Will the upcoming change in VA leadership result in fewer facility closures? Congressman Jerry McNerney [D-CA] hopes so. In a letter to President-elect Barack Obama's VA secretary nominee, Gen. Eric Shinseki, McNerney (who serves on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs) has asked that Livermore VA medical facilities not only remain opened but be expanded to include a PTSD and major depression treatment center.
Great news coming out of the home of the 3rd Infantry Division today as "medical officials at Fort Stewart’s Winn Army Community Hospital will take part in a ground-breaking ceremony for two clinics dedicated to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries."
The issue of combat PTSD reaches a national audience today on Dr. Phil. "Beyond the Front Lines" features the stories and far-too-often struggles of some of our returning troops. [UPDATE Dec 20, 2008]: Larry Scott of VA Watchdog has uploaded the full program on YouTube, which I've added in extended below.
In Ohio, following years of effort by veterans Tom Shugerts and Paul Nelson, 2009 will usher in the newly-designated Ohio Veterans Memorial Bridge. The pair's idea inspired the bill now expected to be signed into law by by Gov. Ted Strickland.
While a wide variety of events can trigger what's called post-traumatic stress disorder, this PTSD blog focuses solely on the combat-related variety.
As a new generation of warriors returns to civilian life and seeks out resources, PTSD Combat is here to help.
"The first shamans earned their keep in primitave societies by providing explanations and rituals that enabled man to deal with his environment and his personal anguish. Early man, no less than we, dealt with forces that he could not understand or control, and he attempted to come to grips with his vulnerablity by trying to bring order to his universe." -- Richard Gabriel in No More Heroes
"War stories end when the battle is over or when the soldier comes home. In real life, there are no moments amid smoldering hilltops for tranquil introspection. When the war is over, you pick up your gear, walk down the hill and back into the world." -- OIF vet John Crawford in The Last True Story I'll Ever Tell
"After wars' end, soldiers once again become civilians and return to their families to try to pick up where they left off. It is this process of readjustment that has more often than not been ignored by society. -- Major Robert H. Stretch, Ph.D in Textbook of Military Medicine: Vol. 6 Combat Stress
The information presented on this web site is based on news reports, medical and government documents, and personal analysis. It does NOT represent therapeutic prescription or recommendation. For specific advice and information, consult your health care provider.
Comments at PTSD Combat do not necessarily represent the editor's views. Illegal or inappropriate material will be removed when brought to our attention. The existence of such does not reflect an endorsement.
This site contains at times large portions of copyrighted material not specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This material is used for educational purposes, to forward understanding of issues that concern veterans and military families. In accordance with U.S. Copyright Law Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit. More information.
Want to stay connected? You can subscribe to PTSD Combat via Feedburner or follow Ilona on Twitter.
2011: Jan