Who is taking care of & looking out for OUR TROOPS & OUR VETERANS?

[Wags]

NBC News - Brain-injured vets still not getting proper care - (Audit: Job assistance, counseling lacking, despite government pledges)

Brain-injured vets still not getting proper care - Mental health - MSNBC.com

Excerpts from the article

WASHINGTON - Many Iraq war veterans with traumatic brain injury are not getting adequate health care and job assistance for their long-term recovery despite years of government pledges to do so, Veterans Affairs Department investigators say.

“Significant needs remain unmet,” according to the report released Thursday by the VA’s inspector general. It is the first to examine the Bush administration’s long-term efforts in supporting veterans with traumatic brain injury, a leading problem among soldiers struck by roadside bombs that often causes lasting emotional and behavioral difficulties.

“Significant needs remain unmet,” according to the report released Thursday by the VA’s inspector general. It is the first to examine the Bush administration’s long-term efforts in supporting veterans with traumatic brain injury, a leading problem among soldiers struck by roadside bombs that often causes lasting emotional and behavioral difficulties.

The study tracked a group of 52 patients that received VA treatment after sustaining brain injury during a seven-month period in 2004. An initial review by the IG in 2006 found gaps in follow-up care and family counseling 16 months after the injury and urged the VA to improve long-term case management.

End of excerpts.

ABC News: Dad's Filthy Barracks Film Gets Results

It is truly sad that the government and the VA are not living up to their committments as it pertains to taking care of and looking out for OUR TROOPS and OUR VETERANS.

Who is taking care of & looking out for OUR TROOPS & OUR VETERANS?

GOD BLESS US ALL

[Wags]

CBS News/60 minutes - Mary Tillman's Crusade For The Truth

Mary Tillman's Crusade For The Truth, Tells 60 Minutes The Government Still Hasn't Told The Whole Truth About Her Son Pat's Death - CBS News

Excerpts from the article

Four years ago in a canyon in Afghanistan, Cpl. Tillman, who gave up his professional football career to fight the war on terror, was killed. The initial word from the Army was that he died in an ambush trying to protect his men. It then came out weeks later that his own men had shot him. Mary Tillman has been on a crusade for the truth ever since, accusing the government of using the initial story as a publicity stunt and covering up the friendly fire incident.

She points to inconsistencies, including that his uniform was burned after his death, which is against regulations, and that the coroner refused to sign the autopsy for months because his analysis of Tillman’s gunshot wounds was not consistent with the Army’s original story.

End of excerpts

A sad tragic story.

GOD BLESS US ALL

[Wags]

CBS NEWS - Lawyers Say Vets Dying Waiting for VA Care

Lawyers Say Vets Dying Waiting for VA Care, Federal Lawsuit Against Department Of Veterans Affairs Comes To A Close - CBS News

Excerpts from the article

In closing arguments in a federal lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), plaintiff lawyers accusing the agency of failing to effectively take care of our nation’s military veterans said, “1,457 veterans died while their appeals were pending” in the last six months alone.

“More of these veterans are dying in the United States than out in combat,” attorney Arturo Gonzalez said.

End of excerpts.

Folks I know that some of you in this forum do not like to or want to read articles like this but the fact remains that OUR TROOPS and OUR VETERANS are NOT BEING WELL SERVED by the U.S Government or the VA.

It is truly !

GOD BLESS US ALL

[youbet]

I think the key point here would be what is Rev Wright's take on this and is Senator Obama in lockstep with him.

[retiringby50]

Originally Posted by Wags

Folks I know that some of you in this forum do not like to or want to read articles like this but the fact remains that OUR TROOPS and OUR VETERANS are NOT BEING WELL SERVED by the U.S Government or the VA.

It is truly !

GOD BLESS US ALL

True - it's very depressing, especially since I believe what the government tells me because this is THE US government, darn it, but alas, the older I get, the more I realize my dad was right. There's propoganda in every country, huh? I swear, I am so naive! About a month ago, I signed up to volunteer on a website called Soldiers' Angels - Home, so I'll try to help out whenever I can.

[zoey]

I'm not at all surprised. I've been married to a Vietnam combat veteran for 34 years and know first hand what our government does not do for injured/disabled combat vets. It's disgusting. It goes along with everything else though. The lack of universal healthcare, the misuse of our tax dollars, and so on.

[nyef]

Washington politics is cancerous. Stories like this, although heartbreaking, are just the latest symptoms of fiscal incompetence.

[Orchidflower]

Unless you are a "somebody" or "somebody's kid or relative" NEVER expect the services to treat you with any respect.
A neighbor of mine in Houston had a husband who did drugs 15 years earlier than when I met her. Anyway, this husband beat his 6 month old baby to death when he was high. The Army flew his wife (she might have divorced him by then) to Alaska for the trial from Houston, but, upon returning, dumped her in Michigan or some northern State to find her own way back to Houston. THIS is how much they care about regular citizens with no political pull. Sad comment on America.
And that's why it should be no surprise the disrespect the government shows for our regular soldiers, too, after they are thru with them. Sad, sad, sad.

[Wags]

Let's not forget THE FAMILIES of OUR TROOPS and OUR VETERANS who are also suffering and who not beng WELL SERVED by our government and the VA.

YouTube - Where Have All The Flowers Gone

GOD BLESS US ALL

[Wags]

CBS News - This Gold Star Mom A "Black Sheep"

Peggy Buryj Wants Truth About Friendly Fire Death Of Her Son In Iraq; He Was Shot In Back

This Gold Star Mom A "Black Sheep", Peggy Buryj Wants Truth About Friendly Fire Death Of Her Son In Iraq; He Was Shot In Back - CBS News

Just like in the case of Mrs. Tillman, Mrs. Buryi deserves to know the TRUTH about her son's death.

Both of these Mothers are GOLD STAR MOMS.

GOD BLESS US ALL

[USK Coastie]

Dogs and Solders KEEP OFF THE GRASS except in time of war. If wounded or disabled please do not call attention to yourselves.

This has been the typical US citizen attitude towards the 1% of this nations population who keeps the other 99 % free for at least the last 100 years. I put up with it for 20+ years while serving this country and I am not surprised at the current problems coming to light.

This country lacks the will to adequately support its troops sent into harms way. For those of you offended with my words Volunteer to serve in combat, no excuses. Perhaps a few 72 hour days in combat will instill some understanding of what can happen when you swear to protect this country from all enemies foreign and domestic.

To paraphase another member of the forum " A Veteran is someone who has written a blank check to this country to be redeamed by this country up to and including their life."

Instead of wringing your hands what are you doing about it?

[Gumby]

Originally Posted by USK Coastie

Dogs and Solders KEEP OFF THE GRASS except in time of war. If wounded or disabled please do not call attention to yourselves.

This has been the typical US citizen attitude towards the 1% of this nations population who keeps the other 99 % free for at least the last 100 years. I put up with it for 20+ years while serving this country and I am not surprised at the current problems coming to light.

This country lacks the will to adequately support its troops sent into harms way. For those of you offended with my words Volunteer to serve in combat, no excuses. Perhaps a few 72 hour days in combat will instill some understanding of what can happen when you swear to protect this country from all enemies foreign and domestic.

To paraphase another member of the forum " A Veteran is someone who has written a blank check to this country to be redeamed by this country up to and including their life."

Instead of wringing your hands what are you doing about it?

Here is one place that someone can help if interested National Coalition for Homeless Veterans - Stand Down for Homeless Veterans

For those non-veterans, a stand down is when a unit is pulled from the front lines so they they can rest and recover and take care of the logistical/administrative things that can't be done on the front lines.

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans coordinates stand downs for vets at various locations throughout the country, where volunteers provide vets with medical and dental care, legal assistance and advice, assistance with benefits, job counseling, etc. Check the website to see if there is one scheduled in your area. It would be a concrete way to help.

[Wags]

USA Today - U.S. deploys more than 43,000 unfit for combat

U.S. deploys more than 43,000 unfit for combat - USATODAY.com

Excerpts from the article

WASHINGTON — More than 43,000 U.S. troops listed as medically unfit for combat in the weeks before their scheduled deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan since 2003 were sent anyway, Pentagon records show.

This reliance on troops found medically "non-deployable" is another sign of stress placed on a military that has sent 1.6 million servicemembers to the war zones, soldier advocacy groups say.

"It is a consequence of the consistent churning of our troops," said Bobby Muller, president of Veterans For America. "They are repeatedly exposed to high-intensity combat with insufficient time at home to rest and heal before redeploying."

The numbers of non-deployable soldiers are based on health assessment forms filled out by medical personnel at each military installation before a servicemember's deployment.

According to those statistics, the number of troops that doctors found non-deployable, but who were still sent to Iraq or Afghanistan fluctuated from 10,854 in 2003, down to 5,397 in 2005, and back up to 9,140 in 2007.

End of excerpts

One really has to wonder who is taking care of & looking out for OUR TROOPS, OUR VETERANS and THEIR FAMILIES.

The article says it all.

GOD BLESS US ALL

[Wags]

Originally Posted by Gumby

Here is one place that someone can help if interested National Coalition for Homeless Veterans - Stand Down for Homeless Veterans

For those non-veterans, a stand down is when a unit is pulled from the front lines so they they can rest and recover and take care of the logistical/administrative things that can't be done on the front lines.

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans coordinates stand downs for vets at various locations throughout the country, where volunteers provide vets with medical and dental care, legal assistance and advice, assistance with benefits, job counseling, etc. Check the website to see if there is one scheduled in your area. It would be a concrete way to help.

Gumby - great post.

CNN News - Amputee vets see eye-to-eye on Segways

Amputee vets see eye-to-eye on Segways - CNN.com

KUDOS to the Disability Rights Advocates for Technology for donating and providing the modified SEGWAYS to the 30 veterans with disabilities.

The kindness and the compassionate of the human heart is truly a thing of beauty.

GOD BLESS US ALL
Wags

[Wags]

ABC News - Politics as Usual - "...I Would Like To Suggest That You Refrain From Giving A Diagnosis Of PTSD Straight Out."

Politics As Usual

Excerpts from the article

The e-mail starts this way. "Given that we are having MORE and MORE COMPENSATION SEEKING VETERANS, I'd like to suggest that you REFRAIN from giving a diagnosis of PTSD STRAIGHT OUT. Consider a diagnosis of adjustment disorder, R/O PTSD."

"Additionally, WE REALLY DON'T HAVE TIME to do the EXTENSIVE TESTING that should be done to determine PTSD..."

End of excerpts.

The VA system and our government at it's finest.

It is truly sad that OUR TROOPS and THEIR FAMILIES have to be subjected to this kind of treatment.

God Bless Us All

[RetiredGypsy]

That e-mail was from a psychologist or psychiatrist, I can't remember exactly.

It is horrible what is happening to troops on active duty by their own branches, and veterans by the VA. But there are people trying to give people the information they need to arm themselves in the defense of their own rights. Jim Strickland, Jason Perry, and so many on the VBN forum are people I can think of immediately who fight for our troops, both past and present.

[Wags]

NBC News - Health care for female military vets lags behind
Report shows women getting inferior care in one-third of VA clinics

Health care for female vets lags behind - Women's health - MSNBC.com

It is time for our government to take care of all of our troops, all of our veterans and their families.

God Bless US All

[dex]

Health care for female military vets lags behind

It might be time for something ... but you might want to get a watch first.

"Data were not available to compare the inpatient quality of care between men and women."

"Among the other findings of new report:

• Older and younger veterans appear to be receiving the same quality of care;
• About 86 percent of homeless veterans seen by VA received primary care, mental health care and/or substance abuse services;
• About 98 percent of appointments were completed within 30 days in primary care clinics and about 97 percent were completed during that period at specialty clinics;
• Overall quality of care appears to be good when reviewed using commonly accepted health care benchmarks;
• Minority veterans surveyed were generally less satisfied with inpatient and outpatient care than white veterans, but it wasn't clear if the quality of care offered was different. A more comprehensive study of care for minority veterans is expected to be complete this summer."

[Wags]

ABC News/Washington Times - 'Disposable Heroes': Veterans Used To Test Suicide-Linked Drugs
An ABC News and Washington Times Investigation Reveals Vets Are Being Recruited for Government Tests on Drugs with Violent Side Effects

ABC News: 'Disposable Heroes': Mentally Distressed Veterans Used to Test Suicide-Linked Drugs

Excerpts from the article

Mentally distressed veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are being recruited for government tests on pharmaceutical drugs linked to suicide and other violent side effects, an investigation by ABC News and "The Washington Times" has found.

The report will air on "Good Morning America" and will also appear in "The Washington Times" on Tuesday. (click here to read "The Washington Times" coverage of "Disposable Heroes")

In one of the human experiments, involving the anti-smoking drug Chantix, Veterans Administration doctors waited more than three months before warning veterans about the possible serious side effects, including suicide and neuropsychiatric behavior.

Lab rat, guinea pig, disposable hero," said former US Army sniper James Elliott in describing how he felt he was betrayed by the Veterans Administration.

End of excerpts.

Interesting article on how the VA and our government are using our veterans as lab rats and guinea pigs.

Mr. Elliott was lucky that he was not killed when he had the nervous breakdown.

God Bless Us All

[Wags]

Huffington Post - Exposed: Military Lied About Murder of U.S. Soldier in Iraq

Greg Mitchell: Exposed: Military Lied About Murder of U.S. Soldier in Iraq - Politics on The Huffington Post

Excerpts from the article

For five years now, I have been chronicling the disturbing number of "noncombat" deaths in Iraq, often suicides, which usually come to light only due to the diligence of local newspapers. As part of that effort, last August I briefly described yet another case, involving a 20-year-old Texas woman named Kamisha Block, who apparently was much loved in her Vidor hometown. It was said to be death by "friendly fire," which officially is fairly rare in Iraq, so I kept an eye on it for days, in case of an update.

Many more nonhostile deaths arrived, and so I forgot about Kamisha. Now a horrible truth has emerged: Forget friendly fire. It turns out that Spc. Block was actually murdered, and the killer, another soldier, Staff Sgt. Brandon Norris, then turned the gun on himself.

And more: Her parents were misled at the start, and only after the mother noticed a suspicious head wound at the funeral (it turns out she was shot five times) and asked why, were they informed about the murder angle.

In fact, their local newspaper, the Beaumont Enterprise, too, was lied to by the Pentagon. Last August 21, the paper reported: "The U.S. Defense Department has confirmed two fatalities on Aug. 12 by friendly fire, but has not officially released names or the cause of death."

That same article quoted her aunt, Kathy Byerly: "She was shot in the chest by friendly fire. They haven't told us anything else - the rest is under investigation. We just want to know the truth about it." Norris, too, was listed simply as a "noncombat" death.

The Enterprise in an editorial yesterday charged: "There is no excuse for the U.S. Army's shabby treatment of Kamisha Block's parents and others who cared for her. Her commanders knew right away that she had been killed by a fellow soldier in Iraq, who had been harassing her. It was a standard murder-suicide. Incredibly, the Army first told her parents that it was an accidental death due to friendly fire."

End of excerpts.

It is shameful that the Army and our government is less then truthful with the families of our fallen heroes.

Let's see there is Mary Tillman and her family.

CBS News/60 minutes - Mary Tillman's Crusade For The Truth

Mary Tillman's Crusade For The Truth, Tells 60 Minutes The Government Still Hasn't Told The Whole Truth About Her Son Pat's Death - CBS News

Then there is the case of Peggy Buryj and her family

CBS News - This Gold Star Mom A "Black Sheep"

Peggy Buryj Wants Truth About Friendly Fire Death Of Her Son In Iraq; He Was Shot In Back

This Gold Star Mom A "Black Sheep", Peggy Buryj Wants Truth About Friendly Fire Death Of Her Son In Iraq; He Was Shot In Back - CBS News

I am sure that some many might say that these are just three cases of misconduct by the Army and our government but in my IMO they are 3 cases too many.

God Bless Us All