Memorial Day should not only be the time to remember those whom have given the ultimate sacrifice in support of our country, but also to recognize that too many veterans are unemployed.
While Congress may be considering a number of proposals (including Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Veterans Employment Act ), there is one program that could be terminated as a result of the zeal to eliminate the federal government spending.
At the heart of the decision-making is John Kline (R-MN-02). Mr. Kline is Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee but is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee … thus his views on the troops, teachers and jobs will impact the future of the Troops to Teachers Program.
But like so many other issues, Mr. Kline remains silent … no public comment … no press releases addressing the subject … just silence hoping that voters do not pay attention … especially military veterans looking for a new career after active duty service.
The Troops to Teachers Program is not a new program … it was established in 1994. It has proven to be successful as spotlighted in a March 2006 GAO report indicating that over 80 percent of Troops teachers are male and over 25 percent are African American—characteristics that differ from the overall teacher population. Troops teachers were placed in districts designated as high-need on the basis of serving children who qualify for federal assistance. According to the study, about one third of Troops hired reported teaching in the priority areas of math, science, special education, or vocational education. 60 percent of participants reported that they would not have become a teacher without the TTT program. Since 1993, over 12,000 retired members have brought math, science and foreign language expertise to schools through the program.
Sounds like a good program … putting true “Role Models” in the classroom.
However it faces a threat today as blind budget-cutting that seems to be the mindset of the Republican-controlled House ... funding for the Department of Education is an easy target (especially after so many members campaigned on eliminating the Department during the 2010 elections.)
This week, Mr. Kline’s E&W Committee cut 43 education programs. Mr. Kline, who has targeted programs that job training programs specifically, stated “At a time when our nation faces a historic fiscal crisis, we must make a concerted effort to reduce federal spending. A necessary step in this process is to eliminate and streamline federal programs.”
The TTT program costs …in terms of government spending is modest … funding for the program has declined, from a high of $29 million in FY03 to lower amounts … typically $15 million annually.
The Obama Administration has proposed to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to move it from Education to the Department of Defense. The move to Defense will help ensure it runs smoothly and has no adverse impact on program enrollees while providing .better oversight of program outcomes by simplifying and streamlining program management.
The TTT program has its supporters in Congress … and even improving it … Tom Petri (R-WI) has introduced H.R. 1947 ( the Post-9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act of 2011) to expand the program, Mr. Kline remains silent … but the legislation has been endorsed by :
The American Legion
The American Military Retirees Association
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
The Military Order of the Purple Heart
The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE)
The National Education Association (NEA)
The Student Veterans Association
During the last session of Congress, a similar bill was introduced - HR 3943 - which had 171 co-sponsors including Minnesota military veterans Tim Walz (D-MN-01) and Colin Peterson (D-MN-07) … but not Mr. Kline.
Mr. Kline controls the gavel … he wields the power to deny Congressman Petri’s bill a hearing … he controls whether Troops will be encouraged to Teach … Mr. Kline, do the right thing … support the Troops … support Teachers.
Showing posts with label Veterans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Veterans. Show all posts
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, June 05, 2008
How long have Republicans opposed funding PTSD ?
With the questions of Barak Obama’s patriotism and his stated support of the troops, I decided to do a little Googling. To eliminate potential pandering (or political posturing that occurs many times before an election,) I focused on 2005.
My question was: What legislation did Obama sponsor related to Veterans Issues ?
On September 17, 2005 Obama spoke in support of his amendment SA 2616 : To accelerate marriage penalty relief for the earned income tax credit, to extend the election to include combat pay in earned income, and to make modifications of effective dates of leasing provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.
The amendment, argued Obama on the Senate floor, would "... ensure that the families of our men and women in combat are not deprived of their tax benefits. In the midst of war, are we really going to tell our troops that their combat pay doesn't count as earned income for purposes of calculating tax credits? That is hard to imagine. Our troops not only earn their combat pay, but they have also earned our respect. They deserve our commitment of support."
The amendment failed.
Remember that in 2005, the Republicans were in the majority party and even though SA 2616 had the support of every Democrat, the Republicans killed it.
That got me looking at other amendments offered to the bill, and this is what really galls me.
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) proposed SA 2634 : “for readjustment counseling, related mental health services, and treatment and rehabilitative services for veterans with mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, or substance use disorder.”
Boxer cited that "This amendment is backed by the American Legion, AMVETS, and Disabled American Veterans." She closed her floor argument by quoting an e-mail from the wife of an Iraq War Veteran who committed suicide upon his return. "I got an e-mail from a woman who was married to Captain Michael Jon Pelkey, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder for over a year. He sought help on several occasions but was discouraged by the wait time and the stigma, " said Boxer.
Boxer then read directly from the e-mail which said "Michael passed away in our home at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest on November 5, 2004. I feel that my husband is a casualty of this war and to date the Army has not done enough for post-traumatic stress. "
That funding also FAILED.
Once again, every Democrat voted for the funding but only one Republican voted for it – Gordon Smith who’s own son suicide lead to the funding of $82 million for youth suicide prevention programs at college campus mental health centers.
Yes, that means that John McCain (and Norm Coleman) voted against funding PTSD.
That was 2005.
What could that funding have accomplished ?
How many lives affected ?
IF the problem was evident in 2005, is it a bigger or smaller problem today ?
The RAND Corporation issued a report on April 16th titled Invisible Wounds of War which stated that 300,000 (or 18.5%) of the troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan may have PTSD. "These consequences can have a high economic toll," RAND said. "However, most attempts to measure the costs of these conditions focus only on medical costs to the government. Yet, direct costs of treatment are only a fraction of the total costs related to mental health and cognitive conditions. Far higher are the long-term individual and societal costs stemming from lost productivity, reduced quality of life, homelessness, domestic violence, the strain on families, and suicide. Delivering effective care and restoring veterans to full mental health have the potential to reduce these longer-term costs significantly."
In addition, the Veterans Administration reported in April that 60,000 discharged vets have been diagnosed with mental health problems.
One of the common complaints that have been directed at the Bush Administration is that they only planned for the invasion of Iraq and not for the occupation and resulting consequences (old weaponry, inadequate body armor and helmets, minimally protected vehicles, etc.)
But considering PTSD, the Senate --- led by the blocking wedge of Republicans – has failed in funding.
The Senate could still do something.
Those of us in Minnesota’s First District are well aware (and appreciate) Congressman Tim Walz’s efforts on Veterans issues. But he cannot do it alone … he needs Senate support. For example, Walz was an original co-sponsor of H.R. 2874 Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007. Although the House passed Walz’s bill last August, the Senate has failed to act on it.
That doesn’t mean that the Republicans in the Senate won’t acknowledge the problem. For example, Senators Richard Burr (NC) and Larry Craig (ID) have proposed S. 2573 Veterans Mental Health Treatment First Act. The bill does more to LIMIT veterans’ benefits and requires extensive requirements for participation. Little wonder that there are only two Senators willing to put their name on the legislation.
Besides the PTSD issue, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) is another issue that is a major concern. Once again, Congressman Tim Walz (joined by Keith Ellison D-MN-05 and Jim Oberstar D-MN-08) co-sponsored HR 2199 : Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007. Once again, the House passed this legislation in May 2007, but the Senate has failed to act.
Voters will decide in November whether McCain’s patriotism is more relevant that Obama’s support for Veterans issues.
While these two Senators take time to campaign, why cannot Norm Coleman get his Republican colleagues to address these issues.
Remember, VOTE 60.
My question was: What legislation did Obama sponsor related to Veterans Issues ?
On September 17, 2005 Obama spoke in support of his amendment SA 2616 : To accelerate marriage penalty relief for the earned income tax credit, to extend the election to include combat pay in earned income, and to make modifications of effective dates of leasing provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.
The amendment, argued Obama on the Senate floor, would "... ensure that the families of our men and women in combat are not deprived of their tax benefits. In the midst of war, are we really going to tell our troops that their combat pay doesn't count as earned income for purposes of calculating tax credits? That is hard to imagine. Our troops not only earn their combat pay, but they have also earned our respect. They deserve our commitment of support."
The amendment failed.
Remember that in 2005, the Republicans were in the majority party and even though SA 2616 had the support of every Democrat, the Republicans killed it.
That got me looking at other amendments offered to the bill, and this is what really galls me.
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) proposed SA 2634 : “for readjustment counseling, related mental health services, and treatment and rehabilitative services for veterans with mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, or substance use disorder.”
Boxer cited that "This amendment is backed by the American Legion, AMVETS, and Disabled American Veterans." She closed her floor argument by quoting an e-mail from the wife of an Iraq War Veteran who committed suicide upon his return. "I got an e-mail from a woman who was married to Captain Michael Jon Pelkey, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder for over a year. He sought help on several occasions but was discouraged by the wait time and the stigma, " said Boxer.
Boxer then read directly from the e-mail which said "Michael passed away in our home at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest on November 5, 2004. I feel that my husband is a casualty of this war and to date the Army has not done enough for post-traumatic stress. "
That funding also FAILED.
Once again, every Democrat voted for the funding but only one Republican voted for it – Gordon Smith who’s own son suicide lead to the funding of $82 million for youth suicide prevention programs at college campus mental health centers.
Yes, that means that John McCain (and Norm Coleman) voted against funding PTSD.
That was 2005.
What could that funding have accomplished ?
How many lives affected ?
IF the problem was evident in 2005, is it a bigger or smaller problem today ?
The RAND Corporation issued a report on April 16th titled Invisible Wounds of War which stated that 300,000 (or 18.5%) of the troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan may have PTSD. "These consequences can have a high economic toll," RAND said. "However, most attempts to measure the costs of these conditions focus only on medical costs to the government. Yet, direct costs of treatment are only a fraction of the total costs related to mental health and cognitive conditions. Far higher are the long-term individual and societal costs stemming from lost productivity, reduced quality of life, homelessness, domestic violence, the strain on families, and suicide. Delivering effective care and restoring veterans to full mental health have the potential to reduce these longer-term costs significantly."
In addition, the Veterans Administration reported in April that 60,000 discharged vets have been diagnosed with mental health problems.
One of the common complaints that have been directed at the Bush Administration is that they only planned for the invasion of Iraq and not for the occupation and resulting consequences (old weaponry, inadequate body armor and helmets, minimally protected vehicles, etc.)
But considering PTSD, the Senate --- led by the blocking wedge of Republicans – has failed in funding.
The Senate could still do something.
Those of us in Minnesota’s First District are well aware (and appreciate) Congressman Tim Walz’s efforts on Veterans issues. But he cannot do it alone … he needs Senate support. For example, Walz was an original co-sponsor of H.R. 2874 Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007. Although the House passed Walz’s bill last August, the Senate has failed to act on it.
That doesn’t mean that the Republicans in the Senate won’t acknowledge the problem. For example, Senators Richard Burr (NC) and Larry Craig (ID) have proposed S. 2573 Veterans Mental Health Treatment First Act. The bill does more to LIMIT veterans’ benefits and requires extensive requirements for participation. Little wonder that there are only two Senators willing to put their name on the legislation.
Besides the PTSD issue, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) is another issue that is a major concern. Once again, Congressman Tim Walz (joined by Keith Ellison D-MN-05 and Jim Oberstar D-MN-08) co-sponsored HR 2199 : Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007. Once again, the House passed this legislation in May 2007, but the Senate has failed to act.
Voters will decide in November whether McCain’s patriotism is more relevant that Obama’s support for Veterans issues.
While these two Senators take time to campaign, why cannot Norm Coleman get his Republican colleagues to address these issues.
Remember, VOTE 60.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Who do you want in your foxhole – A Republican or A Democrat ?
From Stars & Stripes is this most appropriate headline : Democrats press VA on suicide rate.
At a hearing entitled “The Truth About Veteran Suicides”, the ranking Republican, Steve Buyer stood alone.
While Democrat committee members Bob Filner (Chairman), Corrine Brown, Vic Snyder, Michael Michaud, Harry Mitchell, John Hall, Phil Hare, John Salazar, Ciro Rodriguez, Jerry McNerney, and Minnesota's First District Congressman Tim Walz all participated in active discussion of the mental health care for our veterans, the Republicans had one member show up ! Heck, even Democrat Congressman Patrick Kennedy, who sponsored HR 1424 Mental Health Parity , attended even though he is not on the Veterans Affairs Committee.
Where were Republicans Cliff Sterns(FL), Jerry Moran(KS), Jeff Miller(FL), Henry Brown(SC), John Boozman(AR), Ginny Brown-Waite(FL), Michael Turner(OH), Brian Bilbray(CA), Doug Lamborn (CO), Gus Bilirakis (FL), and Vern Buchanan (FL) ?
They were AWOL from the committee hearing but did participate in roll call votes later that day. (Note : I have listed the states to signify that none were from North Carolina or Indiana that had primaries that day.)
Listening to Dr. James Peake’s (Secretary of the Veterans Administration) remarks, it was akin to hearing meteorologists discuss whether Hurricane Katrina was a #4 or #5 when it hit the coast without mentioning the human lives that were lost.
Peake offered all sorts of statistical analysis in an attempt to refute the concerns that suicides were now of epidemic proportions. Personally, I marveled at how the Secretary was trying to placate the Congressmen by boring them with statistical drivel.
Then when Committee chairman Bob Filner spoke, I knew Peake’s efforts were in vain. Filner said :“This is not a bureaucratic situation with numbers. This is life or death. I think there is clear evidence of a cover-up, and I think there is criminal negligence here.”
That’s what seemed so inappropriate.
While the Democrats were talking about intervention and outreach programs, increased access points, and veterans “losing faith in the system”, the VA seemed to be concerned with perception and numbers.
Researchers found about 1,000 suicide attempts among veterans each month, including an overall suicide rate among males using VA facilities of 37.2 per 100,000 patients. Worse yet, in the critical age group of young men 18 to 29, the rate was 53.18 versus 20.36 per the National Death Index.
These numbers are significantly different than what was presented at the December 12, 2007 hearing.
After the December hearing and reviewing the situation, VA Mental Health Director Ira Katz wrote an email with the subject line stating “Shh!” and asks “Is this something we should carefully address ourselves in some sort of release before someone stumbles on it?”
The awkward subject line of the email “Shh!” may have gotten the media’s attention, but Filner asked Katz the key question -- "Did you tell Dr. Peake of your concerns" – and Katz’s non-answer confirmed that he did not have any conversations with the Secretary.
All that was missing in this hearing was for President Bush to interject "Katzie, you're doing a heckuva job."
Why Dr. Katz is still employed is amazing !
Obviously to answer the question, I would want a Democrat in my foxhole … but specifically, Tim Walz.
When Congressman Walz had his opportunity to ask questions, he was passionate, concerned, irritated yet also able to extend “tough love” for the Secretary. Walz praised Minnesota’s Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty and Minnesota’s National Guard organization for implementing the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. Countering Peake’s use of statistics, Walz pointed out that the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign involves 99% of the returning National Guard while the regular military is at 36%. Walz was frustrated that there was no planning for how to handle the returning servicemen (and servicewomen) before the Iraq War started. Walz was angry that the VA was so slow in providing information that he requested (getting only one hour before the hearing).
[SIDEBAR : At least Walz got his information, Congressman Mitchell (D-AZ) was told to file a Freedom of Information Act to get his data. Mitchell is concerned as Arizona has seen a 39% increase in suicides …. Why isn’t Arizona Senator John McCain expressing the same concern?]
Walz expressed concerns that the VA has not involved county service personnel and other groups to assist these returning vets. Republican Congressman Buyer interrupted Walz to praise Walz for his questions. I sense that Congressman Buyer would want Walz in his foxhole -- afterall who would want to be there alone.
The essential question that the Veterans Affairs Committee was asking is “How can we help?”
Is the VA under-funded, under-staffed, or under-utilized … and Secretary Peake and Dr. Katz never once responded.
The care for our military is not only affecting our veterans but also the active duty personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The condition of Army barracks made national headlines in recent weeks after the father of Sgt. Jeff Frawley, a soldier in the 82nd Airborne Division, posted a video of his son's barracks at Fort Bragg, N.C., on the Internet. The Army immediately reacted when it announced Wednesday it would spend $248 million this year on eight bases in the USA that have serious problems with mold, plumbing and temperature control.
This revelation was made after the Washington Post reported in 2007 of mice droppings, mold and unlivable conditions in Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Building 18, a facility where outpatients stay.
Why isn’t the Bush Administration addressing these problems before they are brought to public light ?
This week, the House will probably vote on the FY 2008 war funding supplemental bill. One of the key amendments is an improved GI education benefit program for veterans.
No doubt the Republicans will show up to vote on that amendment as Republican Study Group's Brad Watson blogged that the Administration is opposed to because it may weaken the current, all-volunteer force.
That’s right providing incentives for people to join the military might weaken the current military !
No doubt during the debate, the Republicans will chant “We need to give the troops the TOOLS they need” … and that should be answered by the Democrats with “We need to give the troops the CARE that they need.”
At a hearing entitled “The Truth About Veteran Suicides”, the ranking Republican, Steve Buyer stood alone.
While Democrat committee members Bob Filner (Chairman), Corrine Brown, Vic Snyder, Michael Michaud, Harry Mitchell, John Hall, Phil Hare, John Salazar, Ciro Rodriguez, Jerry McNerney, and Minnesota's First District Congressman Tim Walz all participated in active discussion of the mental health care for our veterans, the Republicans had one member show up ! Heck, even Democrat Congressman Patrick Kennedy, who sponsored HR 1424 Mental Health Parity , attended even though he is not on the Veterans Affairs Committee.
Where were Republicans Cliff Sterns(FL), Jerry Moran(KS), Jeff Miller(FL), Henry Brown(SC), John Boozman(AR), Ginny Brown-Waite(FL), Michael Turner(OH), Brian Bilbray(CA), Doug Lamborn (CO), Gus Bilirakis (FL), and Vern Buchanan (FL) ?
They were AWOL from the committee hearing but did participate in roll call votes later that day. (Note : I have listed the states to signify that none were from North Carolina or Indiana that had primaries that day.)
Listening to Dr. James Peake’s (Secretary of the Veterans Administration) remarks, it was akin to hearing meteorologists discuss whether Hurricane Katrina was a #4 or #5 when it hit the coast without mentioning the human lives that were lost.
Peake offered all sorts of statistical analysis in an attempt to refute the concerns that suicides were now of epidemic proportions. Personally, I marveled at how the Secretary was trying to placate the Congressmen by boring them with statistical drivel.
Then when Committee chairman Bob Filner spoke, I knew Peake’s efforts were in vain. Filner said :“This is not a bureaucratic situation with numbers. This is life or death. I think there is clear evidence of a cover-up, and I think there is criminal negligence here.”
That’s what seemed so inappropriate.
While the Democrats were talking about intervention and outreach programs, increased access points, and veterans “losing faith in the system”, the VA seemed to be concerned with perception and numbers.
Researchers found about 1,000 suicide attempts among veterans each month, including an overall suicide rate among males using VA facilities of 37.2 per 100,000 patients. Worse yet, in the critical age group of young men 18 to 29, the rate was 53.18 versus 20.36 per the National Death Index.
These numbers are significantly different than what was presented at the December 12, 2007 hearing.
After the December hearing and reviewing the situation, VA Mental Health Director Ira Katz wrote an email with the subject line stating “Shh!” and asks “Is this something we should carefully address ourselves in some sort of release before someone stumbles on it?”
The awkward subject line of the email “Shh!” may have gotten the media’s attention, but Filner asked Katz the key question -- "Did you tell Dr. Peake of your concerns" – and Katz’s non-answer confirmed that he did not have any conversations with the Secretary.
All that was missing in this hearing was for President Bush to interject "Katzie, you're doing a heckuva job."
Why Dr. Katz is still employed is amazing !
Obviously to answer the question, I would want a Democrat in my foxhole … but specifically, Tim Walz.
When Congressman Walz had his opportunity to ask questions, he was passionate, concerned, irritated yet also able to extend “tough love” for the Secretary. Walz praised Minnesota’s Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty and Minnesota’s National Guard organization for implementing the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. Countering Peake’s use of statistics, Walz pointed out that the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campaign involves 99% of the returning National Guard while the regular military is at 36%. Walz was frustrated that there was no planning for how to handle the returning servicemen (and servicewomen) before the Iraq War started. Walz was angry that the VA was so slow in providing information that he requested (getting only one hour before the hearing).
[SIDEBAR : At least Walz got his information, Congressman Mitchell (D-AZ) was told to file a Freedom of Information Act to get his data. Mitchell is concerned as Arizona has seen a 39% increase in suicides …. Why isn’t Arizona Senator John McCain expressing the same concern?]
Walz expressed concerns that the VA has not involved county service personnel and other groups to assist these returning vets. Republican Congressman Buyer interrupted Walz to praise Walz for his questions. I sense that Congressman Buyer would want Walz in his foxhole -- afterall who would want to be there alone.
The essential question that the Veterans Affairs Committee was asking is “How can we help?”
Is the VA under-funded, under-staffed, or under-utilized … and Secretary Peake and Dr. Katz never once responded.
The care for our military is not only affecting our veterans but also the active duty personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The condition of Army barracks made national headlines in recent weeks after the father of Sgt. Jeff Frawley, a soldier in the 82nd Airborne Division, posted a video of his son's barracks at Fort Bragg, N.C., on the Internet. The Army immediately reacted when it announced Wednesday it would spend $248 million this year on eight bases in the USA that have serious problems with mold, plumbing and temperature control.
This revelation was made after the Washington Post reported in 2007 of mice droppings, mold and unlivable conditions in Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Building 18, a facility where outpatients stay.
Why isn’t the Bush Administration addressing these problems before they are brought to public light ?
This week, the House will probably vote on the FY 2008 war funding supplemental bill. One of the key amendments is an improved GI education benefit program for veterans.
No doubt the Republicans will show up to vote on that amendment as Republican Study Group's Brad Watson blogged that the Administration is opposed to because it may weaken the current, all-volunteer force.
That’s right providing incentives for people to join the military might weaken the current military !
No doubt during the debate, the Republicans will chant “We need to give the troops the TOOLS they need” … and that should be answered by the Democrats with “We need to give the troops the CARE that they need.”
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
KAA – Another Unneccessary Death that demands Congressional Action
KIA, short for Killed In Action, is used to indicate an individual who is killed during a military operation.
KIA happens due to the enemies action.
KAA is short for Killed After Action.
KAA may be due to our inaction and inattention to the emotional state of our returning soldiers.
Brian Skold enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard on Dec. 30, 1998.
Skold served with the 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery based in Montevideo Minnesota and was deployed in Baghdad from late 2004 through 2005.
The 151st lost three men in combat in Iraq.
Skold died on May 27th after a standoff with police.
Members of his family told authorities that he may have been suicidal.
"I don't think the president and the government are doing their job with these young men and women who are coming back from the war zones and trying to turn their lives back to a regular world again," said Don Pappenfus, a Vietnam-era veteran and a Sauk Rapids City Council member, "Something's bothering them, and the screening isn't there."
"I don't know enough about his situation, but it doesn't surprise me that we're seeing more incidents like this," said James Schulze of rural Stewart, Minn., whose son Jonathan, a 25-year-old Marine veteran, committed suicide in January.
Read the complete StarTribune story
As an editorial in the Austin Daily Herald commented :
“107 suicides during Iraq operations have been recorded - and that doesn't include suicides by troops after they have returned home. That is a shocking number. Something needs to be done.”
The U.S. Army Medical Command Mental Health Advisory Team III released a report that included a number of key findings including :
-- The top non-combat stressors were deployment length and family separation.
-- Soldiers serving a repeat deployment reported higher acute stress than initial deployers.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) reports : At least one in three Iraq veterans and one in nine Afghanistan veterans are facing a serious mental health problem, from depression to anxiety to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These veterans face serious family and employment problems. Divorce, drug abuse and suicide rates are up.
Earlier this month, Democrat James Moran of Virginia introduced H.R. 2219 : "To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award a grant to a private, nonprofit entity to establish, publicize, and operate a national toll-free suicide prevention telephone hotline targeted to and staffed by veterans of the Armed Forces." Minnesota Congressman Jim Ramstad is an original co-sponsor of H.R. 2219 ... Veterans care might be one of the few issues that can – and should - get bi-partisan support.
There is no reason that every Minnesota Congressperson does not become a co-sponsor of this bill. Please contact your representative today.
KIA happens due to the enemies action.
KAA is short for Killed After Action.
KAA may be due to our inaction and inattention to the emotional state of our returning soldiers.
Brian Skold enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard on Dec. 30, 1998.
Skold served with the 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery based in Montevideo Minnesota and was deployed in Baghdad from late 2004 through 2005.
The 151st lost three men in combat in Iraq.
Skold died on May 27th after a standoff with police.
Members of his family told authorities that he may have been suicidal.
"I don't think the president and the government are doing their job with these young men and women who are coming back from the war zones and trying to turn their lives back to a regular world again," said Don Pappenfus, a Vietnam-era veteran and a Sauk Rapids City Council member, "Something's bothering them, and the screening isn't there."
"I don't know enough about his situation, but it doesn't surprise me that we're seeing more incidents like this," said James Schulze of rural Stewart, Minn., whose son Jonathan, a 25-year-old Marine veteran, committed suicide in January.
Read the complete StarTribune story
As an editorial in the Austin Daily Herald commented :
“107 suicides during Iraq operations have been recorded - and that doesn't include suicides by troops after they have returned home. That is a shocking number. Something needs to be done.”
The U.S. Army Medical Command Mental Health Advisory Team III released a report that included a number of key findings including :
-- The top non-combat stressors were deployment length and family separation.
-- Soldiers serving a repeat deployment reported higher acute stress than initial deployers.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) reports : At least one in three Iraq veterans and one in nine Afghanistan veterans are facing a serious mental health problem, from depression to anxiety to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These veterans face serious family and employment problems. Divorce, drug abuse and suicide rates are up.
Earlier this month, Democrat James Moran of Virginia introduced H.R. 2219 : "To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award a grant to a private, nonprofit entity to establish, publicize, and operate a national toll-free suicide prevention telephone hotline targeted to and staffed by veterans of the Armed Forces." Minnesota Congressman Jim Ramstad is an original co-sponsor of H.R. 2219 ... Veterans care might be one of the few issues that can – and should - get bi-partisan support.
There is no reason that every Minnesota Congressperson does not become a co-sponsor of this bill. Please contact your representative today.
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