Readjustment to life back in the US is more difficult than many anticipate. While deployed, many spend most of their free time wishing they were home, but the sad irony is that, for some, once they are home all they can think about is returning to the battlefield. There is an increasing threat to the safety of active troops and veterans that is not found on the dusty plains of Iraq or the mountains of Afghanistan, but within the very troops themselves.

Statistics are showing that 120 soldiers are taking their lives each week. Suicide has become an epidemic, but the government does not want to talk about it.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki has announced plans to implement 26 new ideas for the Veterans Health Administration. Also today we look at the lost WWII battlefield found in New Guinea.

With all the research being done on PTSD why is there still a stigma surrounding this disorder? Far too often we ignore the symptoms and for what? Recently I read two articles that made me reconsider my perspective of this disorder.

Veteran’s Administration Specialized Programs
 
The Veteran’s Administration identified six programs that would be critical to the rehabilitation of injured or disturbed veterans.  Identification of beneficial services is the easiest part of the process.  Homeless people do not normally search around for these services.  Veterans need to be found and connected with a coordinator of services.
 
A fair [...]

Most of the soldiers returning home simply have no clue about entitlements.  These are benefits, which have been earned and are certainly deserved.  Some things like medical care and education are common knowledge, not only to the enlisted but to the general population as well.  These are the two benefits used to entice young men [...]

While most veteran benefits are geared toward combat veterans or service-related disabilities, health care is not one of those benefits. The Veterans Administration provides a Medical Benefits Package that applies to all veterans except those with a dishonorable discharge.
The Medical Benefits Package is based on active military service and not limited to combat service. There [...]

This is a very personal account of life as seen through the eyes of a child and related through the words of an adult – the child who lived through it.  It was not easy to write this.  It is a mish-mash of interpretations assigned to unpleasant situations by a child who could not possibly [...]

If you stop squeaking, they stop oiling!  That is the plain and simple truth.  Negative emotions, however well-deserved, should be kept under wraps as you tangle your way through the system to get the services you need and earned.  Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness.  It is an avenue to empowerment.
 
 
Knowledge [...]