my 133rd ltte published Re: Vet mental health

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2008/04/18/opinion/doc4808d44540e91975155338.txt
To the Editor,

As our nation enters the fifth year of the quagmire known as the War in Iraq, more disturbing news has been revealed regarding our veterans. The RAND Corporation performed a large-scale study of Iraq war veterans. Some disturbing revelations of this study:

• 320,000 troops have suffered traumatic brain injury due to IED explosions and other attacks.

• 300,000 troops are suffering from PTSD.

• only 43 percent have been evaluated by a physician for brain injury.

• only 53 percent of soldiers with PTSD have sought help due to peer pressure and lack of available resources.

As this study was revealed, the Veterans Administration has closed its psychiatric unit in Dallas after the fourth suicide was reported at this facility. The VA in Dallas has the distinction of being the worst VA in the nation when it comes to psychiatric care. The psychiatric cases are being “farmed out” to Parkland and other facilities. What a stellar way to support our troops.

War should never be waged lightly. When a nation goes to war, it must support the troops when they come home. Until all Americans are affected by this war, there will continue to be troubling statistics like these. Support our troops — insist they receive the proper medical care when they come home.

[unhappycamper]

1. Another winnah!

Thanks for sharing.