Mrs. Meagher Goes to Washington-PTSD Combat : Winning the War Within

Sorry, I just couldn't help myself with that title.

Actually, I'm hoping that I'll be able to get out of Chicago today and make it to DC, as the ice is coming down quick and hard and my original flight has already been canceled.

I won't be posting anything during my trip, but will pass along my thoughts on tomorrow's House Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing on Stopping Suicide: Mental Health Challenges Within the Department of Veterans Affairs when I get back.

NIU and the Northern Star have both kindly written pieces on my journey to Washington, D.C., to testify before Congress this week. I'm humbled to have been asked, and hope that I can contribute something valuable to the discussion.

I'd like to thank everyone for their support these past two years.

Click on 'Article Link' below tags for related posts...

Labels: activism, house, moving_a_nation, oversight, personal

Comments are moderated. Unproductive comments will not be posted.

Best of luck tomorrow, Ilona. There are not enough folks as concerned as you are on this issue.

Gordy

By Gordy, at 12/11/2007 08:22:00 PM
Best wishes for you today! Knock their socks off!
Sincerely,
AWAMMM

By AWAMMM, at 12/12/2007 04:08:00 AM
hi Ilona,

You did great, btw! And it was a historic day. Thank you for "moving a Congress to Care!" I attended the hearing and took some photos for your readers. My motto is to "never leave a Clarkie behind," without proper cover, ... at least in photos ;)

Unfortunately, I had to leave by noon, and had only extended my stay there until you completed your opening statemnt. I left in haste soon after. :/

Please copy/paste them webshots slideshow link below or search webshots.com with the username "ClarkDemocrat"

Slideshow: http://news.webshots.com/slideshow/561755024bxMzyv

However, you're welcome to post any or none of the shots for your next blog. Some shots, I don't have very many details of whom the members and speakers are, but if you help, I'll be happy to edit these into the shots.

Also, if you have contact info for the Bowman's, please notify them of this album. I'll be happy to forward any shot to them through you, if necessary. Note: most of the photos are downloadable by selecting "enlarge photo" link.

Have a great Holiday season, I believe you gave all our troops the greatest Christmas present they could ever want -- the promise of Peace in heart, mind and soul.

My best regards,
aka "KR" from CCN :)

By KR, a Wes Clark Democrat ;), at 12/13/2007 01:18:00 AM
Thanks Gordy, AWAMMM, and KR:

Appreciate your comments and nice words. It was a humbling experience and I was honored to have been there to see the Bowmans' testimony. It was heartrending, information-rich, and just what I think was needed to move the issue forward a bit.

Thanks, guys.

By Ilona Meagher, at 12/14/2007 09:54:00 AM