4927)

CHICAGO - Governor Rod R. Blogojevich called on the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs today to improve continuation
of care for Vets with traumatic brain injuries in light of their
Inspector General's report released yesterday finding Veterans
in long term recovery for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are
not getting the assistance they need. In fact the report found
that Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain
injuries were receing inadequate follow-up care.

For Veterans in Illinois, the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program
is available and offers 24-hour assistance through a toll-free
helpline for Illinois Veterans suffering from symptoms
associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
or TBI.

"The effects of war remain long after our brave men and women
return home to their families and friends. The U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs has to do more for the men and women
injured in combat. In Illinois, we are doing everything in our
power to make sure that the people who risked their lives overseas
defending our freedom have the opportunity to lead healthy, stable
lives," said Gov. Blagojevich. "The Illinois Warrior Assistance
Program will help our returning Veterans make the transition from
their tour of duty to everyday life. I am proud that Illinois is the
first state in the nation to develop this type of program, and I hope
to see other states develop similar programs to help our brave
Veterans across the country."

The report found that for Veterans of the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan with TBIs, "long-term case management is not
uniformly provided for these patients, and significant needs
remain unmet." These were the findings even though and earlier
report found that, "specific attention to the long-term needs of
those living with TBI is warranted in part because cognitive and
emotional impairments compromise patients' capacity to seek
help on their own. Unlike other types of injury, brain injury often
causes long lasting emotional difficulties and behavioral problems.
Further, in contrast to amputations and other disabilities, these
problems are often not apparent to casual observers even though
they exact a huge toll on patients and families."

"So many of the men and women serving in the armed forces are
deployed overseas multiple times as the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan continue," said Illinois Department of Veterans'
Affairs Director L. Tammy Duckworth. "We must make sure
that our soldiers returning from combat are able to make the
difficult transition from combat life to civilian life, and the
llinois Warrior Assistance Program provides the assistance
Veterans need to make their daily life easier."

The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program confidential helpline,
1-866-554-IWAP (4927), is available and staffed around
the clock by health professionals to assist Veterans, day or night,
with the symptoms associated with PTSD and to screen for a
possible TBI. Information about the program can also be found at http://www.illinoiswarrior.com/.

The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program provides confidential
assistance for Illinois Veterans as they transition back to their
everyday lives after serving our country. Its goal is to help
service members and their families deal with the emotional
and psychological challenges they may be facing. The program
has three major parts: It offers a 24-hour, toll-free helpline at
1-866-554-IWAP (4927), which is staffed by health
professionals to assist veterans, day or night, with the
symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD).

It also provides Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) screening to
all interested Illinois veterans over the phone via the helpline
or through the State of Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
(IDVA) Veteran Service Officers (VSOs).It makes TBI
screenings mandatory for all returning members of the Illinois
Army National Guard and Air National Guard.
----------------------------------->

The VA has set up a 24-hour suicide hotline
round-the-clock access to mental health professionals.
The number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK).
To learn more about PTSD-- visit the
National Center for PTSD website.
----------------------------------->
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR by Penny Coleman
and--->I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep
...A Journey Into PTSD By E. Everett McFall

Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

YES, YOU CAN! Online

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Tue, 13 May 2008 20:29:00 +0000

YES, YOU CAN! Online

by Speedy - Support Veterans
May 13, 2008 11:26 AM EDT

comments: 3

Popular SCI self-care guide now freely available on the web
Washington, DC-YES, YOU CAN!, Paralyzed Veterans of America's

(Paralyzed Veterans) popular self-care guide for people with spinal

cord injury (SCI), is now accessible online for free.

"Making vital self-help information accessible to millions of people

with disabilities, their families and their caregivers is an important

part of Paralyzed Veterans' mission," said Randy L. Pleva, Sr,

National President of Paralyzed Veterans. "Information is power

and Yes, You Can! has helped to empower so many disabled

people by giving them the information they need to help themselves.

Now this essential resource can be accessed by anyone who has a

computer with an Internet connection."
YES, YOU CAN!, A Guide to Self-Care for Persons with Spinal Cord

Injury, is written and edited by experts. This third edition includes

six new chapters on pain, substance abuse, exercise, alternative

medicine, equipment, and staying healthy.

It is the most comprehensive self-care guide for people with SCI,

including newly injured patients in our nation's SCI units and SCI

patients who are out of the hospital. Family members of people with

SCI will also find this a useful resource.

With this online version of YES, YOU CAN!, you'll be able to:
•· Download the book for free
•· Email the book to a friend
•· Take an online tutorial on how to use the book
•· Conduct keyword searches
•· Bookmark any page
•· Print any page
•· Instantly click on dozens of website references that are all hot-linked
To access YES, YOU CAN! online and to purchase print copies.

please visit http://www.pva.org/.
***************************************************************

Sounds like valiant measures have been taken to ensure betterment

for our paralyzed veterans. I'm so glad to hear this!
Kimberly Ripley, May 13, 2008, 12:05pm EDT

I'm with Kimberly. For years now we haven't done enough for those

who protect us. Any improvement is welcome.
Pamela L., May 13, 2008, 1:13pm EDT

Sometimes "they" attempt to do the right things. Thanks for the info.
Marilyn M., May 13, 2008, 3:19pm EDT
***************************************************************

The VA has set up a 24-hour suicide hotline

round-the-clock access to mental health professionals.

The number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK).

To learn more about PTSD-- visit the

National Center for PTSD website.

------------------------------------>

Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,

and the Lessons of WAR by Penny Coleman

and--->I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep

...A Journey Into PTSD By E. Everett McFall

Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

Combating P.T.S.D. and Preventing Suicides

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Sun, 11 May 2008 21:04:00 +0000

May 10, 2008
By Jennifer Litz Editor

The founders of the new PTSD treatment center in San Angelo,
First Gulf War veteran Steve Olness and paramedic Rosendo
"Rosey" Velez. ( Photo/Sarah Balderas)

Combating P.T.S.D. and Preventing Suicides

One of the most progressive treatment centers for Post Traumatic
Stress Disorders in the country is coming to San Angelo, made
possible by an $80,000 grant from the TRIAD Fund of Permian
Basin Area Foundation. But what’s really special about the new
center at 2607 Johnson Street is not its christening by foundation
funds. The people conducting counseling services there are not your
typical government bureaucratic types. They’re veterans of war,
and even Ground Zero.

Gulf War vet Steve Olness is program manger for veteran’s services
for Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of the Concho Valley.
MHMR will share digs on Johnson Street with Emergency Services
Respite Center to provide care for recently returned soldiers and
other crisis responders suffering from Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder.

“I was in the army in the first Gulf War, and when we came back,
there was nothing like this,” says Olness. “Our war was nothing
like this one, but there was nobody waiting to try to get you used
to civilian life again. Or get you used to peacetime. There wasn’t
anything. We just came back, and a lot of guys who got out of the
military right after that, you got a handshake and goodbye.”
Olness says the soldiers coming back from tours in Iraq and
Afghanistan are going to need lot of help—and so are the military
resources set up to receive them.

“It’s going to be like a tidal wave,” Olness says. “Because some
of these kids are pulling three, four, and five tours over
there. And when you pull an 18-year-old kid fresh out of high
school, send him to training and he goes to a combat area, and
all he knows is what he was taught to do, sometimes that means
he has to take another person’s life. And then he comes back
home, and everyone lauds him as a hero—but he doesn’t feel
like a hero.”

Olness says there’s a stigma to having PTSD. “If a [solider comes
back with] diagnosed PTSD, the military has to pay ‘x’ number
of dollars for the rest of his life,” he says. “It is easier for them
to say, ‘You’re not doing your job; you’re late for formation; I hear
you’ve had problems with your wife . . .’, they take the easy way...
because it’s easier to put him out of the military and give him
limited benefits if any at all.”

Olness says the new program will offer counseling to vets without
the stigma. “If you’re on active duty, you get labeled right away,”
he says. “You don’t want to be the NCO that is in charge of troops
that’s the guy that can’t handle it. He’s done his time in combat, and
now he’s training other troops, and you don’t want to be trained by
a guy who can’t take it.” The program created with TRIAD funds
features counselors and doctors on staff who can see patients and
even prescribe medicine. Many staffers are veterans themselves.

The Problem with the VA

Pat Dugan was a reconnaissance marine corporal in Vietnam for
19 months, starting in 1966. “There’s a big difference between
being a combat person and a non-combat person,” explains Pat
Dugan. “I’m a marine, and I’m proud to be a marine, but I’m
even more proud to be a combat marine.” He’s now a
passionate voice for veteran help that resounds throughout
West Texas. Dugan says the problem with the Department
of Veteran’s Affairs, is that they haven’t delivered on
the promise, such as: the military will take care of you for
your service.

Instead, Dugan, like Olness, paints the picture of a disrespectful,
mainly incompetent VA system. He foresees bad times ahead
for the “kids” currently turning several tours, who will come home
to bureaucratic red tape rather than help from government agencies.

“I am seeing one of the biggest mushroom clouds,” Dugan says of
times ahead for Iraq/Afghanistan veterans. “’Cause I’m thinking,
the public runs around with yellow ribbons on their cars, but what
I don’t see, except with Congressman Ciro Rodriguez (TX-23), is
people realizing that everyone in this war has PTSD. Because there
are no front lines in this war. You can be [in a non-combat service]
and get your butt blown off the road there with anyone else.
Everyone’s sitting around waiting for an explosion to go off, and
they send you back and back for more tours.”

When these vets do come back home—or in between myriad
deployments—they’re still fighting—for their benefits. “In
Del Rio, for example, we’ve got people with problems,”
Dugan says. “And they have to travel 150 miles to get help
[at a VA clinic]. And then when you get up there, I’m not being mean,
but when you go up there and apply to get help, you get some
VA muffin that’s not a veteran, and they put you through mental
gymnastics like you wouldn’t believe. [Vets] don’t want to be
humiliated and go through that process.”

Dugan praises programs like the new MHMR/ESRC building.
He can even name one state agency that does things right—
The Texas Veteran’s Commission, whom he sees as a shining
example for others like it.

“I think the Texas Veteran’s Commission is as fine as any in
the US,” he says. “They treated me with dignity and respect,
talked with me, and took their time with me. They are an
example.” Conversely, Dugan describes nightmarish situations
at Audie Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital and others.
During one visit, Dugan was chastised loudly for allowing an
80-year-old woman on oxygen to cut ahead of him for treatment.
Another time, Dugan was rebuked for offering his Marine Corps
serial number as identification. “We don’t use those anymore, we
only use social security numbers,” an administrator scoffed. But
Dugan says the Corps had taught him to be proud of his serial
number. Everyone has a social security number; Dugan felt he
earned that serial number.

“I was so pissed off, I came home and gave my Jack Russell
Terrier my serial number, so now he’s 2164539USMC,” Dugan
says. “That was my rebuke to the VA.” But not only do many
vets express their feeling that VA administrators, many of who
have never served, lack respect for veterans, they also lack some
basic “industry” knowledge. “One of my friends had a Navy Cross
—it’s the second highest medal awarded, for an extreme act of
heroism,” Dugan says. He walked into the VA, and the lady asked
him [about a combat action ribbon]. She said they didn’t issue those
until ’71, and he had gotten out of the service in ‘69. So she says,
‘Do you have any proof that you saw combat?’ And he said, ‘I got a
Navy Cross, does that count?’ And she said, [thinking is was akin to
a Blue Cross/Blue Shield policy]
‘Did I ask you about your insurance? I asked you about your
Combat Action Ribbon!’ She didn’t even know what a Navy
Cross was. She thought it was insurance.”
------------------------------------>
The VA has set up a 24-hour suicide hotline
round-the-clockaccess to mental health professionals.
The number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK).
To learn more about PTSD-- visit the
National Center for PTSD website.
------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR by Penny Coleman
and--->I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep...
A Journey Into PTSD By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com
Posted by E. Everett McFall at 10:28 PM

1 in 5 Iraq, Afghanistan Vets Suffer PTSD

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:28:00 +0000

1 in 5 Iraqi, Afghanistan Vets Suffer PTSD

Published on April 19th, 2008
Posted by Eideard in General

Nearly 20 percent of military service members
who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan —
300,000 in all — report symptoms of post
traumatic stress disorder or major depression, yet only
slightly more than half have sought treatment, according to a new
RAND Corporation study.

In addition, researchers found about 19 percent of returning
service members report that they experienced a possible
traumatic brain injury while deployed, with
7 percent reporting both a probable
brain injury and current PTSD or major depression.

Many service members said they do not seek treatment for
psychological illnesses because they fear it will harm their
careers. But even among those who do seek help for PTSD
or major depression, only about half receive treatment that
researchers consider “minimally adequate” for their illnesses…

“There is a major health crisis facing those men and
women who have served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan,”
said Terri Tanielian, the project’s co-leader and a researcher
at RAND, a nonprofit research organization. “Unless they receive
appropriate and effective care for these mental health conditions,
there will be long-term consequences for them and for
the nation. Unfortunately, we found there are many barriers
preventing them from getting the high-quality treatment they
need.”

Another cost of Bush’s War ignored beforehand - and since - by our
grand imperial wizards.

------------------------------------>
The VA has set up a 24-hour suicide hotline round-the-clock
access to mental health professionals.
The number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK).
To learn more about PTSD-- visit the
National Center for PTSD website.
------------------------------------>
Flashback, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Suicide,
and the Lessons of WAR by Penny Coleman
and--->
I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep...
A Journey Into PTSD By E. Everett McFall
Both Books are Available on Amazon.com

VA Confirms 18 Vets Commit Suicide Everyday

noreply@blogger.com (E. Everett McFall) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:54:00 +0000

Headlined on 4/21/08:

VA Confirms 18 Vets Commit Suicide Everyday!!!

by Jason Leopold Page 1 of 3 page(s)
http://www.opednews.com/

In a stunning admission, top officials at the Veterans
Health Administration confirmed that the agency\'s
own statistics show that an average of 126
veterans per week -6,552 veterans per
year-commit suicide, according to an internal
email distributed to several VA officials.'dated
Dec. 15, 2007.

Brig. Gen. Michael J. Kussman, the undersecretary for
health at the VA, sent the email inquiry about the accuracy
of a news report published that month claiming the suicide
rate among veterans was 18 per day.

“McClatchy [Newspapers] alleges that 18 veterans kill
themselves everyday and this is confirmed by the VA’s
own statistics,” Kussman wrote.

“Is that true? Sounds awful if one is considering 24 million veterans.”

In a stunning admission, top officials at the Veterans
Health Administration confirmed that the agency’s own
statistics show that an average of 126 veterans per week
—6,552 veterans per year—commit suicide, according to
an internal email distributed to several VA officials.

In an email response to Kussman, Ira Katz, the head of
mental health at the VA, confirmed the statistics and added
the “VA’s own data demonstrate 4-5 suicides per
day among those who receive care from us.”

This week, in a federal courthouse in San Francisco, that
email will be cited as evidence that the VA has failed to
properly treat veterans who suffer from PTSD and
veterans who are suicidal.

Those allegations were made in a class-action lawsuit filed
against the VA by two veterans advocacy groups, 'Veterans
for Common Sense' and 'Veterans United for Truth', alleging
a systematic breakdown at the VA has led to an "epidemic
of suicides."

The organizations claim the VA, which has a backlog of 600,000
benefits claims to sort through, is unprepared to deal with
cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among veterans
returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, and has turned away
veterans who have sought help for depression at
VA hospitals.

Some of those veterans later committed suicide, according
to the lawsuit. The groups want a federal judge to issue a
preliminary injunction to force the VA to immediately treat
veterans who show signs of PTSD and are at risk of suicide. ://

------------------------------------>
Our question is: How Many of Those 18 are OEF/OIF Veterans?

Then What is the REAL Death Toll?
------------------------------------>
The VA has set up a 24-hour suicide hotline for
around-the-clock access to mental health professionals.
The number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
To learn more about PTSD-- visit the
National Center for PTSD website.
------------------------------------>
I Can Still Hear Thier Cries, Even In My Sleep...A Journey Into PTSD!