PTSD Veteran Scott Farnsworth, Killed by Police Won't Be Counted

We don't know how many lives are claimed by PTSD caused by combat. What we do know is that when the end comes as "suicide by cop" they won't be counted at all.

Family, friends mourn Valley veteran's death after he was fatally shot by police

ABC 15 News

Melissa Blasius

September 28, 2017

PHOENIX - Friends and family will bury a Valley veteran Friday at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, one week after he was fatally shot by police.

ABC15 is learning more about 28-year-old Scott Farnsworth. His mom, Pat, says the Army veteran served in Iraq and medically retired because of severe PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

"He's so compassionate, so kind, and he's been that that way since he was a little boy," Pat said.

Family members said they tried and failed to get Scott proper medical and mental health care at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"They bleed red, white, and blue, and we do nothing except say, "Oh, how tragic," Pat Farnsworth said.

Mesa police say officers shot Scott Farnsworth after he pointed a gun at them, while in the area of Crismon Road and Southern Avenue Friday night.

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Australia Veterans Get "pills with four legs" for PTSD

Man's best friend aids Australian military vets with PTSD

AFP
September 29, 2017

"Ex-servicemen were also about 14 percent more likely to kill themselves than men in the general population."

© Facebook Sarbi, an Australian military dog trained in explosives.

They are nicknamed "pills with four legs" -- highly-trained dogs helping ex-Australian military veterans overcome the mental scars of war.

Australia's servicemen and women have in recent times been posted to danger zones in Iraq, East Timor, and Afghanistan -- the nation's longest-running military conflict.

With some undertaking multiple tours of duty, psychologists are concerned traditional treatment such as counselling do not sufficiently address the trauma of combat.

"I lost my home, my marriage," Ken Lloyd, an experienced former special forces commando who has battled severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), told AFP.

"Thankfully I am still in contact with my sons, thankfully I'm better," he added.

The Afghan veteran found he was able to better understand PTSD symptoms, such as anxiety and anger, when he began training his pet labrador Jaeger to help him with tasks.
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Air Force Tech Sgt. Gets Diesel For PTSD

Rebuilding Warriors presents Air Commando with service dog
Cannon Air Force Base
By Senior Airman Luke Kitterman, 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Published September 28, 2017

“Dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the anxiety never really leaves.”  Tech. Sgt. Michael Farthing

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico

Eastern New Mexico University’s football team won their third game of the season September 23, 2017, with the Greyhounds beating Angelo State 31-21 and improving their record to 3-1. Accurate passes, long runs and big hits highlighted the rain-soaked match; however, the biggest play of the night didn’t happen during the game. It happened before the first whistle was even blown.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Farthing, 16th Special Operations Squadron aerial gunner on the AC-130W Stinger II, embraces his new service dog “Diesel” before the start of the Eastern New Mexico University’s Greyhounds football game September 23, 2017, at Al Whitehead Field in Portales, New Mexico. It was through Rebuilding Warriors, a program that provides service dogs with military members who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injuries as well as amputees, that Farthing was able to receive Diesel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luke Kitterman/Released)

Tech. Sgt. Michael Farthing, 16th Special Operations Squadron aerial gunner on the AC-130W Stinger II, received a service dog during a ceremony before the start of the military appreciation game at Al Whitehead Field in Portales, New Mexico. He was joined by family, friends and colleagues to support him in the big moment.

“I was extremely nervous,” Farthing said. “Dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the anxiety never really leaves. I was worried more than anything that everything would go smooth. The rain put a damper on things for a while but my family who are a major support system for me helped keep me grounded and calm.”

Farthing stood on the track at the 50-yard line as the announcer spoke of his accomplishments and dedicated service during his time in the Air Force. Then, his service dog, “Diesel,” was brought out to him as the crowd erupted in cheers.

“Receiving Diesel and seeing my Gunship family in the stands, along with my family and commander behind me, was very emotional,” Farthing explained. “Happiness, excitement, humility – all these things were rushing through me. Seeing the support of my squadron members in those stands was unlike anything I can describe.”

Farthing has flown 1,400 combat hours on more than 10 deployments including 270 combat missions, where he faced the threat of manned portable air defense systems and anti-aircraft artillery. Through Rebuilding Warriors, a program that pairs service dogs with military members who have been diagnosed with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries as well as amputees. Farthing was able to receive Diesel.
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If the NFL Cannot Respect the National Anthem--Stop Playing It!

NFL Should Stop Playing Games With National Anthem
Combat PTSD Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
September 29, 2017


Aren't these guys supposed to be rough and tough? So why are they whining before they play their games because POTUS sent out a nasty tweet? (As if that is anything new) Then show disrespect for the National Anthem in "protest" over something that has nothing to do with the job they get paid to do?

They do not think of their fans paying a lot of money to watch them play instead of just watching on TV. They want to show up and give their favorite teams support. Too bad too many players are not willing to reciprocate on the support side.

What gives them the right to assume they can do whatever they want in front of the fans who just paid to be there?

NFL Military Flyovers

The NFL does not even respect their own rules! Stop the military flyovers, the claims of "respect" for the Armed Forces and they should stop playing the National Anthem. 

That way, we won't have to see how little they respect anything, or anyone, other than themselves!


If one more person claims this has nothing to do with disrespecting the flag or troops, they need to learn the history of the Anthem itself. 

Senators Say Something Has To Be Done on Suicides, But Nothing New

When will these elected officials ever listen? Better yet, hold themselves accountable for what they've already failed to hear!

Senators: More Must Be Done to Reduce Vet Suicides

Stars and Stripes
by Claudia Grisales
28 Sep 2017

WASHINGTON -- A boost in medical providers and resources, greater awareness of mental illness within the military and improving the treatment of exiting service members could help combat a disturbing trend of increased suicides among veterans, lawmakers said Wednesday.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., asks a question concerning suicide data during a Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 27, 2017. (Stars and Stripes/Carlos Bongioanni)

A detailed government report released earlier this month showed suicide risk is 22 percent higher among veterans compared to civilians. For female veterans, that risk was 2.5 times higher, while for male veterans the rate was 19 percent higher, according to a report released Sept. 15 by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

These findings, and others, show Congress and the VA must step up with new efforts to address the national epidemic, lawmakers and government officials said during a Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs hearing held in the wake of the agency report.

"More needs to be done," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. "And more steps need to be taken to address suicide trends among veterans. ...What I am hearing again and again and again is the rates are increasing among vets who lack access."

Craig Bryan, executive director for the National Center for Veterans Studies at the University of Utah, said about 70 percent of veterans who have attempted suicide were already diagnosed with a mental illness. 

Tester said more funding is needed to address the concerns.
"We need to do a better job of outreach," he said. "It's going to cost money to get health professionals on the ground in urban and rural areas."

Read more here if you want to read more the same we've read over the last decade!

27 Veterans Laid to Rest After Being Forgotten

Remains of 27 veterans laid to rest after decades

KMVT 11 News

Rebecca Kitchen

September 26, 2017

FERNLEY, Nev. (KOLO) -- They served our county, but for decades, the remains of 27 veterans were unclaimed at Walton's Mortuary in Fernley, Nevada. They served in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and most of them passed nearly 30 years ago.

"Nobody ever came to claim them," Tom Draughon with the Northern Nevada Veterans Coalition said. "Nobody ever came and took them home."

Draughon says they will continue to look until every veteran who passes hears the words, 'Well done, good and faithful patriot. Enter into your well earned rest."

To learn more about the Missing in America Project, click here.

The veterans who were laid to rest are:

Charles Beckerman (1896-1984) served in the US Navy 1918 - 1918 WWI

Gerald Gillingham (1900-1990) served in the US Army 1918 - 1918 WWI

Edward Gerval (1915-1990) served in the US Navy 1945 - 1945 WWII

Joseph Bosse (1917-1988) served in the US Army 1941 - 1945 WWII

William Degliantoni (1919-1990) served in the US Navy 1940 - 1945 WWII

William Guthrie (1925-1990) served in the US Navy 1943 - 1946 WWII

Arturo Hayes (1922-1983) served in the US Marine Corp 1944 - 1946 WWII

Webster Johnson (1911-1988) served in the US Navy 1942 - 1946 WWII

Bernard Koolpe (1914-1988) served in the US Army 1940 - 1945 WWII

Richard Long (1921-1988) served in the US Army 1943 - 1950 WWII

Sterling McPherson (1921-1990) served in the US Army 1945 - 1947 WWII

Knox Moore (1921-1989) served in the US Merchant Marines 1942 - 1945 WWII

Eddie Robbins (1923-1988) served in the US Army 1945 - 1947 WWII

Andrew Sealock (1920-1990) served in the US Army 1943 - 1946 WWII

Earl Spaulding (1921-1989) served in the US Navy 1943 - 1945 WWII

Lorenzo Thompson (1913-1988) served in the US Army 1942 - 1945 WWII

Heinrich Ulrich Jr. (1907-1989) served in the US Navy 1943 - 1945 WWII

James White (1915-1989) served in the US Army 1943 - 1946 WWII

James Wilson (1920-1988) served in the US Army 1944 - 1946 WWII

James Adams (1924-1989) served in the US Navy 1944 - 1952 WWII/Korea

Edward Alexander (1921-1989) served in the US Navy 1941 - 1952 WWII/Korea

Lyle LaMere (1923-1989) served in the US Air Force 1942 - 1963 WWII/Korea

Devier Tozer (1925-1989) served in the US Navy 1943 - 1950 WWII/Korea

Terry Fausch (1934-1983) served in the US Air Force 1951 - 1955 Korea

Patrick Ingram (1936-1985) served in the US Army 1954 - 1957 Korea

Charles Roe (1921-1990) served in the US Navy 1941 - 1946/1969 - 1974 WWII/Vietnam

Ronald Bowser (1947-1984) served in the US Army 1965 - 1976 Vietnam

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Amputee Afghanistan Veteran Happy to Pull The Trigger...on Moose and Hopelessness

For this injured veteran, this year’s moose hunt was more than just a hunt

Bangor Daily News

John Holyoke

September 28, 2017

“So I was like, ‘I’ll just keep moving with it.’ I kind of accepted it. And now I have this opportunity. That’s the way I see it. God saved me for a reason. I get to share my story with everybody.” Zachary Stinson

Zachary Stinson of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, with the moose he shot a on the opening day of the 2017 moose season season in Maine. Stinson, a former Marine, was injured in Marjah, Afghanistan, seven years ago. Gabor Degre BDN

Among the dozens of hunters who visited Gateway Variety in Ashland on Monday morning, one had a story to share that was less about moose and more about life. It was a tale of tragedy, recovery and appreciation. And as Zachary Stinson explained, it’s a story he feels he has learned can make a difference to others.

Stinson is a direct, friendly 28-year-old who drove 15 hours from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, to take part in his own hunt of a lifetime.

Hours after pulling the trigger, Stinson was still excited, eagerly describing the hunt a group of locals helped set up for him.
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Man Charged with Ripping Off Disabled Vietnam Veteran

Man accused of ripping off Vietnam War Veteran for $200,000
KSDK
Sam Clancy
September 27, 2017

The charging documents said Ryan S. Saunders borrowed 203,387 from the veteran in a business arrangement at the beginning of 2014 and promised to pay the veteran back by February of 2015, but never did. (Photo: Washington County Sheriff's Office, Custom)

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MO. - Charges were filed Tuesday against a man who police said borrowed more than $200,000 from a disabled Vietnam War Veteran and never paid him back.

According to charging documents, Ryan S. Saunders of Potosi Missouri was charged with financial exploitation of a disabled person, forgery and passing bad checks.

The charging documents said Saunders borrowed $203,387 from the veteran in a business arrangement at the beginning of 2014. He promised to pay the veteran back by February of 2015 but never did.

Saunders wrote multiple checks from different bank accounts that totaled more than $220,000, but all the accounts were either closed or nonexistent, according to charging documents.
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More Older Veterans Commit Suicide When Loneliness is the Enemy

Yale finally figured out what we've known all along. Veterans need to be with other veterans. They are the only ones who know what it is like to hold that rare distinction of putting the lives of others ahead of their own.

I think they should add in retirement coupled with loneliness.

For suicidal veterans, loneliness is the deadliest enemy

Yale News

Bill Hathaway

September 28, 2017

“To date, there has been a strong emphasis on treating pathology rather than bolstering resources these individuals may already possess. Results of this study suggest that preventing suicidal thinking may not only be about fixing what is wrong, but also building what is strong.” Robert H. Pietrzak

(© stock.adobe.com)

About 20 veterans commit suicide every day. The primary enemy most veterans face after service is not war-related trauma but loneliness, according to a new study by researchers at Yale and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The study, scheduled to be published Oct. 1 in the journal World Psychiatry, followed 2,000 veterans over a period of four years to help explain why studies have shown that vets are more than twice as likely to kill themselves as their civilian counterparts.  At enrollment, the participants never had suicidal thoughts and were representative of U.S. military veterans as a whole: They were predominantly older, with an average age of 62, and two-thirds had never seen combat.

“When you look at the age breakdown of veterans who kill themselves, 65 percent are over the age of 50,” said lead author Robert H. Pietrzak, Director of the Translational Psychiatric Epidemiology Laboratory of the Clinical Neurosciences Division of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD and associate professor of psychiatry at Yale. “We sought to identify early warning signs of suicide risk in this population, much like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels can help predict heart disease.”

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It is a bond that cannot be broken with time or distance. It turns strangers into brothers, willing to die for each other. Civilians do not understand that and veterans are uneasy among them. Yet put veterans together at a veterans event and you see life come back into their eyes and years mean nothing.

William Chrisman Iraq Veteran Killed on Second Job Protecting Woman

Security guard shot, killed outside of Jacksonville strip club was veteran, father

CBS 47 Action News

September 27, 2017

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The man killed trying to break up a fight outside of a Jacksonville strip club early Wednesday morning was a veteran and a father, his family tells Action News Jax.

William Chrisman was an Iraq War veteran who did two tours and had four young children, his father-in-law Mike Ellis Cooper said.

Cooper said Chrisman also worked for Harley-Davidson in Jacksonville. Chrisman worked at Flash Dancers two nights a week to pick up some extra cash. He wasn't supposed to work that night, but someone called in so he picked up the extra shift, Cooper said.

Chrisman was trying to break up a fight between two customers that started inside the club when he was shot in the parking lot of Flash Dancers early Wednesday morning.

“He was standing up for somebody that was weaker, that was being picked on. He stepped in to stop it, (which) ended up costing him his life,” Cooper said.

Anyone with information on those individuals is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS to remain anonymous.

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