Web site helps veterans reconnect after combat
Posted: Nov 16, 2009 6:15 PM EST
Posted by Sarah Harlan - email
(NBC) - A new web site is helping veterans re-connect after combat.
It's also helping servicemen and women recover from post traumatic stress disorder.
Retired Marine Matthew Brown will never forget the moment he was shot by a sniper while fighting in Fallujah.
"They weren't really sure where I was shot because there was blood everywhere," Brown said. "Sorry, little difficult to talk about sometimes."
There were operations, there were months of rehab.
He learned to walk again but there was something else that wasn't right.
Brown had post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
"What we know is that a third of vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering from some type of combat-stress injury," Tom Tarantino with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America said.
read more here
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=11516476
Showing posts with label IAVA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IAVA. Show all posts
Monday, November 16, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Old, new vets clash over IAVA chief comment
UPDATE
I was just talking to a Vietnam veteran about this and it brought up a very good point. What does "professional soldier" really mean to Rieckhoff?
Also from this site is this
Now I suppose that Rieckhoff forgot that with 25% drafted, that would mean that 75% enlisted, much like the troops heading into Iraq and Afghanistan enlisted because of 9-11 and because their country needed them as well as the economy leading them to it. What about the nurses that served? Does he consider them "professional" or does he think they were drafted and forced to serve? See that's the problem here again. When it comes to the men and women serving this country now and the men and women we call veterans because they served then, most people do not try to separate them from each other. They have a bond and are rare to the rest of the people of this nation. If Rieckhoff needs any further explanation of the damage done by what he said he need look no further than the death of a man in his 60's. Maj. Steven Hutchison, was a Vietnam veteran and he went on to become a professor. After 9-11 he wanted to enlist again but his wife wouldn't let him. After she passed away he enlisted and just gave up his life in Iraq when a roadside bomb blew up. "Professional" well, I guess it all depends on who is doing the judging and what they want to prove. Rieckhoff managed to prove he is no veterans advocate but an advocate for his kind of veteran and not all of them! He also showed that while he may be bright, he has not been very smart or informed. This kind of work comes with a price that he was just not willing to pay. The price of learning what makes a veteran and what unites them.
Original Post
It's not just what Rieckhoff said this time that has everyone angry. It's been his attitude before this that this comment only added to the perception he doesn't have a clue about the older veterans, what they did, what they saw, what kind of people they are and what they managed to accomplish before he was even born.
This is from the Huffington Post where Rieckhoff posts often.
One year in Iraq gave this now 33 year old the impression he knows more and is better than all the other generations of veterans? The same veterans that fought for and made sure everything the newer veterans are receiving especially when it comes to PTSD being recognized? When I started to help veterans, he was in grade school! For Heaven's sake, when I grew up I was surrounded by 3 generations of veterans. My uncles were WWII veterans and my father was a Korean veteran and one of my cousins was a Vietnam veteran. It was the way Vietnam veterans were treated by the older ones when they came home that made them determined to take care of their generation plus all other generations of veterans since they all served the same nation. Why didn't he understand that?
No, it's not just this one comment but hundreds of times he's been on cable news talking about the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans as if they were the only ones that should matter even though they are responsible for everything his kind of veterans have topped off with the fact they have had to move to the back of the line to make sure his kind of veterans are taken care of. Ask a Gulf War veteran, Vietnam veteran, Korean veteran or WWII veteran how their appointments have been since they were pushed out of the way to make room for the newer veterans. If you think the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have problems, wait until you hear what's been happening to them but they don't have the spotlight so it'll be a very long wait. It's for sure Rieckhoff won't mention it.
One more thing he is clueless about is that PTSD has already been at crisis point about three years ago for the newer veterans and over 30 years ago for the older ones!
I was just talking to a Vietnam veteran about this and it brought up a very good point. What does "professional soldier" really mean to Rieckhoff?
Draftees vs. volunteers:http://vietnamresearch.com/history/stats.html
25% (648,500) of total forces in country were draftees.
(66% of U.S. armed forces members were drafted during WWII)
Also from this site is this
Personnel
9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam Era (5 August 1965-7 May 1975)
8,744,000 personnel were on active duty during the war (5 August 1964-28
March 1973)
3,403,100 (including 514,300 offshore) personnel served in the SE Asia
Theater (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, flight crews based in Thailand and sailors
in adjacent South China Sea waters).
2,594,000 personnel served within the borders of South Vietnam
( I January 1965 - 28 March 1973)
Another 50,000 men served in Vietnam between 1960 and 1964
Of the 2.6 million, between 1 and 1.6 million (40-60%) either fought in
combat, provided close combat support or were at least fairly regularly
exposed to enemy attack.
7,484 women served in Vietnam, of whom 6,250 or 83.5% were nurses.
Peak troop strength in Vietnam was 543,482, on 30 April 1969.
Now I suppose that Rieckhoff forgot that with 25% drafted, that would mean that 75% enlisted, much like the troops heading into Iraq and Afghanistan enlisted because of 9-11 and because their country needed them as well as the economy leading them to it. What about the nurses that served? Does he consider them "professional" or does he think they were drafted and forced to serve? See that's the problem here again. When it comes to the men and women serving this country now and the men and women we call veterans because they served then, most people do not try to separate them from each other. They have a bond and are rare to the rest of the people of this nation. If Rieckhoff needs any further explanation of the damage done by what he said he need look no further than the death of a man in his 60's. Maj. Steven Hutchison, was a Vietnam veteran and he went on to become a professor. After 9-11 he wanted to enlist again but his wife wouldn't let him. After she passed away he enlisted and just gave up his life in Iraq when a roadside bomb blew up. "Professional" well, I guess it all depends on who is doing the judging and what they want to prove. Rieckhoff managed to prove he is no veterans advocate but an advocate for his kind of veteran and not all of them! He also showed that while he may be bright, he has not been very smart or informed. This kind of work comes with a price that he was just not willing to pay. The price of learning what makes a veteran and what unites them.
Original Post
It's not just what Rieckhoff said this time that has everyone angry. It's been his attitude before this that this comment only added to the perception he doesn't have a clue about the older veterans, what they did, what they saw, what kind of people they are and what they managed to accomplish before he was even born.
This is from the Huffington Post where Rieckhoff posts often.
Paul Rieckhoff, 33, is the Executive Director and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). A non-partisan non-profit group with over 100,000 members around the world, IAVA was founded in 2004 and is America’s first and largest Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans organization. Rieckhoff was a First Lieutenant and infantry rifle platoon leader in the Iraq war from 2003-2004. He is now a nationally recognized authority on the war in Iraq and issues affecting troops, military families and veterans.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-rieckhoff
One year in Iraq gave this now 33 year old the impression he knows more and is better than all the other generations of veterans? The same veterans that fought for and made sure everything the newer veterans are receiving especially when it comes to PTSD being recognized? When I started to help veterans, he was in grade school! For Heaven's sake, when I grew up I was surrounded by 3 generations of veterans. My uncles were WWII veterans and my father was a Korean veteran and one of my cousins was a Vietnam veteran. It was the way Vietnam veterans were treated by the older ones when they came home that made them determined to take care of their generation plus all other generations of veterans since they all served the same nation. Why didn't he understand that?
No, it's not just this one comment but hundreds of times he's been on cable news talking about the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans as if they were the only ones that should matter even though they are responsible for everything his kind of veterans have topped off with the fact they have had to move to the back of the line to make sure his kind of veterans are taken care of. Ask a Gulf War veteran, Vietnam veteran, Korean veteran or WWII veteran how their appointments have been since they were pushed out of the way to make room for the newer veterans. If you think the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have problems, wait until you hear what's been happening to them but they don't have the spotlight so it'll be a very long wait. It's for sure Rieckhoff won't mention it.
One more thing he is clueless about is that PTSD has already been at crisis point about three years ago for the newer veterans and over 30 years ago for the older ones!
Old, new vets clash over IAVA chief comment
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Friday May 15, 2009 14:49:16 EDT
With five words, the executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America opened a rift among veterans groups that could derail efforts to improve mental health care and other benefits.
The dispute — with older veterans complaining that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are getting too much attention and too much money while they wait in long lines for medical appointments — was sparked by a statement issued May 13 by Paul Rieckhoff, founder and chief of IAVA, about the fatal shooting of five service members at a counseling center in Iraq, allegedly by another U.S. service member.
Trying to put the reported case of friendly fire in perspective, Rieckhoff said: “Unlike during the Vietnam War, today’s military is an professional, all-volunteer force.”
He went on: “There have been only five cases of intentional fratricide by U.S. service members in Iraq. But these incidents, however rare, draw public attention to an important issue: the enormous stress on our armed forces. Much more must be done to address troops’ psychological injuries before they reach a crisis point.”
The phrase “Unlike during the Vietnam War” is being taken as a jab at the professionalism of Vietnam veterans. Joe Morgan, a Vietnam veteran and president of Veterans of Modern Warfare, said Rieckhoff’s statement has “stirred a fierce and justifiable outrage by all veterans, not just the Vietnam veterans he maligned.”
The head of the nation’s largest organization for combat veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, also criticized the statement, saying Rieckhoff “doesn’t need to be reminded that every entitlement, every service and every program Iraq and Afghanistan warriors enjoy — many of whom are VFW members — is because previous generations of, as he regrettably put it, ‘nonprofessionals’ demanded and fought to be properly recognized and respected for their service to our country,” said Glen Gardner Jr., VFW commander. “He owes a sincere apology to our brethren.”
go here for more
Old, new vets clash over IAVA chief comment
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
RIECKHOFF'S NON-APOLOGY TO VIETNAM VETERANS
This is from Larry Scott and pretty much sums up how I feel as well.
Rieckhoff can claim what he wants in order to defend what he said, but the truth is, all you have to do is listen to him talk when he pops up on cable stations and know, he really isn't interested in Vietnam veterans or other veterans at all. It really is a shame because he can't understand he ended up insulting every other generation of veterans in the process. I wonder how many of those "other" veterans supported the IAVA and ended up shocked by what he said?
This is really beyond just slamming Vietnam veterans. The media has not been interested in them at all but they have been suffering from lack of care longer than the newer veterans. Not only are they still trapped in the monstrous backlog of claims, they are being treated to appointments cut back to make room for the newer veterans. Does Rieckhoff ever think of this? Does he use the media spotlight to bring this appalling treatment into the public's mind? No. Does he bring it to the public's mind that had it not been for the Vietnam veteran he just slammed, none of the understanding, as pathetic as it is, would have been available for "his kind of veterans" had they not fought for it and demanded it over 30 years ago and never gave up fighting for it for their generation as well as all other veterans? Does he acknowledge at all that because of the way Vietnam veterans were treated when they came home "his kind of veterans" have been treated with respect and appreciation by the public and people around the country are fighting like hell to make sure they are taken care of including the Vietnam veterans and their families?
Rieckhoff has had no use for me or this blog. After all, I can't gain him any attention. If he had been interested at all he'd see how hard this Vietnam veteran's wife is fighting for "his kind" of veteran as well as all veterans. We have one Department of Defense and we have one Veterans Administration supposedly taking care of all generations and if there is a problem with "his kind" of veterans then he needs to fully acknowledge there is a problem with ALL generations of veterans. I am so tied of the spotlight focused on just the newer veterans because people like Rieckhoff get their attention but people like Larry Scott don't. He's focused on what the VA does and does not do for ALL veterans! You'd think the media would get the message that as they focus on the newer veterans suffering we still have Vietnam veterans suffering after all these years and yes, they watch TV too! Plus they don't consider how many more Vietnam veterans there are than the newer veterans. Wonder what their ratings would be if they ever paid attention to them?
Mr. Rieckhoff, your non-apology is not accepted.
And, to the staff at IAVA: Keep Paul Rieckhoff away from all computers. He's the only person I know who can dig a hole with a keyboard.
Rieckhoff can claim what he wants in order to defend what he said, but the truth is, all you have to do is listen to him talk when he pops up on cable stations and know, he really isn't interested in Vietnam veterans or other veterans at all. It really is a shame because he can't understand he ended up insulting every other generation of veterans in the process. I wonder how many of those "other" veterans supported the IAVA and ended up shocked by what he said?
This is really beyond just slamming Vietnam veterans. The media has not been interested in them at all but they have been suffering from lack of care longer than the newer veterans. Not only are they still trapped in the monstrous backlog of claims, they are being treated to appointments cut back to make room for the newer veterans. Does Rieckhoff ever think of this? Does he use the media spotlight to bring this appalling treatment into the public's mind? No. Does he bring it to the public's mind that had it not been for the Vietnam veteran he just slammed, none of the understanding, as pathetic as it is, would have been available for "his kind of veterans" had they not fought for it and demanded it over 30 years ago and never gave up fighting for it for their generation as well as all other veterans? Does he acknowledge at all that because of the way Vietnam veterans were treated when they came home "his kind of veterans" have been treated with respect and appreciation by the public and people around the country are fighting like hell to make sure they are taken care of including the Vietnam veterans and their families?
Rieckhoff has had no use for me or this blog. After all, I can't gain him any attention. If he had been interested at all he'd see how hard this Vietnam veteran's wife is fighting for "his kind" of veteran as well as all veterans. We have one Department of Defense and we have one Veterans Administration supposedly taking care of all generations and if there is a problem with "his kind" of veterans then he needs to fully acknowledge there is a problem with ALL generations of veterans. I am so tied of the spotlight focused on just the newer veterans because people like Rieckhoff get their attention but people like Larry Scott don't. He's focused on what the VA does and does not do for ALL veterans! You'd think the media would get the message that as they focus on the newer veterans suffering we still have Vietnam veterans suffering after all these years and yes, they watch TV too! Plus they don't consider how many more Vietnam veterans there are than the newer veterans. Wonder what their ratings would be if they ever paid attention to them?
RIECKHOFF'S NON-APOLOGY TO VIETNAM VETERANS
IAVA chief claims remark was about who fragged the most and not meant as disrespect.
by Larry Scott, VA Watchdog dot Org
Sometimes I wish people would just do the simple and correct thing when they open their mouth to change feet: Apologize for an un-smart comment and move on.
But, no ...
Sometimes I wish people would just do the simple and correct thing when they open their mouth to change feet: Apologize for an un-smart comment and move on.
But, no ...
Most people have to explain and explain ... and explain some more in an attempt to make it appear that what they said really was correct and really wasn't meant to be offensive ... thus trying to put the onus back on the person(s) they offended.
Such is the case of Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).
Yesterday we reported that Rieckhoff, in response to a soldier killing five fellow troops in Iraq, said, in part:
"Unlike during the Vietnam War, today's military is a professional, all-volunteer force."
This remark greatly offended me ... as it did Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland ... and, we let our feelings be known. It also offended many other veterans as noted by the angry comments at the bottom of the article.
Instead of just saying, "I'm sorry. It was an insensitive remark and doesn't reflect my true feelings. I apologize," Rieckhoff tried to explain his way out of it.
go here for more
http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfmay09/nf051309-1.htm
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Paul Rieckhoff you should thank Vietnam Veterans and not slam them
Mr. Rieckhoff,
After you served your country and then turned around to start the IAVA to take care of the veterans of those two wars, it is shocking you have failed all other veterans.
All wars were fought with draftees, in case you didn't notice and this includes WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. After Vietnam then it was up to the young to enlist. Unlike WWI, WWII and Korea, the Vietnam veterans came back in force to address PTSD. All other generations of mankind have been wounded by this but it took them to fight for it and it was their courage to take a stand that has placed this nation as far as we are today in taking care of the generation of veterans you care for. Did that ever dawn on you?
Do you think that Vietnam veterans had any less dedication to their brothers or to the mission just because some were drafted? How dare you? Did it dawn on you that with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans you also have people the standards were lowered for so they could boost manpower? How about gangs suddenly allowed in? How about criminals allowed in? Does any of this dawn on you? Do these facts end up reflecting badly on the rest of the men and women serving in the military today? Absolutely not. How can you even begin to use any kind of language that slams Vietnam veterans when they came home to make sure ALL generations of veterans were taken care of? How can anyone claiming to be serving veterans forget there are more veterans in this country needing this country as much as the newer generation but waiting far longer for it?
This is the part I can never understand about you and what you do. How many Vietnam veterans turned to you for help considering how much media attention you get only to be turned away? This part the media doesn't discuss but the veterans do. The other service organizations including Vietnam Veterans of America will help all veterans because they made it their next mission to live up to "Never again will one generation abandon another" but you don't seem to let that bother you one bit.
I've supported you and your organization in the past and posted a lot about what you had to say. From now on, if you say it, it will not be posted but if others from your organization do, I will post it. That is unless you apologize to the Vietnam veterans because had it not been for them, your generation would be screwed even more than they are now. By the way, do you know how many veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have parents that were Vietnam veterans? Want to bet some of them had been drafted too?
Learn something and maybe begin with watching Ken Burns The War and learn some facts about WWII to know about the drafted heroes of that war. Larry Scott is right and you are clearly wrong!
After you served your country and then turned around to start the IAVA to take care of the veterans of those two wars, it is shocking you have failed all other veterans.
All wars were fought with draftees, in case you didn't notice and this includes WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. After Vietnam then it was up to the young to enlist. Unlike WWI, WWII and Korea, the Vietnam veterans came back in force to address PTSD. All other generations of mankind have been wounded by this but it took them to fight for it and it was their courage to take a stand that has placed this nation as far as we are today in taking care of the generation of veterans you care for. Did that ever dawn on you?
Do you think that Vietnam veterans had any less dedication to their brothers or to the mission just because some were drafted? How dare you? Did it dawn on you that with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans you also have people the standards were lowered for so they could boost manpower? How about gangs suddenly allowed in? How about criminals allowed in? Does any of this dawn on you? Do these facts end up reflecting badly on the rest of the men and women serving in the military today? Absolutely not. How can you even begin to use any kind of language that slams Vietnam veterans when they came home to make sure ALL generations of veterans were taken care of? How can anyone claiming to be serving veterans forget there are more veterans in this country needing this country as much as the newer generation but waiting far longer for it?
This is the part I can never understand about you and what you do. How many Vietnam veterans turned to you for help considering how much media attention you get only to be turned away? This part the media doesn't discuss but the veterans do. The other service organizations including Vietnam Veterans of America will help all veterans because they made it their next mission to live up to "Never again will one generation abandon another" but you don't seem to let that bother you one bit.
I've supported you and your organization in the past and posted a lot about what you had to say. From now on, if you say it, it will not be posted but if others from your organization do, I will post it. That is unless you apologize to the Vietnam veterans because had it not been for them, your generation would be screwed even more than they are now. By the way, do you know how many veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have parents that were Vietnam veterans? Want to bet some of them had been drafted too?
Learn something and maybe begin with watching Ken Burns The War and learn some facts about WWII to know about the drafted heroes of that war. Larry Scott is right and you are clearly wrong!
IAVA CHIEF, RIECKHOFF, DISSES VIETNAM VETERANS
Calls Vietnam veterans unprofessional and takes a swipe at all draftees.
by Larry Scott, VA Watchdog dot Org
In 2004, Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff founded Operation Truth.
Operation Truth was an almost-anti-war, definitely anti-Bush organization funded by vast amounts of left-wing money ... which is not necessarily bad, but it always helps to know where the money comes from. (The editor at a well-known military web site names George Soros as the source of much of the funding.)
The goal was to co-opt veterans' issues by using the media contacts of the left-wing money ... to make the country think of "veterans" as those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Rieckhoff became a star on such programs as the Rachel Maddow Show on Air American Radio and MSNBC-TV.
Realizing that he needed a broader base, Rieckhoff changed the name of the organization to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).
IAVA became a lobbying powerhouse on Capitol Hill. Even though Iraq and Afghanistan vets make up just 3% of the veteran population, and IAVA membership is just a few thousand of that 3%, IAVA became a loud voice.
Rieckhoff's agenda has always been a divisive force in the veteran community.
Because of Rieckhoff's work, we now have a two-tiered VA system, with vets from Iraq and Afghanistan getting priority treatment for health care and first-in-line status for disability claims ... while the other 97% of veterans just have to wait.
In fairness, Rieckhoff has worked hard for his constituency, and it has paid off ... to the detriment of other veterans.
Now, we see Rieckhoff's feelings about other veterans, especially those who served in the Vietnam War.
Today, it is reported that a GI in Iraq killed five fellow soldiers. Rieckhoff issued a press release about this, and said, in part:
"Unlike during the Vietnam War, today's military is a professional, all-volunteer force."
go here for more
IAVA CHIEF, RIECKHOFF, DISSES VIETNAM VETERANS
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
President Obama listened to veterans voices
Dear Chaplain Kathie,
I'm on the road in Washington, DC, but I wanted to send you a quick update on two big breaking news stories.
First, just a few minutes ago, the Pentagon officially announced they will be phasing out involuntary enlistment extensions, otherwise known as "stop-loss."
The Pentagon also agreed to pay $500 per month to servicemembers forced to stay beyond their original enlistment term, which is a policy that IAVA has been supporting for a long time.
Stop-loss has had an enormous impact on the lives of many of our nation's troops, veterans, and military families. As I mentioned last week, tonight's episode of MTV's The Real World, which features IAVA prominently, focuses on cast-member Ryan, an Iraq veteran who was stop-lossed. The information about that episode, which airs tonight at 10pm on MTV, is in the forwarded email below.
Second, on what has proven to be a huge day for veterans, there has been another major development in Washington, DC. President Obama listened to IAVA and the other major veterans organizations, and made a critical decision to not move forward with a proposal to bill a veteran's private insurance for the cost of caring for a service-connected injury.
Today, President Obama showed that he understands and respects our nation's veterans.
Later this week, I'll have much more to report about this whirlwind week in Washington, DC, which included meetings with the President, Speaker Pelosi and VA Secretary Shinseki.
In the meantime, be sure to tune in tonight at 10pm on MTV, and keep an eye on your inbox for more breaking news from the nation's capitol.
Thank you for standing with us.
Sincerely,
Paul
Paul Rieckhoff
Iraq Veteran
Executive Director & Founder
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
I'm on the road in Washington, DC, but I wanted to send you a quick update on two big breaking news stories.
First, just a few minutes ago, the Pentagon officially announced they will be phasing out involuntary enlistment extensions, otherwise known as "stop-loss."
The Pentagon also agreed to pay $500 per month to servicemembers forced to stay beyond their original enlistment term, which is a policy that IAVA has been supporting for a long time.
Stop-loss has had an enormous impact on the lives of many of our nation's troops, veterans, and military families. As I mentioned last week, tonight's episode of MTV's The Real World, which features IAVA prominently, focuses on cast-member Ryan, an Iraq veteran who was stop-lossed. The information about that episode, which airs tonight at 10pm on MTV, is in the forwarded email below.
Second, on what has proven to be a huge day for veterans, there has been another major development in Washington, DC. President Obama listened to IAVA and the other major veterans organizations, and made a critical decision to not move forward with a proposal to bill a veteran's private insurance for the cost of caring for a service-connected injury.
Today, President Obama showed that he understands and respects our nation's veterans.
Later this week, I'll have much more to report about this whirlwind week in Washington, DC, which included meetings with the President, Speaker Pelosi and VA Secretary Shinseki.
In the meantime, be sure to tune in tonight at 10pm on MTV, and keep an eye on your inbox for more breaking news from the nation's capitol.
Thank you for standing with us.
Sincerely,
Paul
Paul Rieckhoff
Iraq Veteran
Executive Director & Founder
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Veterans groups want cap on tuition aid under new G.I. bill
Veterans groups want cap on tuition aid under new G.I. bill
By Dale Eisman
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 23, 2009
WASHINGTON
Just a few months after securing a historic, multibillion-dollar increase in veterans educational benefits, some veterans groups may ask Congress to wipe out part of what they gained.
The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and the American Legion are among groups considering asking lawmakers to place a cap - $13,000 per year has been suggested by the IAVA - on tuition aid for veterans. That's far less than would be available in many states under a new GI bill for post-9/11 troops but is enough to cover virtually all public college costs, advocates of the limit say.
The cap would make the new benefit program easier for veterans to understand and simpler for the Department of Veterans Affairs to run, said Patrick Campbell, the IAVA's legislative counsel. The law passed last fall creates more than 315,000 possible combinations of benefits, Campbell argues in a message posted on the group's Web site.
go here for more
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/02/veterans-group-raises-questions-about-gi-bill
By Dale Eisman
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 23, 2009
WASHINGTON
Just a few months after securing a historic, multibillion-dollar increase in veterans educational benefits, some veterans groups may ask Congress to wipe out part of what they gained.
The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and the American Legion are among groups considering asking lawmakers to place a cap - $13,000 per year has been suggested by the IAVA - on tuition aid for veterans. That's far less than would be available in many states under a new GI bill for post-9/11 troops but is enough to cover virtually all public college costs, advocates of the limit say.
The cap would make the new benefit program easier for veterans to understand and simpler for the Department of Veterans Affairs to run, said Patrick Campbell, the IAVA's legislative counsel. The law passed last fall creates more than 315,000 possible combinations of benefits, Campbell argues in a message posted on the group's Web site.
go here for more
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/02/veterans-group-raises-questions-about-gi-bill
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Iraq Vets Storm the Hill, Congress Rapidly Responds
Paul Rieckhoff
Exec. Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
Posted February 12, 2009 01:56 AM (EST)
Iraq Vets Storm the Hill, Congress Rapidly Responds
Earlier this week, I told you about an amazing group of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans that were coming to Capitol Hill for a historic trip to Congress, to advocate on behalf of their fellow vets. Today, I want to tell you just one of their extraordinary stories.
Rey Leal served as a Marine in Fallujah during some of the heaviest fighting, earning a Bronze Star with valor as a Private First Class, an almost unheard of accomplishment for a soldier of his rank. But when he returned to southern Texas, he needed help coming home from war. Instead of having resources at his fingertips, his closest VA hospital was over five hours away. Rey’s a tough Marine, and a boxer, but he shouldn’t have to fight to get care at a veterans’ hospital. And at his nearest outpatient clinic, there was just one psychologist, taking appointments only two days a week.
The psychologist only works two days because that Texas clinic, like many VA clinics and hospitals, has to stretch its’ funding to make sure the money lasts the whole year. They don’t know how much funding they’ll have next year because the VA budget is routinely passed late. In fact, 19 of the past 22 years, the budget has not been passed on time. As a result, the VA is forced to ration care for the almost 6 million veterans that depend on its services.
For the millions of veterans like Rey, we must fix this broken VA funding system.
Imagine trying to balance your family’s budget without knowing what your next paycheck will be. That’s what we’re asking of the largest health care provider in the nation to do. And it doesn’t work.
click link for more
Exec. Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
Posted February 12, 2009 01:56 AM (EST)
Iraq Vets Storm the Hill, Congress Rapidly Responds
Earlier this week, I told you about an amazing group of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans that were coming to Capitol Hill for a historic trip to Congress, to advocate on behalf of their fellow vets. Today, I want to tell you just one of their extraordinary stories.
Rey Leal served as a Marine in Fallujah during some of the heaviest fighting, earning a Bronze Star with valor as a Private First Class, an almost unheard of accomplishment for a soldier of his rank. But when he returned to southern Texas, he needed help coming home from war. Instead of having resources at his fingertips, his closest VA hospital was over five hours away. Rey’s a tough Marine, and a boxer, but he shouldn’t have to fight to get care at a veterans’ hospital. And at his nearest outpatient clinic, there was just one psychologist, taking appointments only two days a week.
The psychologist only works two days because that Texas clinic, like many VA clinics and hospitals, has to stretch its’ funding to make sure the money lasts the whole year. They don’t know how much funding they’ll have next year because the VA budget is routinely passed late. In fact, 19 of the past 22 years, the budget has not been passed on time. As a result, the VA is forced to ration care for the almost 6 million veterans that depend on its services.
For the millions of veterans like Rey, we must fix this broken VA funding system.
Imagine trying to balance your family’s budget without knowing what your next paycheck will be. That’s what we’re asking of the largest health care provider in the nation to do. And it doesn’t work.
click link for more
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veteran's Day Message from Paul Rieckhoff
It's a nice site with great links. I was just in there. While I am not happy that IAVA has not used any of my work or my videos, no matter how many times I've offered in the past, setting that aside, they are doing great work and deserve to be supported as well as used.
I don't know what's wrong with me or the videos I do but when I've offered to help the IAVA, especially considering I've been doing this since before most of them were born, they have not taken me up on my offers. I even sent them copies of my videos but never heard back.
Maybe it's because they focus on the newer veterans? I don't know but considering what all of our veterans are going through along with their families dealing with PTSD, especially the citizen soldiers of the National Guards and Reservists, you'd think that everyone would all be working together but they don't. There are several organizations I work with but they don't work with the IAVA. It just doesn't make sense. ( Anyway, pet peeve.)
The site is good and the commercial message is meaningful.
I don't know what's wrong with me or the videos I do but when I've offered to help the IAVA, especially considering I've been doing this since before most of them were born, they have not taken me up on my offers. I even sent them copies of my videos but never heard back.
Maybe it's because they focus on the newer veterans? I don't know but considering what all of our veterans are going through along with their families dealing with PTSD, especially the citizen soldiers of the National Guards and Reservists, you'd think that everyone would all be working together but they don't. There are several organizations I work with but they don't work with the IAVA. It just doesn't make sense. ( Anyway, pet peeve.)
The site is good and the commercial message is meaningful.
From the IAVA
I want to share something very exciting with you.Today, IAVA is launching a ground-breaking Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign with the Ad Council. This historic, multi-year, national effort is aimed at easing the transition for veterans returning home from combat.
I want you to be the first to see the amazing new television ad, which will start running nationwide today. Click here to watch it now at CommunityofVeterans.org.
Even if you're not familiar with the Ad Council, you know their work. They have been behind some of our country's most iconic PSA campaigns, including Smokey the Bear, "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk", and "A Mind is A Terrible Thing to Waste". Now, they've teamed up with IAVA to create the largest campaign to date focused on veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
And at the center of this campaign is a new private social network, exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, at CommunityOfVeterans.org.
Please help us spread the word about this historic campaign. Forward this email to your friends and family members, and tell the veterans in your life to check out CommunityofVeterans.org.
Together, we have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families nationwide.
Thank you for standing with us, and Happy Veterans Day.
Sincerely,
Paul Rieckhoff
Iraq Veteran
Executive Director and Founder
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Veterans have suggestions for VA ad campaign
Veterans have suggestions for VA ad campaign
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 23, 2008 17:34:40 EDT
Three Iraq war veterans told a House subcommittee Tuesday that they like the idea of the government advertising available benefits to veterans, but they hope for a few changes.
Some changes they seek are complicated, like placing ads different places for maximum effect. Some changes are simpler, like increasing the size of the print on those ads so they are easier to read. The veterans spoke during a House Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee on oversight and investigations hearing about a new Veterans Affairs Department advertising program.
Carolyn Schapper, an Iraq war veteran testifying on behalf of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, said widely spreading the word about veterans’ programs — especially mental health counseling — could help people like her.
“When I came home I dealt with a wide range of adjustment issues/PTSD symptoms: rage, anger, seeking revenge, increased alcohol use, withdrawal from friends and family, depression, high anxiety, agitation, nightmares and hyper-vigilance. My symptoms altered and grew over time. I was not the person I used to be and I knew it,” said Schapper, who was a member of the Georgia National Guard.
click post title for more
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 23, 2008 17:34:40 EDT
Three Iraq war veterans told a House subcommittee Tuesday that they like the idea of the government advertising available benefits to veterans, but they hope for a few changes.
Some changes they seek are complicated, like placing ads different places for maximum effect. Some changes are simpler, like increasing the size of the print on those ads so they are easier to read. The veterans spoke during a House Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee on oversight and investigations hearing about a new Veterans Affairs Department advertising program.
Carolyn Schapper, an Iraq war veteran testifying on behalf of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, said widely spreading the word about veterans’ programs — especially mental health counseling — could help people like her.
“When I came home I dealt with a wide range of adjustment issues/PTSD symptoms: rage, anger, seeking revenge, increased alcohol use, withdrawal from friends and family, depression, high anxiety, agitation, nightmares and hyper-vigilance. My symptoms altered and grew over time. I was not the person I used to be and I knew it,” said Schapper, who was a member of the Georgia National Guard.
click post title for more
Friday, August 29, 2008
Groups decry DoD ‘betrayal’ of vets
Groups decry DoD ‘betrayal’ of vets
By Kelly Kennedy - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Aug 29, 2008 16:09:27 EDT
In a letter going out to members of Congress next week, the directors of two major veterans’ groups say the Pentagon’s personnel chief has intentionally withheld benefits from wounded service members.
“We need your immediate assistance to help end the Defense Department’s deliberate, systemic betrayal of every brave American who [dons] the uniform and stands in harm’s way,” states the letter, signed by David Gorman, executive director of Disabled American Veterans, and Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
“Sadly, the 2007 Walter Reed scandal, which resulted mostly from poor oversight and inadequate leadership, pales in comparison to what we view as the deliberate manipulation of the law” by David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, and his deputies, the letter states.
Kerry Baker, legislative director for Disabled American Veterans, said Chu sent out a memorandum in March redefining which injuries qualify as “combat-related.”
The definition is important because Section 1646 of the 2008 Defense Authorization Act said service members with combat-related disabilities no longer must pay back any disability retirement severance they receive from the Defense Department before they become eligible for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs, as has been the case under longstanding policy.
The policy affects service members who receive a disability rating of 20 percent or less from the Defense Department, and thus receive a severance payment rather than lifetime disability retirement pay.
Baker said he has seen cases in which, for example, a veteran receives a $30,000 severance payment from the Pentagon, uses it for medical care or education, and then, even if subsequently awarded a full 100 percent disability rating by VA, must pay the $30,000 back first before he can draw any VA compensation.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/08
/military_veteransletter_defensedepartment_082908w/
By Kelly Kennedy - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Aug 29, 2008 16:09:27 EDT
In a letter going out to members of Congress next week, the directors of two major veterans’ groups say the Pentagon’s personnel chief has intentionally withheld benefits from wounded service members.
“We need your immediate assistance to help end the Defense Department’s deliberate, systemic betrayal of every brave American who [dons] the uniform and stands in harm’s way,” states the letter, signed by David Gorman, executive director of Disabled American Veterans, and Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
“Sadly, the 2007 Walter Reed scandal, which resulted mostly from poor oversight and inadequate leadership, pales in comparison to what we view as the deliberate manipulation of the law” by David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, and his deputies, the letter states.
Kerry Baker, legislative director for Disabled American Veterans, said Chu sent out a memorandum in March redefining which injuries qualify as “combat-related.”
The definition is important because Section 1646 of the 2008 Defense Authorization Act said service members with combat-related disabilities no longer must pay back any disability retirement severance they receive from the Defense Department before they become eligible for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs, as has been the case under longstanding policy.
The policy affects service members who receive a disability rating of 20 percent or less from the Defense Department, and thus receive a severance payment rather than lifetime disability retirement pay.
Baker said he has seen cases in which, for example, a veteran receives a $30,000 severance payment from the Pentagon, uses it for medical care or education, and then, even if subsequently awarded a full 100 percent disability rating by VA, must pay the $30,000 back first before he can draw any VA compensation.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/08
/military_veteransletter_defensedepartment_082908w/
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
GI Bill costs are worth it, vets groups say
GI Bill costs are worth it, vets groups say
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday May 13, 2008 13:03:28 EDT
Two veterans groups — the nation’s largest and one of the newest — are urging lawmakers to weigh the cost of improved veterans’ benefits against the cost of America’s current wars.
“The GI Bill is a cost of war as much as any other expenditure,” said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans, founded in 2004. “Any member of Congress who votes for a $170 billion war bill and then votes against the GI Bill is nickel-and-diming our troops. Veterans of all generations will be outraged by that decision.”
Marty Conatser, national commander of the American Legion, said that when the Legion fought in 1944 for the original World War II GI Bill, “even some veterans’ groups complained that it would break the treasury.”
“Instead, the GI Bill transformed the economy and has been widely hailed as the greatest domestic legislation Congress has ever passed,” said Conatser, whose organization has 2.7 million members.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_veterans_gibill_051308w/
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday May 13, 2008 13:03:28 EDT
Two veterans groups — the nation’s largest and one of the newest — are urging lawmakers to weigh the cost of improved veterans’ benefits against the cost of America’s current wars.
“The GI Bill is a cost of war as much as any other expenditure,” said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans, founded in 2004. “Any member of Congress who votes for a $170 billion war bill and then votes against the GI Bill is nickel-and-diming our troops. Veterans of all generations will be outraged by that decision.”
Marty Conatser, national commander of the American Legion, said that when the Legion fought in 1944 for the original World War II GI Bill, “even some veterans’ groups complained that it would break the treasury.”
“Instead, the GI Bill transformed the economy and has been widely hailed as the greatest domestic legislation Congress has ever passed,” said Conatser, whose organization has 2.7 million members.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_veterans_gibill_051308w/
Monday, May 12, 2008
Veterans Coalition meeting this week in Washington
Friday, May 09, 2008
Leading Veterans Service Organizations Meet Near Washington May 13-15, 2008
CHANTILLY, Va., May 9, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ ----Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Gather in Virginia to Envision a Bold Future for Military & Veterans Service Organizations
As the war in Iraq enters its fifth year and the U.S. death toll climbs above 4,000 and casualty numbers approach the 30,000 mark, a diverse coalition of military and veterans service organizations on the homefront have organized to help bereaved families and wounded veterans. In some cases, they are nonprofit organizations serving military audiences with decades of experience who are now seeing demand for their services soar. Others are new to veterans services but eager to meet needs and help. Now for the first time ever, the 44 agencies who are members of the Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans will meet face-to-face during a conference being held May 13-15, 2008, in the Washington, DC metro area.
The Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans (CIAV) will coordinate efforts on behalf of our nation's active military, veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. These 44 agencies represent every facet of service delivery and advocacy on behalf of deployed and war veterans. CIAV members deliver direct financial aid, housing assistance, mental health and traumatic injury services, legal and employment services, advocacy and research, and counts among its members Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Operation Home Front, the Sesame Street Workshop and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, to name a few.
This conference is an unprecedented gathering of nonprofit agencies dedicated to serving those whose lives have been transformed through deployment.
"Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is honored to be part of the Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "Six years into the Iraq war and seven years into the war in Afghanistan, CIAV works to ease the tremendous burden borne by U.S. service members and their families. IAVA looks forward to collaborating with such a dedicated and effective group of agencies."
On Tuesday, May 13, 2008 (8:30am-10:15am), RAND Corporation researchers Terri Tanielian and Lisa Jayjox will present the findings of their groundbreaking report Invisible Wounds of War, which has found that one in five Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD or major depression. Later workshop sessions on Monday will focus on the needs of families and children, and the health and economic well-being of service members and new combat veterans.
"We recognize that it is incumbent on the greater community and non-profit agencies like ours to step up and support our service members, veterans and their families through the inevitable stresses of deployment," said Amy Fairweather, CIAV director. "Our colleagues in the Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans are at the cutting edge of military and veterans services, and our partnership will only strengthen the safety net for those who serve".
go here for more
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/leading-veterans-service-organiations-meet-near-washington/
Leading Veterans Service Organizations Meet Near Washington May 13-15, 2008
CHANTILLY, Va., May 9, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ ----Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Gather in Virginia to Envision a Bold Future for Military & Veterans Service Organizations
As the war in Iraq enters its fifth year and the U.S. death toll climbs above 4,000 and casualty numbers approach the 30,000 mark, a diverse coalition of military and veterans service organizations on the homefront have organized to help bereaved families and wounded veterans. In some cases, they are nonprofit organizations serving military audiences with decades of experience who are now seeing demand for their services soar. Others are new to veterans services but eager to meet needs and help. Now for the first time ever, the 44 agencies who are members of the Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans will meet face-to-face during a conference being held May 13-15, 2008, in the Washington, DC metro area.
The Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans (CIAV) will coordinate efforts on behalf of our nation's active military, veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. These 44 agencies represent every facet of service delivery and advocacy on behalf of deployed and war veterans. CIAV members deliver direct financial aid, housing assistance, mental health and traumatic injury services, legal and employment services, advocacy and research, and counts among its members Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Operation Home Front, the Sesame Street Workshop and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, to name a few.
This conference is an unprecedented gathering of nonprofit agencies dedicated to serving those whose lives have been transformed through deployment.
"Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is honored to be part of the Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "Six years into the Iraq war and seven years into the war in Afghanistan, CIAV works to ease the tremendous burden borne by U.S. service members and their families. IAVA looks forward to collaborating with such a dedicated and effective group of agencies."
On Tuesday, May 13, 2008 (8:30am-10:15am), RAND Corporation researchers Terri Tanielian and Lisa Jayjox will present the findings of their groundbreaking report Invisible Wounds of War, which has found that one in five Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD or major depression. Later workshop sessions on Monday will focus on the needs of families and children, and the health and economic well-being of service members and new combat veterans.
"We recognize that it is incumbent on the greater community and non-profit agencies like ours to step up and support our service members, veterans and their families through the inevitable stresses of deployment," said Amy Fairweather, CIAV director. "Our colleagues in the Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans are at the cutting edge of military and veterans services, and our partnership will only strengthen the safety net for those who serve".
go here for more
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/leading-veterans-service-organiations-meet-near-washington/
Saturday, April 5, 2008
IAVA Todd Bowers Testifies On PTSD
April 4, 2008
IAVA Testifies Before HVAC
Filed under: PTSD, Testimony, VA, Washington — Todd Bowers @ 5:18 pm
On April 1st, I testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health. The hearing focused on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment and research. In case you missed the hearing, you can now watch the webcast here.
Below is my testimony:
Mr. Chairman, ranking member and distinguished members of the committee, on behalf of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and our tens of thousands of members nationwide, I thank you for the opportunity to testify today regarding this important subject. I would also like to point out that my testimony today is as the Director of Government Affairs for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and does not reflect the views and opinions of the United States Marine Corps.
During the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, American troops’ mental health injuries have been documented and analyzed as they occur, and rates are already comparable to Vietnam. But thanks to today’s understanding of mental health screening and treatment, the battle for mental health care fought by the Vietnam veterans need not be repeated. We have an unprecedented opportunity to respond immediately and effectively to the veterans’ mental health crisis.
Mental health problems among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are already widespread. The VA has given preliminary mental health diagnoses to over 100,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The VA’s Special Committee on PTSD concluded that:
“15 to 20 percent of OIF/OEF veterans will suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder… Another 15 to 20 percent may be at risk for significant symptoms short of full diagnosis but severe enough to cause significant functional impairment.”
These veterans are seeking mental health treatment in historic numbers. According to the VA, “OEF/OIF enrollees have significantly different VA healthcare utilization patterns than non-OEF/OIF enrollees. For example OEF/OIF enrollees are expected to need more than eight times the number of PTSD Residential Rehab services than non-OEF/OIF enrollees.” With this massive influx of veterans seeking mental health treatment, it is paramount that we ensure the treatment they are receiving is the most effective and will pave a path to recovery.
But before I speak about the specifics of PTSD treatment and research, I’d like to talk about two of the barriers that keep veterans from getting the proper treatment in the first place.
The first step to treating PTSD is combating the stigma that keeps troops from admitting they are facing a mental health problem. Approximately 50 percent of soldiers and Marines in Iraq who test positive for a psychological problem are concerned that they will be seen as weak by their fellow service members, and almost one in three of these troops worry about the effect of a mental health diagnosis on their career. Because of these fears, those most in need of counseling will rarely seek it out. Recently, my reserve unit took part in completing our Post-Deployment Health Reassessment, which includes a series of mental health questions. While we underwent the training, one of my Marines asked me about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He said: “If there is nothing wrong with it, then why is it called a Disorder?” I could not have agreed with him more. To de-stigmatize the psychological injuries of war, IAVA has recently partnered with the Ad Council to conduct a three-year Public Service Announcement campaign to try and combat this stigma, and ensure that troops who need mental health care get it. Our goal is to inform service members and veterans that there is treatment available and it does work.
Once a service member is willing to seek treatment, the next step is assuring that they have convenient access to care. On this front, there is much more that must be done, particularly for rural veterans. More than one-quarter of veterans live at least an hour from a VA hospital. IAVA is a big supporter of the Vet Center system, and we believe it should be expanded to give more veterans local access to the Vet Centers’ walk-in counseling services.
The problems related to getting troops adequate mental health treatment cannot be resolved unless these two issues – stigma and access — are addressed. However, once a service member suffering from PTSD has access to care, we also need to ensure they receive the best possible treatment.
Currently, a variety of treatments are available. Psychotherapy, in which a therapist helps the patient learn to think about the trauma without experiencing stress, is an effective form of treatment. This version of therapy sometimes includes “exposure” to the trauma in a safe way – either by speaking or writing about the trauma, or in some new studies, through virtual reality. Some mental health care providers have reported positive results from a similar kind of therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In addition, there are medications commonly used to treat depression or anxiety that may limit the symptoms of PTSD. But these drugs do not address the root cause, the trauma itself. IAVA is very concerned that, in some instances, prescription medications are being seen as a “cure-all” that can somehow “fix” PTSD or replace the face-to-face counseling from a mental health professional that will actually help service members cope effectively with their memories of war.
Everyone knows that counseling and medication can be effective in helping psychologically wounded veterans get back on their feet, and IAVA encourages any veteran who thinks they may be facing a mental health problem to seek treatment immediately. But we are also aware of the limitations of current research into the treatments of PTSD.
A recent Institute of Medicine study, entitled “Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Assessment of the Evidence,” outlined the many gaps in current research. Among the problems they identified:
• “Many studies lack basic characteristics of internal validity.” That means too many people were dropping out of these studies, the samples were too small, or follow-up was too short.
• The IOM committee also identified serious issues with the independence of the researchers. “The majority of drug studies were funded by pharmaceutical manufacturers,” and “many of the psychotherapy studies were conducted by individuals who developed the techniques.”
• Finally, the committee concluded that there were serious gaps in the subpopulations assessed in these studies. Veterans may react differently to treatment than civilians, but few of the studies were conducted in veteran populations. There’s also not enough research into care for people suffering from co-morbid disorders, such as TBI or depression.
The solution is more and better research. To respond to the IOM findings, IAVA wholeheartedly supports more funding for VA research into PTSD and other medical conditions affecting Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
http://www.iava.org/blog/?p=12420
April 1, 2008 at 10 a.m.Subcommittee on Health Hearing“PTSD Treatment and Research: Moving Ahead Toward Recovery”
http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?NewsID=188
I just watched the hearing. The only thing I learned that I did not already know is that it will get worse than I thought it would. Over the years I've posted about the need to provide education on what PTSD and what the cause is. I've posted on the need to remove the stigma and have tried a thousand different ways to do this. The most successful attempt has been the videos I’ve done. There have been a great number of emails coming in telling me how much they helped get the stigma out of the way. I plan on doing many more of them. I am saddened that there is not more watching these videos. They are easy to understand and as I became more proficient in how to create them, they also became easier to view.
This is the rest of the hearing with the most important remarks I think need to be paid attention to.
Col. Hoge testimony
Sent back with PTSD
They are given prescription medicine like Prozac, may be put on suicide watch and then when they are taken off suicide watch, they end up killing themselves.
Higher access to firearms.
Gunshot wounds are treated without their permission but PTSD is not.
Desire has to be there to recover from PTSD. You cannot force them to get help.
Therapy works when there is an alliance between provider and soldier.
Mandatory counseling? Will not work and will be a drain on resources without providing enough benefit.
May force them to rebel against it.
Most do not recognize they have a problem.
Options, Military One Source
Chaplains
Veteran Centers
Outside doctors are not being paid in a timely manner by the VA to provide outsourced services when the VA cannot. They are more reluctant to treat veterans.
Within DOD mental health task force looked at resources in remote operational areas and found very troubling challenges with trained professionals able to treat soldiers.
Employers reluctant to hire veterans because of PTSD. Great need to educate the general public on what PTSD is.
National Guard-Reservists vs Military
Military One Source is available to them. Yet there is not enough to support these families.
Multiple deployments
12% on 1st deployment
20% on 2nd deployment
30% on 3rd deployment
These are those who have been diagnosed.
TBI and PTSD have shown half cases of TBI are connected to PTSD and are misdiagnosed.
12 month dwell time not enough to reset.
Mental Health Assessment
6 month assessment shows 2-3 fold increase of diagnosed cases.
Individual therapy seems to work best than group therapy.
Research is that BattleMind does not work as well as they hoped it would. They are developing a more advanced version of it.
Problems to getting treatment
Limited ability to get them to want help.
Stigma still remains on getting mental health treatment.
Accessibility to find help.
Change in psychologist when they begin to get treatment and then the psychologist is deployed or moved, replace by another and the process of learning to trust begins again.
Stigma prevents over half not seeking help.
Perceptions of how they will be regarded by fellow service people and commanders.
The greatest need is to de-stigmatize the wound.
Chemical changes in the brain.
PTSD comes with changes in the body from stress and leads to physical problems. More pain, more headaches, heart problems and immune problems. Normal biological processes that are needed in combat. Hyper-alert, sleep depravation, and other changes that are necessary to survive the combat environment. Much of which are retained while back home. The body is conditioned to react in times of stress and much of this is retained when it is not needed.
Dr. Baum
VA staffing problems.
It is necessary to reach out to the communities and professionals to fill in the gaps.
Occupational therapists
Expand the student loan to those working for the VA.
Salaries in VA are lower than outside. Average salary in California $20,000 lower than outside professionals.
Need to treat everyday issues the veterans and the families face.
Volume problem and vacancy problems in the VA increase the need for Occupational Therapists
Dr. Matchbar
Institute of Medicine
Committee assessment
Inconsistent results on drug studies
Exposure therapy seemed to have better results.
All PTSD is not the same depending on the cause and the sub groups need to be studied.
Sub population needs to be studied differently.
Substance abuse, physical disabilities and other sub groups, like ethnic and social classes.
Dr. Wiederhold
Virtual Reality Medical Center
12 years with 92% success rate
Exposure therapy
Regulate system to reduce flight or fight reaction
Used on different causes of PTSD
Brain imaging shows changes
Nero inhibitors, biochemical changes occur in PTSD and may be able to be blocked.
Blind study and Marines with PTSD and mild TBI, treated group did better in 12 weeks.
Dr. Thomas Berger
Vietnam Veterans of America
No one really knows how many will be affected by PTSD.
23% to 40% seek treatment. The rest do not even after being found positive because of the stigma.
Female veterans find it harder to get treatment.
Access to and availability of is still problematic.
Western and rural states are particularly troublesome.
Most treatment means have not proven effective accept exposure therapy.
Reduce the stigma
Increase social roles
Provide treatment
Help them get their lives back together with helping them live with the symptoms that do remain.
Intervention
There is the first key to healing and that is to get the stigma out of the way! Every expert I have read or listened to over 25 years has said this over and over again. So when are we going to do this?
Combat cuts deeper because they are part of the trauma and the events happen over and over again. So when will we address the need to debrief them in field? We do this with police officers and fire fighters. Why don't we do this with the warriors?
Again, I think that awarding a medal for these kind of wounds is a huge step in the removal of the stigma of having a combat wound. Please support the Wound Chevron and provide these wounded veterans with one more hand up out of the pit of the stigma that should have been done away with a long time ago. It's a wound! It's a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Can you think of anything more abnormal than combat? How many of us go into the military and how many of us are exposed to the things they are? Combat is not normal! They are!
IAVA Testifies Before HVAC
Filed under: PTSD, Testimony, VA, Washington — Todd Bowers @ 5:18 pm
On April 1st, I testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health. The hearing focused on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment and research. In case you missed the hearing, you can now watch the webcast here.
Below is my testimony:
Mr. Chairman, ranking member and distinguished members of the committee, on behalf of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and our tens of thousands of members nationwide, I thank you for the opportunity to testify today regarding this important subject. I would also like to point out that my testimony today is as the Director of Government Affairs for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and does not reflect the views and opinions of the United States Marine Corps.
During the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, American troops’ mental health injuries have been documented and analyzed as they occur, and rates are already comparable to Vietnam. But thanks to today’s understanding of mental health screening and treatment, the battle for mental health care fought by the Vietnam veterans need not be repeated. We have an unprecedented opportunity to respond immediately and effectively to the veterans’ mental health crisis.
Mental health problems among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are already widespread. The VA has given preliminary mental health diagnoses to over 100,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The VA’s Special Committee on PTSD concluded that:
“15 to 20 percent of OIF/OEF veterans will suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder… Another 15 to 20 percent may be at risk for significant symptoms short of full diagnosis but severe enough to cause significant functional impairment.”
These veterans are seeking mental health treatment in historic numbers. According to the VA, “OEF/OIF enrollees have significantly different VA healthcare utilization patterns than non-OEF/OIF enrollees. For example OEF/OIF enrollees are expected to need more than eight times the number of PTSD Residential Rehab services than non-OEF/OIF enrollees.” With this massive influx of veterans seeking mental health treatment, it is paramount that we ensure the treatment they are receiving is the most effective and will pave a path to recovery.
But before I speak about the specifics of PTSD treatment and research, I’d like to talk about two of the barriers that keep veterans from getting the proper treatment in the first place.
The first step to treating PTSD is combating the stigma that keeps troops from admitting they are facing a mental health problem. Approximately 50 percent of soldiers and Marines in Iraq who test positive for a psychological problem are concerned that they will be seen as weak by their fellow service members, and almost one in three of these troops worry about the effect of a mental health diagnosis on their career. Because of these fears, those most in need of counseling will rarely seek it out. Recently, my reserve unit took part in completing our Post-Deployment Health Reassessment, which includes a series of mental health questions. While we underwent the training, one of my Marines asked me about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He said: “If there is nothing wrong with it, then why is it called a Disorder?” I could not have agreed with him more. To de-stigmatize the psychological injuries of war, IAVA has recently partnered with the Ad Council to conduct a three-year Public Service Announcement campaign to try and combat this stigma, and ensure that troops who need mental health care get it. Our goal is to inform service members and veterans that there is treatment available and it does work.
Once a service member is willing to seek treatment, the next step is assuring that they have convenient access to care. On this front, there is much more that must be done, particularly for rural veterans. More than one-quarter of veterans live at least an hour from a VA hospital. IAVA is a big supporter of the Vet Center system, and we believe it should be expanded to give more veterans local access to the Vet Centers’ walk-in counseling services.
The problems related to getting troops adequate mental health treatment cannot be resolved unless these two issues – stigma and access — are addressed. However, once a service member suffering from PTSD has access to care, we also need to ensure they receive the best possible treatment.
Currently, a variety of treatments are available. Psychotherapy, in which a therapist helps the patient learn to think about the trauma without experiencing stress, is an effective form of treatment. This version of therapy sometimes includes “exposure” to the trauma in a safe way – either by speaking or writing about the trauma, or in some new studies, through virtual reality. Some mental health care providers have reported positive results from a similar kind of therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In addition, there are medications commonly used to treat depression or anxiety that may limit the symptoms of PTSD. But these drugs do not address the root cause, the trauma itself. IAVA is very concerned that, in some instances, prescription medications are being seen as a “cure-all” that can somehow “fix” PTSD or replace the face-to-face counseling from a mental health professional that will actually help service members cope effectively with their memories of war.
Everyone knows that counseling and medication can be effective in helping psychologically wounded veterans get back on their feet, and IAVA encourages any veteran who thinks they may be facing a mental health problem to seek treatment immediately. But we are also aware of the limitations of current research into the treatments of PTSD.
A recent Institute of Medicine study, entitled “Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Assessment of the Evidence,” outlined the many gaps in current research. Among the problems they identified:
• “Many studies lack basic characteristics of internal validity.” That means too many people were dropping out of these studies, the samples were too small, or follow-up was too short.
• The IOM committee also identified serious issues with the independence of the researchers. “The majority of drug studies were funded by pharmaceutical manufacturers,” and “many of the psychotherapy studies were conducted by individuals who developed the techniques.”
• Finally, the committee concluded that there were serious gaps in the subpopulations assessed in these studies. Veterans may react differently to treatment than civilians, but few of the studies were conducted in veteran populations. There’s also not enough research into care for people suffering from co-morbid disorders, such as TBI or depression.
The solution is more and better research. To respond to the IOM findings, IAVA wholeheartedly supports more funding for VA research into PTSD and other medical conditions affecting Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
http://www.iava.org/blog/?p=12420
April 1, 2008 at 10 a.m.Subcommittee on Health Hearing“PTSD Treatment and Research: Moving Ahead Toward Recovery”
http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?NewsID=188
I just watched the hearing. The only thing I learned that I did not already know is that it will get worse than I thought it would. Over the years I've posted about the need to provide education on what PTSD and what the cause is. I've posted on the need to remove the stigma and have tried a thousand different ways to do this. The most successful attempt has been the videos I’ve done. There have been a great number of emails coming in telling me how much they helped get the stigma out of the way. I plan on doing many more of them. I am saddened that there is not more watching these videos. They are easy to understand and as I became more proficient in how to create them, they also became easier to view.
This is the rest of the hearing with the most important remarks I think need to be paid attention to.
Col. Hoge testimony
Sent back with PTSD
They are given prescription medicine like Prozac, may be put on suicide watch and then when they are taken off suicide watch, they end up killing themselves.
Higher access to firearms.
Gunshot wounds are treated without their permission but PTSD is not.
Desire has to be there to recover from PTSD. You cannot force them to get help.
Therapy works when there is an alliance between provider and soldier.
Mandatory counseling? Will not work and will be a drain on resources without providing enough benefit.
May force them to rebel against it.
Most do not recognize they have a problem.
Options, Military One Source
Chaplains
Veteran Centers
Outside doctors are not being paid in a timely manner by the VA to provide outsourced services when the VA cannot. They are more reluctant to treat veterans.
Within DOD mental health task force looked at resources in remote operational areas and found very troubling challenges with trained professionals able to treat soldiers.
Employers reluctant to hire veterans because of PTSD. Great need to educate the general public on what PTSD is.
National Guard-Reservists vs Military
Military One Source is available to them. Yet there is not enough to support these families.
Multiple deployments
12% on 1st deployment
20% on 2nd deployment
30% on 3rd deployment
These are those who have been diagnosed.
TBI and PTSD have shown half cases of TBI are connected to PTSD and are misdiagnosed.
12 month dwell time not enough to reset.
Mental Health Assessment
6 month assessment shows 2-3 fold increase of diagnosed cases.
Individual therapy seems to work best than group therapy.
Research is that BattleMind does not work as well as they hoped it would. They are developing a more advanced version of it.
Problems to getting treatment
Limited ability to get them to want help.
Stigma still remains on getting mental health treatment.
Accessibility to find help.
Change in psychologist when they begin to get treatment and then the psychologist is deployed or moved, replace by another and the process of learning to trust begins again.
Stigma prevents over half not seeking help.
Perceptions of how they will be regarded by fellow service people and commanders.
The greatest need is to de-stigmatize the wound.
Chemical changes in the brain.
PTSD comes with changes in the body from stress and leads to physical problems. More pain, more headaches, heart problems and immune problems. Normal biological processes that are needed in combat. Hyper-alert, sleep depravation, and other changes that are necessary to survive the combat environment. Much of which are retained while back home. The body is conditioned to react in times of stress and much of this is retained when it is not needed.
Dr. Baum
VA staffing problems.
It is necessary to reach out to the communities and professionals to fill in the gaps.
Occupational therapists
Expand the student loan to those working for the VA.
Salaries in VA are lower than outside. Average salary in California $20,000 lower than outside professionals.
Need to treat everyday issues the veterans and the families face.
Volume problem and vacancy problems in the VA increase the need for Occupational Therapists
Dr. Matchbar
Institute of Medicine
Committee assessment
Inconsistent results on drug studies
Exposure therapy seemed to have better results.
All PTSD is not the same depending on the cause and the sub groups need to be studied.
Sub population needs to be studied differently.
Substance abuse, physical disabilities and other sub groups, like ethnic and social classes.
Dr. Wiederhold
Virtual Reality Medical Center
12 years with 92% success rate
Exposure therapy
Regulate system to reduce flight or fight reaction
Used on different causes of PTSD
Brain imaging shows changes
Nero inhibitors, biochemical changes occur in PTSD and may be able to be blocked.
Blind study and Marines with PTSD and mild TBI, treated group did better in 12 weeks.
Dr. Thomas Berger
Vietnam Veterans of America
No one really knows how many will be affected by PTSD.
23% to 40% seek treatment. The rest do not even after being found positive because of the stigma.
Female veterans find it harder to get treatment.
Access to and availability of is still problematic.
Western and rural states are particularly troublesome.
Most treatment means have not proven effective accept exposure therapy.
Reduce the stigma
Increase social roles
Provide treatment
Help them get their lives back together with helping them live with the symptoms that do remain.
Intervention
There is the first key to healing and that is to get the stigma out of the way! Every expert I have read or listened to over 25 years has said this over and over again. So when are we going to do this?
Combat cuts deeper because they are part of the trauma and the events happen over and over again. So when will we address the need to debrief them in field? We do this with police officers and fire fighters. Why don't we do this with the warriors?
Again, I think that awarding a medal for these kind of wounds is a huge step in the removal of the stigma of having a combat wound. Please support the Wound Chevron and provide these wounded veterans with one more hand up out of the pit of the stigma that should have been done away with a long time ago. It's a wound! It's a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Can you think of anything more abnormal than combat? How many of us go into the military and how many of us are exposed to the things they are? Combat is not normal! They are!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
IAVA Testifies Before HVAC Subcommittee on Health
March 11, 2008
IAVA Testifies Before HVAC Subcommittee on Health
Filed under: Mental Health, IAVA in DC, Testimony — Todd Bowers @ 3:54 pm
Today, I testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health on the issue of substance abuse and co-morbid disorders.
Among the hundreds of thousands of troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with a mental health injury, a small but significant percentage is turning to alcohol or drugs in an effort to self-medicate. Veterans’ substance abuse problems, therefore, cannot and should not be viewed as distinct from mental health problems.
According to the VA Special Committee on PTSD, at least 30 to 40% of Iraq veterans, or about half a million people, will face a serious psychological injury, including depression, anxiety, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Data from the military’s own Mental Health Advisory Team shows that multiple tours and inadequate time at home between deployments increase rates of combat stress by 50%.
We are already seeing the impact of these untreated mental health problems. Between 2005 and 2006, the Army saw an almost three-fold increase in “alcohol-related incidents,” according to the DOD Task Force on Mental Health. The VA has reported diagnosing more than 48,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with drug abuse. That’s 16% of all Iraq and Afghanistan veteran patients at the VA. These numbers are only the tip of the iceberg; many veterans do not turn to the VA for help coping with substance abuse, instead relying on private programs or avoiding treatment altogether.
go here for the rest
http://www.iava.org/blog/2008/03/11/iava-testifies-before-hvac-subcommittee-on-health
IAVA Testifies Before HVAC Subcommittee on Health
Filed under: Mental Health, IAVA in DC, Testimony — Todd Bowers @ 3:54 pm
Today, I testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health on the issue of substance abuse and co-morbid disorders.
Among the hundreds of thousands of troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with a mental health injury, a small but significant percentage is turning to alcohol or drugs in an effort to self-medicate. Veterans’ substance abuse problems, therefore, cannot and should not be viewed as distinct from mental health problems.
According to the VA Special Committee on PTSD, at least 30 to 40% of Iraq veterans, or about half a million people, will face a serious psychological injury, including depression, anxiety, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Data from the military’s own Mental Health Advisory Team shows that multiple tours and inadequate time at home between deployments increase rates of combat stress by 50%.
We are already seeing the impact of these untreated mental health problems. Between 2005 and 2006, the Army saw an almost three-fold increase in “alcohol-related incidents,” according to the DOD Task Force on Mental Health. The VA has reported diagnosing more than 48,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with drug abuse. That’s 16% of all Iraq and Afghanistan veteran patients at the VA. These numbers are only the tip of the iceberg; many veterans do not turn to the VA for help coping with substance abuse, instead relying on private programs or avoiding treatment altogether.
go here for the rest
http://www.iava.org/blog/2008/03/11/iava-testifies-before-hvac-subcommittee-on-health
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Is one week in Iraq worth a year of veterans care?
It is the Least We Can Do for Their Sacrifice: One Week of War Spending
Posted February 29, 2008 10:13 AM (EST)
Senator Jim Webb has reintroduced an updated version of what he has dubbed "21st Century GI Bill" framed on the wildly successful GI Bill from World War II. With this war dragging on for six and one half years and our troops involuntary serving tour after tour, it is the least we can do for them. There are many other issues that we need to address to help our returning troops but this is a broad based program that will give a hand to all the troops who have served since 9/11.
Webb is co-sponsoring this bill with Senator Hagel and Senator Lautenberg and yesterday they got the important support of moderate Republican John Warner. His support will hopefully give cover for other Republicans to vote for this measure. For any of those who claim that it is too expensive, consider this: The estimated yearly cost for this program is $2 billion -- equivalent to one week of spending on this war.
Long established veteran groups, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and new veteran groups such as Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) have endorsed this legislation.
Many of us have fathers who took advantage of the World War II GI bill. My father did and has told me stories of how crowded the universities were after World War II with veterans, many who may not have otherwise gone to college, taking advantage of a program that they earned. According to Senator Webb's research, out of a war time veteran population of 15 million, approximately 7.8 million took advantage of the program. Webb also claims that for every dollar invested in the WWII program, seven dollars were generated. This was a program that educated that greatest generation and helped build the base for the country we live in today. It was the WWII GI bill generation of engineers and scientists that built our space program, put men on the moon, developed the transistor and laid the basis for the digital computer.
click above for the rest
Posted February 29, 2008 10:13 AM (EST)
Senator Jim Webb has reintroduced an updated version of what he has dubbed "21st Century GI Bill" framed on the wildly successful GI Bill from World War II. With this war dragging on for six and one half years and our troops involuntary serving tour after tour, it is the least we can do for them. There are many other issues that we need to address to help our returning troops but this is a broad based program that will give a hand to all the troops who have served since 9/11.
Webb is co-sponsoring this bill with Senator Hagel and Senator Lautenberg and yesterday they got the important support of moderate Republican John Warner. His support will hopefully give cover for other Republicans to vote for this measure. For any of those who claim that it is too expensive, consider this: The estimated yearly cost for this program is $2 billion -- equivalent to one week of spending on this war.
Long established veteran groups, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and new veteran groups such as Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) have endorsed this legislation.
Many of us have fathers who took advantage of the World War II GI bill. My father did and has told me stories of how crowded the universities were after World War II with veterans, many who may not have otherwise gone to college, taking advantage of a program that they earned. According to Senator Webb's research, out of a war time veteran population of 15 million, approximately 7.8 million took advantage of the program. Webb also claims that for every dollar invested in the WWII program, seven dollars were generated. This was a program that educated that greatest generation and helped build the base for the country we live in today. It was the WWII GI bill generation of engineers and scientists that built our space program, put men on the moon, developed the transistor and laid the basis for the digital computer.
click above for the rest
Monday, February 11, 2008
IAVA Marine Reserve Staff Sgt. Todd Bowers tells House get it right on mental health
Mental health a top priority, vets group says
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Feb 11, 2008 16:20:32 EST
Mandatory, confidential mental health screening before and after deployments is a top legislative priority for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a 80,000-member organization formed five years ago.
The group’s director of government affairs, Marine Reserve Staff Sgt. Todd Bowers, said current screening programs do not seem to be working.
Bowers, who testified last week before a House subcommittee, said 19 percent of veterans returning from Iraq report mental health problems, but 35 percent seek mental health care within a year of their return. That seems to indicate self-screening is not effective, he said.
“Troops may not be filling out their forms accurately; troops needing counseling are not consistently getting referrals; and those with referrals do not always get treatment,” Bowers said.
Bowers suggested two other ways to reduce the stigma:
• Impose a moratorium on military discharges for personality disorders, at least until a review is done to determine if the military was too quick to blame problems on pre-existing conditions.
• Amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice to make clear that mental health treatment should have preference over criminal prosecution when a service member attempts suicide.
go here for the rest
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/02/military_mentalhealth_screening_080211w/
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Fire Bill O'Reilly for being stupid and evil
From the Ed Schultz Show on Air America RadioPaul Rieckhoff founder and Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America joined the 1st hour of Wednesday's show to discuss Bill O'Reilly comments that there are no veterans are sleeping under bridges.
http://www.bigeddieradio.com/
IAVA Events" href="http://www.iava.org/content/blogcategory/21/105/">
IAVA Events :: 01/16/08
Homeless Veterans
He may have been wrong about the details, but Bill O'Reilly brought up an important subject on his show last night. Click here to watch the video and get involved.
An interesting caller phone into the show today. He is a Marine. He was a Marine in the 80's. He lost his wife and son in a car accident and then lost everything else. He lives in his car in Colorado.
What he did not lose was his want to work and get back on his feet. He can't. He was robbed and they stole his wallet, along with all of his identification. He needed his ID to get help and is trapped in a maze. He told Schultz he didn't want a hand out. He just wants to work to support himself.
O'Reilly still denies we have homeless veterans. Doesn't matter how many times he gets slammed with facts he would rather shut his eyes and deny it. It doesn't matter the figures on homeless veterans come from the government itself and workers in the field say there are many more than reported.
This Marine called Schultz's show to make sure O'Reilly got the message that they are real and suffering no matter how much O'Reilly wants to deny them any kind of compassion, mercy, help or attention.
Later on in the show a woman called in identifying herself as a Marine Mom from Florida. Schultz was a bit surprised this Mom was offering to help a Marine in Colorado. She explained to Schultz that it is more a matter of every Marine being their son. She called a couple of friends and found some in this veteran's area ready, willing and able to help him. Unlike Bill O'Reilly who would rather shoot off his huge mouth instead of offering to help any of them. I bet he kicks drunks too.
US Vets celebrates five years of helping homeless veterans
Prescott Daily Courier - Prescott,AZ,USABy Derek Meurer, The Daily Courier When people pass a homeless veteran, some may feel sad at seeing an American hero living in such a depressed state. ...See all stories on this topic
O'Reilly Downplays Number of Homeless Veterans
Huffington Post - New York,NY,USAO'Reilly raised an important topic: the plight of homeless veterans. Too bad he got the facts wrong. There are almost 200000 homeless veterans in America. ...See all stories on this topic
Bill O'Reilly Mocks Homeless Veterans Who John Edwards Fights For ...
Huffington Post - New York,NY,USA... cracked research staff take a look at the Veteran's Affairs numbers where they estimate approximately 200000 veterans are homeless on any given night. ...See all stories on this topic
Edwards: I'm underdog for Democrats
abc7news.com - San Francisco,CA,USAThe Fox News Channel commentator reportedly said Edwards "had no clue" when he asserted in Tuesday's debate that there were 200000 homeless veterans in the ...See all stories on this topic
Richland County plans to count homeless on Jan. 29
Mansfield News Journal - Mansfield,OH,USAWhy would a veteran be found Friday sleeping under a bridge in Shelby?” Moore said.
O’Reilly Downplays Number of Homeless Veterans
By Paul Rieckhoff As a homeless Iraq veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and living out of his car in Brooklyn, Herold was not greeted by a support system for veterans. Instead, he met resistance from the Housing Authority, the VA,
O’Reilly Repeatedly Denies the Existence of Homeless Veterans
By info@bravenewfilms.org So instead of admit that he’s wrong and that the disproportionate, unacceptably high number of homeless veterans is a big problem that must be addressed, is a shameful commentary on our nation’s priorities, and an example of republican
Nearly 200000 Homeless Veterans
By Grandmère Mimi(Grandmère Mimi) O'Reilly: "They (homeless veterans) may be out there, but there's not many of them out there. Okay?...If you know where there is a veteran, sleeping under a bridge, you call me immediately, and we will make sure that man does not do it.
A New Generation of Homeless Veterans
By ernesto While the issue of homeless veterans is nothing new many Americans would be shocked to find out that 336000 former service member are homeless every year. Moreover, the VA has already identified 1500 homeless Iraq and Afghanistan
Friday, January 11, 2008
Veterans For Common Sense Wins For Veterans In Court
I'm sure most of you remember Paul Rieckhoff of IAVA showing up on various cable stations talking about the troops and our veterans. Paul Sullivan of Veterans For Common Sense was on some of these shows but not nearly as often as he should have been. What most of you have not noticed is that neither of them have been appearing much at all in the last few months. Why is that? Why has the media suddenly found their appearances not worth the time? Does the media think there is no longer an issue with our veterans or the troops?
While Rieckhoff is primarily concerned Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans who need a strong advocate fighting for them and brining their issues front and center, Paul Sullivan is focused on all veterans. Neither one of them should be forgotten about.
If you need to understand why you need look no further than this court case the VCS organization won. You would think the work these two organizations do would be of interest to the American people, but the media apparently disagree. They've been too busy providing the public with who they think should replace Bush instead of what has been happening to our troops and our veterans.
Call the cable station you watch and ask them why they have been avoiding the troops and the veterans of this nation. I bet they don't have a good answer.
This is what Veterans For Truth is all about.
While Rieckhoff is primarily concerned Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans who need a strong advocate fighting for them and brining their issues front and center, Paul Sullivan is focused on all veterans. Neither one of them should be forgotten about.
If you need to understand why you need look no further than this court case the VCS organization won. You would think the work these two organizations do would be of interest to the American people, but the media apparently disagree. They've been too busy providing the public with who they think should replace Bush instead of what has been happening to our troops and our veterans.
Jan. 11: Victory for Veterans - Judge Rules in Favor of VCS in Case Against VA
Veterans for Common Sense
Jan 11, 2008
January 10, 2008, Washington, DC – The U.S. District Court in San Francisco today handed an enormous victory to veterans who sued the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) over lengthy delays for medical care and disability benefits. The Judge’s ruling means our class action lawsuit against VA will move forward, with the first court hearing scheduled for next month.
“We won this round against VA. Veterans will have our day in court. The VA must now release documents under discovery about their deliberate attempts to deny and delay medical care and disability benefits for all veterans, especially our Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans,” said Paul Sullivan, the executive director of Veterans for Common Sense (VCS), the lead plaintiff organization that filed suit against VA.
On July 23, 2007, VCS and Veterans United for Truth (VUFT) filed a class action lawsuit against VA in order to force VA to provide prompt and high-quality medical care and disability benefits to veterans, especially those with mental health conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “Our Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are committing suicide while waiting for VA to answer their pleas for medical care. VA must make sure all our veterans receive prompt and high-quality medical care and disability benefits. The long waits at VA must end,” added Sullivan.
go here for the rest
http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/articleid/9109
Call the cable station you watch and ask them why they have been avoiding the troops and the veterans of this nation. I bet they don't have a good answer.
This is what Veterans For Truth is all about.
VUFT’s Five -Point Philosophy
War only if our nation or its true allies are in grave danger
Strict adherence to Article I, Section 8 - “The Congress shall have power … To declare war ...”
A decision for war is a decision for immediate and meaningful national sacrifice which must include relief, wherever possible, of the grave burden on the troops and their families
Affirm the Powell Doctrine - troops must be totally prepared, must be sent in overwhelming numbers, and must know the truth of what they are fighting for, what constitutes success, and how they will exit
Perpetual, timely, quality care for those who have borne the direct burden - the troops and their families - inclusion of these costs in the initial cost of war as part of the continuing national sacrifice
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Experts to testify on preventing vet suicides
Experts to testify on preventing vet suicides
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Dec 11, 2007 17:18:49 EST
The parents of an Army reservist who committed suicide after returning from Iraq will testify before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Wednesday as lawmakers explore the Veterans Affairs Department’s challenges in helping veterans deal with mental health issues.
Mike and Kim Bowman are on the first of six panels of witnesses who were scheduled to testify at the hearing, which will focus on suicide prevention and treatment within the VA health care system.
Two authors of books about post-traumatic stress disorder also will testify, as will veterans’ advocates from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion and Disabled Veterans of America. After the testimony from other panelists, including officials from the VA’s Veterans Health Administration and inspector general’s office, the authors and veterans service organizations’ representatives will return to share their reflections on that testimony.
According to the committee, the Veterans Health Administration estimates there are about 1,000 suicides per year among veterans receiving care through VHA, and as many as 5,000 suicides per year among all living veterans.
go here for the rest
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/12/military_suicidehearing_071211w/
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Dec 11, 2007 17:18:49 EST
The parents of an Army reservist who committed suicide after returning from Iraq will testify before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Wednesday as lawmakers explore the Veterans Affairs Department’s challenges in helping veterans deal with mental health issues.
Mike and Kim Bowman are on the first of six panels of witnesses who were scheduled to testify at the hearing, which will focus on suicide prevention and treatment within the VA health care system.
Two authors of books about post-traumatic stress disorder also will testify, as will veterans’ advocates from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion and Disabled Veterans of America. After the testimony from other panelists, including officials from the VA’s Veterans Health Administration and inspector general’s office, the authors and veterans service organizations’ representatives will return to share their reflections on that testimony.
According to the committee, the Veterans Health Administration estimates there are about 1,000 suicides per year among veterans receiving care through VHA, and as many as 5,000 suicides per year among all living veterans.
go here for the rest
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/12/military_suicidehearing_071211w/
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
MTV interviews Paul Rieckhoff of IAVA
2nd Lieutenant Jenna Grassbaugh, whose husband was killed in Iraq, honors veterans at Arlington National Cemetery
Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Nov 12 2007 4:34 PM EST
On Veterans Day, A Sobering Look At The Iraq War's Toll
Although average U.S. soldier in Iraq is older than average Vietnam soldier, those being killed and injured are disproportionately young.
By Gil Kaufman
Monday (November 12) marks the observed Veterans Day — and also the 25th anniversary of the dedication of "The Wall," the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. And on the holiday, the enduring toll the battle in Iraq has taken on American troops can be summed up by one phrase: the Invisible War.
That's how Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and author of the Iraq memoir "Chasing Ghosts," refers to the war that has been raging since 2003 and has had a startlingly different effect on veterans returning than the war it's most often compared to, Vietnam.
"This is not a drafted army, it's a professional force, so folks are staying in longer, they're older and they're more likely to have families," he said of the average age of Iraq warriors, which is around 27. "But those who are being killed and injured are disproportionately young — the people you played soccer with and went to high school with."
Another reason Rieckhoff calls the Iraq war "invisible" is that while 12 percent of the U.S. population served in World War II, less than 1 percent have suited up for Iraq. "The numbers are less in terms of casualties [than Vietnam or World War II], because the numbers overall are smaller. That means less people are being impacted, so our generation is uniquely disconnected from the war and how it's affecting veterans."
click post title for the rest
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