Veterans Health
Yesterday's Lies
January 8, 2008 -
War is a waltz,
A dance with the Devil
On the bones of Angels.- John Cory
On September 21, 2007, Sgt. Gerald Cassidy died - alone and forgotten in all the body counts and statistics of war, political polls and campaign strategies. He was unconscious for perhaps days before passing away like crumpled and discarded newsprint, barely noticed, simply brushed aside with yesterday's lies.
Sergeant Cassidy did not die in Iraq or Afghanistan. He died in America, at a new medical unit in Fort Knox - in America - where we support the troops, according to every single lapel-flag-pin-wearing politician and pundit on the airwaves, and yet, Sgt. Gerald Cassidy died neglected and unnoticed.
Shame on us.
What A Difference a Year Makes!! Unfortunately, I was in Sgt cassidy`s unit at Ft Knox. I was sent to the Warriors in Transition unit for back and shoulder injuries, in addition to Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I had 14 years of sobriety prior to coming to Knox. within a few short months, I was administered Vicodin, Lortab, Percocet and Morphine and ended up in ten Broeck Hospital for an alcoholic relapse. I thank people like Ms Hanna St. Clair at Ireland Army Hospital for putting her job on the line when my commander, Major Sherman refused to have me seek treatment. Instead he wanted me returned to my National Guard unit in Maryland and take advantage of the 180 days of free TriCare insurance. To the family of Gerald Cassidy...........My prayers are with you. There are a lot of Sgt Cassidys out there crying for help. If i have anything to do with it, you`re husband`s death will NOT be in vain. Feel free to contact me michael.cheese@us.army.mil
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. My heart and my prayers are with all of you. There are so many of you needing help but not getting what you need. You are also right there are too many others like Sgt. Cassidy.
ReplyDeleteThe best way for you to help is to make sure you contact your congressman as well as everyone in your family. They have to do more than just talk about what needs to be done.