News Analysis: February 25, 2009
Our military men and women returning from battle with the psychological wounds of war are not alone. Their PTSD must be treated, their stories heard. Our troops and veterans deserve better.
President Obama favors a mid-2010 pullout from Iraq, what he has long been calling a responsible withdrawal from an irresponsible war. This is good news for our troops, who remain under fire from insurgents — in the latest episode by insurgents wearing Iraqi police uniforms. It’s been tough on Iraqis, as well. Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains a deadly place as well for our troops. And Pakistan doesn’t seem to be stabilizing. This doesn’t mean the strain on our constantly deploying National Guard forces is ending anytime soon - despite the grim grind on them or their families. It does mean that our military resources will continue to be strained elsewhere as the focus remains on the Middle East.
PTSD is ripping through the ranks, leading too many of our troops to self-medicate their pain with drugs and alcohol. Now, a bill in the Senate would overhaul the military’s drug and alcohol abuse programs following revelations of woeful inadequacies and lapses in confidentiality. “It is time for the military to face the problem of substance abuse head on,” said Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Missouri Democrat, who introduced the bill with Sen. Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican.
TBI and the road to recovery…Along the way, too many headaches.
Another VA decision angers veterans…
President Obama says he will raise pay for troops. He pledged a great deal of support for our troops last night.