News Analysis: May 21, 2009
How stressed out are our troops? So much so that scores of our men and women in uniform are self-medicating. How stretched thin is our military? So much so that the Army is facing criticism for letting so many drug abusers avoid punishment — for fear of losing desperately needed combat troops as the country continues to deploy forces to two war zones. “I am asking you to ensure that soldiers are provided the help that they need when they need it,” wrote Gen. Peter Chiarelli, the Army vice chief of staff, in a memo to commanders.
“Suck it up” is no treatment for PTSD, which is devastating our troops. The horror of PTSD, and the awful bloodshed of last week’s shooting on a US base in Iraq, is the consequence of years of “sending troops with untreated PTSD back” to war.
“Her War.” Helping military wives and spouses cope with war is important. Sometimes spouses have to give up their jobs to help care for their disabled husbands and wives back from war. “To our collective and deep shame, the richest nation on the planet treats its wounded veterans with a callous indifference.“
Volunteer for the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Spokane to help make a difference for some of our injured veterans this summer. A benefit concert to help support VFA. The VA reaches out to veterans. The USO uses technology to help troops stay in touch with families. Celebrating military families…
Afghan peace talks make US pullout a condition. Bombs in Iraq; also a lot of frustration and potential civil strife. Pakistan has a Taliban problem, but is spending more money on its nuclear program.