Headlines: US to expand special operations forces’ role in Afghanistan. And, half a world away, the New York-New England rivalry thrives.

Part of war is dealing with its aftermath. From destruction of environment to lifelong devastating personnel’s effects such as physical or psychological scarring, war is something that can only be experienced to understand.

I recently had a discussion with a person who is advocating for veterans with PTSD that went down the road of talking about suicide.

Headlines: Wars lessons being applied to ease combat stress. And, The war in Afghanistan has claimed the lives of two sons of an Arkansas couple who also have a third son in the military.

Headlines: Army’s request to take the ‘D’ out of PTSD being studied. And, early retirement could be bad deal for troops.

Headlines: Four killed as US drone strikes resume in Pakistan. And, medical schools to increase focus on PTSD and TBI.

Headlines: DoD reports the number of sexual assaults at service academies are up. And, a troubled veteran finds a new mission in the occupy movement.

Headlines: Al Qaeda in Iraq claims responsibility for recent attacks. And, a soldier who survived a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan continues to fight for his life after he was critically wounded at his homecoming party.

With so many servicemen and women veterans continually returning from such places as Afghanistan and Iraq, there continues to be an increased need for mental health care for this population.

Making the decision to seek help for mental health issues is a critical and difficult first step for many veterans. So it’s frustrating and dangerous, when vets seek care for post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries, and find they must wait in order to see a professional.