Saturday, November 3, 2018

War veteran husband's tragic descent to suicide

Widow demands to be heard after war veteran husband's tragic descent to suicide


ITV News
November 2, 2018


"I tried to get him help, I was trying to save his life and people didn’t work with me." Jo Jukes
For years Jo Jukes lived with a war veteran husband suffering from worsening post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute depression - while desperately seeking help for him.

Now she is a widow after Lance Corporal Dave Jukes took his own life in October behind the family's home in Birmingham.

He had been sleeping rough in an alleyway after his volatile behaviour meant his wife had to make the agonising decision of taking out a court order banning him from entering their home.

It was a shocking end to the life of a former infantryman, 49, who had served in almost every major campaign British forces have been involved in over the last 25 years.

"He survived Northern Ireland, Bosnia, two Iraqs, Afghanistan, but his service killed him in the end," Mrs Jukes told ITV News.
read more here

PTSD Veteran and dog rescued each other in Tampa

Bay Area veteran, shelter pup with anxiety find support in one another


FOX 13
Jen Epstein
November 2, 2018

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Mark and Molly have a very special bond. Their friendship goes far beyond the typical human-pet relationship.
"We pretty much do everything together. You talk about the old adage of boy meets dog; you're looking at it," said veteran Mark Starr.

Molly provides Mark with the emotional support he needs to get through each day. Mark is a Navy and Air Force veteran who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, and Molly is the one thing that keeps his anxiety and depression at bay.

"If I'm having difficulty or having a hard day, she's right on me. She wants to play and she gets me out of bed," said Mark.

Mark and Molly's friendship is give and take. Before he adopted her a year ago, Molly was a stray found walking the streets after Hurricane Irma.

"She has anxiety. She's definitely scared of thunderstorms. So, we have to work together when we have bad days," said Mark. "I play a little classical music for her, and I get down on the ground and hug her until until the storm goes."
read more here

Marine survived Afghanistan, died at home

Honoring a 'Marine's Marine' with fundraiser to help with burial and other costs


Lehigh Valley Live
Tony Rhodin
November 2, 2018
A church was created in a tent in Afghanistan and Bambara quickly signed up to volunteer, Alberino said. It was who he was. A gentle giant with a deep faith.
Omar Bambara was a big man with a big heart, his Marine buddy Nicholas Alberino recalled Friday, four days after the onetime corporal died in a household accident in North Carolina.
Omar Bambara, 32, served as a Marine in Afghanistan and later joined the Army Reserves. He died Oct. 29, 2018, during a household accident in North Carolina. (GoFundMe photo)


Alberino, 30, whose wife Karissa was raised in Phillipsburg, was Bambara's supervisor from 2010-11, as the two communications specialists served in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Alberino was a corporal at that point, but also was Bambara's sergeant when they returned stateside.

Bambara leaves behind his wife Tireka and children Akera, Armani, Ava, Omar Jr. and Ace. He was serving in the Army Reserves at the time of his death in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Bambara had joined the Marines in 2009 and the Reserves in 2013, his obituary says.
read more here

Hot Yoga murder-suicide under investigation

Police identify suspected gunman and 2 people killed at hot yoga studio in Tallahassee


CNN
Hollie Silverman
November 3, 2018
"As we process the gut-wrenching act of violence that took place this evening in a place of peace in our community, we hold in our hearts everyone who is affected and lift them up in love," officials tweeted from the city's verified account.
(CNN)A gunman on Friday shot six people, two fatally, at a hot yoga studio in Tallahassee, Florida, police said.

The two people killed were identified as Nancy Van Vessem, 61, and Maura Binkley, 21, according to Tallahassee Chief of Police Michael DeLeo.

The suspect, Scott Paul Beierle, 40, of Deltona, Florida, died of a possible self-inflicted gunshot wound, DeLeo said.

One other person was pistol-whipped.

DeLeo said police were unable immediately to draw a connection between the suspect and the victims of the shooting.

Around 5:30 p.m. Friday, police responded to a call about a shooting at Hot Yoga Tallahassee.
read more here

Friday, November 2, 2018

Veteran done talking about suicides...too busy talking about hope

Veterans find hope after trauma

We Are Iowa
Brynn Carman
November 1, 2018
Therapist Michele Lundstrom says that's exactly the help veterans living with PTSD need to heal. A passion that gets them into the right mental state."I'm getting choked up talking about it because I sit with this all the time and I want people to know that you don't have to keep telling it over and over," said Lundstrom. "We can treat the symptoms and the symptoms tell a story and that's what people didn't know when people were returning from Vietnam."

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is extremely common among combat veterans. In the past it's been very hard to treat. But now younger vets in Iowa are learning how to overcome their mental injuries, and live here on home soil with a new found purpose.

"I'm done talking about veteran suicide," said veteran, Troy Peterson. "I got it. I was almost a statistic."

When Troy Peterson got home from Iraq, his life was riddled with addiction and depression. Things got so bad it almost it almost cost him his life.

"On July 30 of 2015 I attempted to take my own life," he said. "I planned it out that that was going to be my last day. I didn't want to admit that I was struggling and I didn't want to admit to my problems."

The next day he woke up in a hospital bed embarrassed and confused. But determined to find a new purpose.

"Best thing that ever happened to me, was that I hit rock bottom."
read more here

Son shocked to learn Korean War veteran Dad buried in basement

His father was missing for decades. Now human remains have been found under the family home


News Channel 6
November 2, 2018
“I’m in shock. I must have been in this house a thousand times,” Tony Mraz said. If the DNA test results on the remains indicate that it is George Carroll, the family said it will bring them some closure plus allow them to finally bury the Korean War Veteran with honors.

LAKE GROVE, NY (News 12 Long Island/CNN) - For nearly six decades, a family home may have held a secret.

Michael Carroll may have unlocked the mystery of what happened to his missing father. Tuesday night, human remains were discovered under the basement.

“I have a messed up basement, but I am really glad we found what we found,” he said.

The family believes the remains could be from George Carroll, a Korean War veteran who went missing in 1961.
read more here

Canada: Afghanistan veteran/Police Officer song about PTSD

'There is hope': Afghan vet releases song about battling PTSD


CTVNews.ca Staff 
November 1, 2018

A Canadian veteran who served in Afghanistan has released a country song about his struggle to deal with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Graham Trude co-wrote "Seen What I’ve Seen" and hopes to raise awareness of PTSD by donating proceeds from the song to support Wounded Warriors Canada, which runs mental health programs nationally.

Now a police officer in Orangeville, Ont., Trude served with the Canadian Armed Forces for four years with tours of duty in Europe and Afghanistan.

Despite retiring from the military seven years ago, he admits he still has tough days.

“I know other people who have these issues too and I wanted to make them aware that they are not alone and there is hope,” Trude told CTV Barrie.

“It’s not something you can just brush off when you get home. It’s something that really affects not only you but your family as well.”
read more here

PTSD Awareness Music Video - Graham Trude (Seen What I've Seen)

Army investigating 2 soldiers found dead in Alaska

Two Alaska soldiers found dead in their homes in separate incidents


STARS AND STRIPES
By WYATT OLSON
Published: November 1, 2018

The Army is investigating separate deaths of two Alaska soldiers found in their living quarters late last month.
Spc. Mason James Guckavan, 21, died of a gunshot wound while in his barracks Oct. 26 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, the Army said in a statement Thursday.

On Oct. 25, the body of Sgt. Andrew James Washington, 28, was discovered by personnel with the military and Anchorage Police Department during a welfare check after he failed to report to his place of duty, the Army said.
read more here

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Actor cut off own hand, to be disabled veteran?

Better Call Saul Actor Reveals He Cut Off His Own Arm, Lied About Being War Veteran to Land Roles


PEOPLE
ROBYN MERRETT
November 01, 2018

Better Call Saul actor Todd LaTourrette is coming clean about his acting career.
During a recent interview with KOB4, LaTourrette admitted to cutting off his right arm nearly 20 years ago while he was off medications that he claims treat his bipolar disorder.

“I severed my hand with a Skil saw,” LaTourrette explained to the outlet. “The state of mind was a psychotic episode.”

Following the near fatal incident, the actor revealed he began getting acting jobs as a war veteran after lying about being injured while serving overseas.

While the lie helped him land his 2018 role as Skell on Better Call Saul, as well parts on the TV shows Manhattan (2015), Longmire (2014), A Bird of the Air (2011) and The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009), it has also brought him a lot of guilt.
read more here

National Family Caregivers Month For All Generations of Veterans and Families

Older generations of veterans and families finally matter...again

Combat PTSD Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
November 1, 2018

34 years ago, I made my husband a promise that I would always be there for him. It was not an easy promise to keep at times, but he is not just my husband. He is my best friend.

We have been through a lot since we met way back in 1982 and today, it is the first time I can honestly say, I feel as if all the struggles we have been through are finally recognized by the country. Why? Because I, and millions of other families members feel as if we matter...again.

For far too long, the motto of Vietnam Veterans about never leaving another generation behind, left them forgotten and abandoned.

They have been the majority of the known suicides. Too many did not know the majority of veterans we lost were over the age of 50. Yet it was the Vietnam Veterans who came back and fought for everything, as imperfect as the efforts still are, to begin.

As we saw younger families being granted this special recognition for what they sacrifice for their veterans, we knew what it was like for them.

While we were happy for them, we wondered why we did not matter when we dealt with the same lives for a lot longer. Now we do not have to feel unworthy anymore.

Just wish they had updated everything else before this release.






VA celebrates National Family Caregivers Month


Department of Veterans Affairs
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is commemorating National Family Caregivers Month this November by honoring the service of 5.5 million family members and friends who have dedicated their lives to providing much-needed care for chronically ill, injured or disabled Veterans.

“Caregivers make tremendous sacrifices to address the daily needs of Veterans who served our nation,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “These mothers, wives, fathers, husbands and other loved ones deserve our recognition and support for all they do to care for Veterans.”

Caregivers provide a valuable service to Veterans by assisting them beyond the walls of VA medical facilities with much-needed support, such as accessing the health care system, providing emotional and physical support and enabling many injured Veterans to stay in their homes, rather than living their lives in an institutional setting.

The recent passage of the VA MISSION Act of 2018 will expand eligibility for VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to Veterans of all eras of service — fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to help Veterans and their families live healthy and fulfilling lives.

The expansion will occur in two phases, starting with eligible Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975, with further expansion to follow.

Currently, VA is developing an implementation plan for the MISSION Act and encourages all caregivers and Veterans to learn about the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, as well as the many additional resources already available to all caregivers by visiting http://www.caregiver.va.gov or by calling the Caregiver Support Line toll free at 855-260-3274.

This is what was in the original one to give you an idea,

Veteran Eligibility: 
1.The Veteran incurred or aggravated a serious injury (including traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma, or other mental disorder) in the line of duty, on or after September 11, 2001.

2.Because of the qualifying serious injury, the Veteran requires another person (a Caregiver) to assist the Veteran with the management of personal care functions required in everyday living.

3.The serious injury renders the Veteran in need of personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on a clinical determination that takes into account various factors.

4.It is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the Caregiver Support Program.

5.The Veteran will receive ongoing care from a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) or other VA health care team as a requirement for participation in the program.

6.The Veteran agrees to receive ongoing care at home after VA designates a Family Caregiver.

7.Personal care services that would be provided by the Caregiver will not simultaneously be provided through another individual or entity.

Caregiver Eligibility:
1.The Caregiver must be at least 18 years of age.
2.The Caregiver must be either:
a.The Veteran’s spouse, son, daughter, parent, step-family member, or extended family member; or b.Someone who lives with the Veteran full time.
3.Prior to approval, the Caregiver will be provided with training and must be able to demonstrate the ability to assist the Veteran with personal care functions required in everyday living.
**There are additional criteria that must be met prior to approval.
The Program of Comprehensive

Assistance for Family Caregivers
Family Caregivers provide crucial support in caring for our Nation’s Veterans by allowing them to stay in the homes and communities they defended, surrounded by the loved ones they fought for. Caregivers in a home environment can enhance the health and well-being of Veterans under VA care. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, as established in PL 111-163, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, has allowed VA to provide additional supports and services to Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.


Application Details: •Veterans may begin the application process by accessing the Caregiver Program application (VA Form 10 10CG) at www.caregiver.va.gov. The application enables Veterans to designate one primary Family Caregiver and up to two secondary Family Caregivers. Caregiver Support Coordinators are available at every VA Medical Center to assist Veterans and their Caregivers with the application process. Additional application assistance can be provided at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

•If the Veteran is not currently enrolled in VA health care, both the VA Form 10-10 EZ for VA health services and the application for the Caregiver Program (VA Form 10-10CG) will need to be completed.

•The application must be completed and signed by both the Veteran or their legal representative and the primary Caregiver. The application can be hand carried to a Caregiver Support Coordinator at a local VA Medical Center (VAMC) for walk-in processing or it may be mailed to: Family Caregivers Program

Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road NE, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647

•Within three business days of receipt of the initial application, the Caregiver Support Coordinator at the Veteran’s preferred VA Medical Center will contact the Veteran and Family Caregiver applicant(s).

•A clinical team from VA will coordinate arrangements with the Veteran to complete a clinical eligibility assessment.

This will include evaluating what assistance the Veteran needs with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, grooming, and/or need for supervision or protection. In addition, the Caregiver(s) will complete an assessment to ensure the eligibility criteria are met.

•Training is completed by the Family Caregiver applicant(s) once it is determined the Veteran meets eligibility criteria. Training can be completed in one of three ways: classroom training; online; or by self-study using a workbook and DVD that will be mailed to the Family Caregiver(s).

•Once training is completed by the Family Caregiver applicant(s), a VA clinician will visit the Veteran’s home. The purpose of this home visit is to make sure that the Family Caregiver applicant(s) and Veteran have everything they need to be safe and successful in the home setting.

•After the home visit is completed, the Family Caregiver(s) will be approved by VA and a primary Family Caregiver will be designated by VA. The designated primary Family Caregiver will begin receiving a monthly stipend based on the Veteran’s level of need and required assistance. The primary Family Caregiver may also be eligible to receive medical care through CHAMPVA if the primary Family Caregiver is not entitled to care or services under a health-plan contract. •There are many services specific to Caregivers of Veterans of all eras that are currently being offered by VA.

Contact your local VAMC Caregiver Support Coordinator or the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 for information on these and other Caregiver resources and services.