Thank You Battle Buddy for Screwing Me Again
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It was around Veterans Day final yr when Ken Iaciofano began to drink heavier than usual. The 22-year-old Iraq Veteran was known to be a drinker but it had gotten worse in the autumn, culminating in a drunk driving accident that injured several people, including himself. To the prosecutors and court system in Cumberland, Rhode Island, he must take seemed like a trouble making alcoholic. To his lifelong friends from the Regular army, he was the funny guy everyone called 'Ice' for short. Simply when he constitute himself hours away from his nearest battle buddy and facing prison house time for his drunk driving, he turned to the bottle for help. On the weekend of Veterans Twenty-four hour period, information technology was just him and a bottle of vodka. His odd decision to have a bath under the influence was the terminal he would make. At some point he slipped nether the water, and his grandmother found him in the tub, drowned. One of the nicest guys from my infantry visitor survived a deployment to Iraq only to dice in his ain bathroom. His friends would later say they didn't know he was suffering that badly.
Every Nov xi, the country takes the time to honor Veterans who have served the country in uniform. The day is often confused with Memorial Day, when the nation remembers those killed while in the service. Veterans Twenty-four hours is reserved to remember all those who have served, both living and deceased. Through their service, Vets oftentimes possess a strong sense of history and legacy of the military. Many understand they aren't the first, and certainly not the last, to put on the uniform. They acquit on tradition and pass it off to those who come afterwards. Unfortunately, they pass along dissentious stigmas likewise. The hardest one to fight undoubtedly is that only the weak are stricken with Post Traumatic Stress.
"Must you lot carry the bloody horror of gainsay in your middle forever?"
– Homer, "The Odyssey"
Gainsay trauma is every bit aboriginal equally combat itself, simply many don't view information technology that way. Even before Odysseus sailed from Troy with the brunt of battle on his mind, the horrors of state of war have exacted a toll on the men and women who take fought them. Only as Veterans continue the legacy of service and sacrifice, post traumatic stress volition be carried through the ages equally an immovable aspect of the battlefield, just as real and damaging as tanks and arms. Recent studies have even suggested that the brain undergoes physical changes later experiencing traumatic stress. The danger is existent and serious, merely stereotypes and mischaracterizations plague the armed services and discourage service members from getting the help they need both as service members and Veterans.
What can exist done to fight the stigma? The answer has eluded doctors, physicians and Veterans ever since PTS and PTSD were considered bona fide injuries after Vietnam. Luckily, awareness of postal service traumatic stress has risen dramatically over the by several years. Wartorn: 1861-2010, a documentary nigh PTSD from the Civil War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, debuts today on HBO. Before its release, it was screened at the Pentagon where a Defense Department and VA-led console discussed ideas to accost the suicide crisis affecting the military and Veteran communities. Chief among them: communities must embrace and wait after warriors when they come habitation. Recognizing the signs of PTS and PTSD could salve a life in crisis. Many Veterans simply don't know what resources are bachelor to help. VA'south Suicide Prevention line can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and a live conversation can be accessed at the Veterans Suicide Prevention site. Both are manned 24/seven.
The population of female Veterans continues to grow. The consequences for unprecedented roles for women in combat mean unique and challenging PTSD and suicide prevention needs. Programs and services are available for women at VA, besides every bit resource to address War machine Sexual Trauma.
Veterans Mean solar day honors both the living and the dead, only those who come home from state of war accept earned a happy and full life. To join the ranks of the proud who served the nation is the best way to honor the fallen who didn't go far dorsum. Just the war machine and Veteran communities shouldn't share the brunt to watch out for signs of PTS and PTSD. Families, friends, coworkers and neighbors must do their part to recognize the signs and help Veterans go the care they need. I tin't think of a better way to say "Give thanks you for your service."
No i tin can say for certain if Ice was in an emotional crunch during the last moments of his life, but it is articulate he was in need of help. The nation is dishonored whenever a gainsay Veteran loses his life after surviving war, so it is upward to each and every 1 of us to do our part to ensure every Veterans Day is met with cherished memories of service instead of hopelessness. Whenever you encounter a Veteran, just don't say "Thank you," but ask that ever of import question, "How are yous doing?" Accept that 1-800 number handy. You lot could exist saving a life.
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Hey Alex. I served with you and Water ice in Iraq. Ice was my best friend; we served together in the same squad for the duration of his term of service. I knew exactly what was going on with him prior to his ETS, but instead of staying in Wa with me like I asked, Ken decided to go home any style. He tried calling me the night he died, just I didn't hear his phone call. Many people don't understand Ken, unless you lot lived with him twenty-four hour period in and 24-hour interval out information technology was impossible to. 1 matter that has been severely lacking, is a true representation of Water ice. Someone to limited his true thoughts and feelings, his story. I remember that acknowledgment of those things is a footstep in the correct direction.
Im a war vetran myself, I served in the British regular army for 5 years. When I left I thought i could only adjust to civvy life simply ive really struggled. I was basically simply threw out and left to get on with it. I hope things change for people in the futurity.
Should really exist more help available to war veterans.
Every veteran needs to know that they need to guard every word that comes out of their mouths, every time that they speak around a VA health professional. I didn't, so I didn't withhold that when I was 12 that I saw a counselor in 8th grade for a couple of months because I felt out of identify as I was attending a new school. Yet after seeing a VA mental health counselor for over 2 years and had filed a merits for service connection due to a service continued affliction. I was depressed because of the chronic pain and sickness. not to mention that my illness can toll me my life and I had a hard time dealing with that. The C&P evaluation doctor said in her report that although discussing this vets obvious low and anxiety for the last two plus years and that yeah this might be related to his current medical status, just that since I sought counseling when I was twelve that it is just a case of natural progression of an disease. That I was broke way before I ever entered the service. Although I had only sought treatment one time as an developed at the current VA, that since I was depressed one time when I was twelve that then the VA has no responsibility. This despite that I served with accolade and distinction for over 7 years, got out was never depressed or had whatsoever incidences or bouts of deression until I had a service continued illness. It was the standard PTSD diagnosis that the VA Mental Health Care Department issued in its memo, that lets make sure that we ty the vets affliction into an incident prior to or exterior of service and say that this is the reason that this vet is screwed up. That the armed services service and witnessing horrible things has nada to do with this vets problems, or beingness chronically ill or in pain, that even though many teenagers experience low and and so forth, lets go them to admit to one bout and so we tin say we the VA have no liability to this vet. Information technology's "The natural progression of this vets illness prior to entering service." And then the lesson learned is that you need know your audition, baby-sit everything that e'er comes out of your oral cavity, don't be honest, truthful and forthcoming with any facts, just be on the defensive at all times with your medico'south and you will be ok. Otherwise everything that these VA C&P examiner's can use against you volition be used. Believe me if whatever of you call back that these C&P examiners are their to scout for you the veteran, remember who pays them for conducting these exams? Oh yep it's the VA who does, and enquire yourself then if these doctor's reviewed each and every claim openly and honestly and they referred say 75% or even 50% of the vets that they examined to receive disability bounty for their claims how long would they be employed by the VA? Why at to the lowest degree at my location are all the VA C&P examiners all retired war machine doc's or why are they currently on the VAMC staff? Come on people, the deck is stacked against you before you even have shown up for that appointment. A off-white and impartial C&P exam would exist conducted off a VA medical facility, by regular civilian md's at their regular practices, only keep in mind even if this were the case, were does the money come up from? I know they would say it's convience and location and yada yada yada, but the real reason is that this C%P physician's are office of the trouble that all u.s. vets are fighting. I know that I alive in a fantasy world were I think that most people should exist or are honest, exist objective, open minded, but the VA's attitude is that you the vet are maligerer's, are scumbags trying to become something for nothing, are trying to make Uncle Sam get liable because yous fell into hard times, or you lot just blame the authorities because you became sick. So if you realize that before y'all walk into the door of every VA facility then you'll remember twice about everything that you always say or do. Recall twice.
Glad they didn't hire me equally a typist or speller – the name is Former VHA Employee.
Sadly, so many of our young men and women have the same issues. Thankfully in Arkansas the National Guard Units here have prepare up mechanisms to assist and our VHA employees have accommodated these and all veterans, 24/vii and are not compensated for their work. We beloved ALL of our veterans!
P.Due south. My feel is that God processes prayers 35 years quicker than VA accepts responsibility for and processes claims.
Ken Iaciofano'southward story is all to familar. Cocky medication is 1 of the first treatments for PTSD. Self destruction is often the second when the showtime no longer works.
Every bit a Vietnam Era Vet, I spent 2 years in Korea in the Second Infantry Division. I did pretty well as a advice department chief until a couple of events left me with PTSD and maybe a brain injury.
This condition went undiagnosed
for 30 years. During those 30 years I oftened self medicated
when my faith in God might take been depression. The only way I take constitute to deal with the some of the issues that often come with PTSD, "homelessness,under employment, self medication, suicide"
Has been Faith in God, everything else often seems to diminish iii very of import attributes of my faith.
Which are "Faith, Promise and Charity beingness the route to prosperity.
God Does Bless all of united states if we inquire for it.
Ken Lindsay
To Ken Lindsay, May God continue to bless you! With what I take gone through over the concluding nine years that'southward all I have organized religion in…God Every bit I have lost faith in my beau human beings, peculiarly those employed past the VA. I have always idea that if someone would just accept the fourth dimension and guess my claim adequately, openly and honestly and so they (The VA) would see and come up to the same conclusions that my doc's have come to, that beingness that yes the VA has liability hither to this veteran. But no, like a bad dream that keeps reoccurring it just keeps going on and on. Then I too cling to my organized religion in the Almighty and figure if it'south meant to exist it volition be. I just pray that when and if that day does arrive when the VA does really review my claim and judges it on its total merits and awards the benefits that my wife and I and my doctor'due south believe that I am entitled to, that I am still hither. I just desire to ensure that my wife has something if I leave her backside, other than just mountains of medical debts as well as hate and cloy to the very fact that I ever wore a uniform in service to our country. We are so proud that I and other's in my family unit have and are serving, don't go me incorrect, it'due south just with the way that the VA has treated myself and other vets that is icky. Over again God Bless you and your family!
More and more than is being done to prevent suicide attempts and to aid those who have already fabricated an attempt. For this I am grateful. Delight proceed the improvements. I am a spouse with an active duty PTSD sufferer. It has been diagnosed and treated off and on with medication and counseling. The off and on was my hubby's choice, non the military. I truly believe more resources should be provided for the spouses of PTSD sufferers. I feel I should be able to become to someone and schedule a counseling session for myself. Non only to help me learn to assist my married man, simply to help me. Information technology makes a loved one feel useless and responsible when they cannot help during an episode (that is what I call the periods of silence that allow me know he is lost in the horrors of his memories and no longer in the present). These counseling sessions should too be able to be designed as "couples counseling" long earlier the "d" give-and-take is ever brought up. Only to assistance us remember that things will never be the same as before and to help us see the differences and learn to address them. And please do not recall that just because I say this service should be provided to spouses I mean them exclusively. I believe all family members should have this do good. Not just VA, Regular army, and Marines either. All besides ofttimes we forget the Navy and Air Force is going through the same trauma and those sailors and airmen and their families deserve the aforementioned support as their brethren. We continually hear, "support the wounded, exist there when they need y'all," but no ane tells us, the support system, how to practise this. All we are told is hither is the suicide hot line number. As valuable a resource every bit that is, shouldn't there exist resources in place to be used long earlier things get to that point?
My heart goes out to you Brandi. At the Lewiston, Idaho VA CBOC nosotros are currently running a support goup for spouses of Veteran'southward with PTSD. It is a wonderful group and has already proven well worth the fourth dimension and effort of our staff to coordinate. Maybe you can call your local dispensary and inquire about the possibility of beginning this kind of support group in your surface area. It can be as uncomplicated as supply and need, if you demand it in conjunction with other concerned spouses in your area, maybe they will supply it!
My Ending Story of Duty, Award and Country
Houston, Texas: My name is Thomas W. Hudson. I am extremely appreciative of the medical care that I accept received from The VA. I had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and have had several operations within the past year. However, there are several issues that are very frustrating and fifty-fifty traumatic.
I will make several posts concerning them. But, first I will give you a summary of an effect that I am unable to get over and focus on my medical condition because no i at the VA will do anything inside reason to assistance me to bring closure. Also, due to this event and the ongoing implications of today's events I am going compelled to , without any other recourse, discontinue my intendance and in effect ending my life, as I knew it, equally a upshot of the VA's in-action and malpractice.
The issue in question had begun in July, 2009. Due to my rare form of cancer the tumors in my liver re-to the lowest degree large amounts of hormones into my organization. Because of that my mood swings are drastically affected. I had became suicidal when the mood swing had hit rock bottom. This happen for about three days at a time before the hormones would level out.
Considering of suicidal idealations I began to call the VA Suicide Hotline. I would tell them that I had learned from another veteran that you tin can purchase insulin over the counter without a prescription. I am not diabetic. I had bought insulin and the syringes several times with plans to end my life. The trouble was that I have an extreme phobia of needles.
I then purchased sleeping pills with the idea of using them as a sedative hence enabling me to get the nerve upwards to stick the need in. Because I exercise not have any family unit I would desire to talk to someone as if on my expiry bed while I died. Beingness very emotional and no one to call I had called the hotline. Later on several attempts I took the sleeping pills as a sedative and had even had the syringes fatigued up set to go. After taking the pills Fifty had called the hotline just to talk and to tell someone by. Again, I could not stick the needle into myself and experience another anxiety attack.
The hotline so talked me into going into the Houston VA emergency room since I was outside the infirmary. I and then went into the ER waiting room and guess what happened? Exercise yous think that I was admitted to the ER and then the hospital? NO!
I was immediately taken into the VA Constabulary holding cell. Inside there a Lt. FRANK AREVALO kept on calling me a "punk" and telling me that I was attention getting. This went on for hours. I had asked him if I could run into a doctor because I was experiencing the effects of the sleeping pills. Afterwards telling him that I had taken the pills he stated to me that I was lying and that I had my hazard of seeing a doctor and that I was going to jail. At that point I had told him well-nigh the empty box of pills and the loaded syringes of insulin laying on my forepart sit in my automobile. He had continued to deny me medical attention. He did confiscate the insulin.
Here I was in a hospital where the Hotline had talked me into going and a overzealous constabulary officer denied me medical attending and maliciously files false data with the Harris County Commune Attorney to obtain a warrant for "telephone Harassment."
Here is an extract from the VA Law Report: "I observed a white male, brown pilus, spectacles wearing a greyness t-shirt and blue jeans I knew to be Hudson in the East.R. waiting room. Hudson had been calling Telecare and the National Suicide Hotline stating he wanted to commit suicide numerous times." "At 2230 hours, Ofc. Gann brash Hudson of his Constitutional Rights which Hudson waived and acknowledged he was using the hotline because he needed someone to talk to." (Excuse me….i-800-273-TALK) I had been transported the next morning time to Harris County Jail and charged with Telephone Harassment. A twenty-four hour period afterwards the estimate was disturbed (he was a veteran also) and dismissed the charge.
While in jail my auto had been towed. The towed truck commuter had stowed my briefcase which had allot of personal important papers. He took my checks and had forged my name and cashes a check while I was in jail. The towing company had me to sign a release of liability which at the time I had no chose because I had no money and needed my car out of empound.
I had decided that instead of assuasive an attorney to file litigation I wanted to endeavor to resolve the issue within side the local hospital. I needed to practise that for closure and to move on and focus on my serious medical status. When I bring this issue upward similar in mental wellness I am immediately shut down. I had try to asking a meeting inside the Managing director's part, Consumer Affairs and even with Dr. Marsh. The outcome still haunts me today and the Lt Arevalo continues to harass me.
The purpose of telling this story within this forum is to bring attention to all veterans that calling the Hotline has risks. Do y'all know what it was similar to slumber in a jail tank under the influence of 25 sleeping pills and getting kicked when you lot don't hear someone calling you? Do you lot know what it was similar when sitting in a likely cause hearing the inmate next to yous had been charged with aggravated sexual assail of a small-scale? And so, the police force report concerning me is read and everyone hears that I am in jail because I was calling a suicide hotline operated by the VA and talking about committing suicide? One big express mirth in disbelief!
To this twenty-four hours no one in the VA cares enough to give me a apparent hearing with the hopes of giving me closure. Instead, I get a stone wall. I also do not need a discussion with a police officer from the Houston VA alone. That is similar the fox guarding the hen house. Due to my background, the Houston VA Police force debating police with me is like a dog catcher telling a General how to fight a war.
Due to my disease I accept to become to chemotherapy and have many other appointments and other procedures and exam that I need. Many of my medical supplies are due to run out of refills. I do not have the take chances now to become back and do all of this because of what has recently has happen I just tin't continue to become back to this VA. I had mentioned to a VA staff fellow member that all of the bug have effectively concluded my life.
I have recently had learned in 1 solar day that one of the tumors in my liver has double in size inside 3 months and that my PSA level (prostate) is almost double the normal limit. Due to the tumor problem surgery is not an option anymore and therefore chemoembolization is planned. I am going to attempt and get to an urologist appointment tomorrow simply to run across most my prostate which I am extremely scared almost considering my family history. After that, notwithstanding an intervention of aid from the VA from the national level, I have no promise. My plans now are private but information technology does not include the VA in Houston. Information technology also does non include calling the hotline always over again with hopes of receiving assistance later being arrested in a VA emergency room waiting room.
Simply one last question and point: can y'all imagine that afterward the VA puts enormous information out in the public domain that there is aid and then you come out of a county jail later on calling the hotline? I had lost my wife to cancer then I took care of my dearest mother and so she died from Alzheimer'southward. Afterward all of that then walking out of jail I felt like my country had abandon me and that my heart had been ripped out.
At present, I have to deal with my serious medical condition and the fact that in that location seems to exist no hope of anyone within the VA of helping me to motion forward. Also, I now accept to worry that I will be arrested over again for harassment for simply posting my story on this forum.
In endmost, I Practice Not assault an entire institution due to the actions of a few. I had served in the Ground forces National Guard and in the Air Force active service during the Vietnam Era. I love my country and I beloved and support the men and woman in compatible and the ones who became Veterans. I only wish that the politicians and the VA would do the same and stop giving lip service when a veteran hurts such as I exercise because of this situation. Time is brusk and I invite any ideas of hope that you may accept. {Dr. Marsh 713-791-1414 ext 6882}
as a VN Vet and someone who suffers severly from PTSD and depression, I have yet to see help from my area ,New Orleans, VA aid.the counselors don't have aclue and only want to push meds.when told they can't do much for a VN vet, simply maybe can learn from us to help electric current Vets from todazys actions, it's disturbing.there should be a better fashion to assist us in need
My hubby is a Viet Nam gainsay veteran. My son served two tours in Iraq. Both suffer from PTSD, but all the VA doctors seem to want to do is medicate them. Half an hr of "counseling" one time a month or as in my husband's instance, in one case every 2 or 3 months is not enough, and the medication seriously does non help. With all the studies for PTSD done in the past 30 or so years, 1 would think there is a better answer than just medicating them into a stupor.
I am a Vietnam vet and I've lived with PTSD for the past 40 years. Simply
recently I institute out almost the VA's program and since and so I've been seeing a
psychiatrist and attending group meetings in the Charlotte, NC clinic. I
would similar to publicly limited my heartfelt appreciation for the help and
back up I've gotten from Drs Aflatooni, Thigpen and Gonzalez.
I am not certain there is a cure for moral injury of the soul. You learn to live with your thoughts, only sometimes hell doesn't seem that far away.
I don't recall there are cures either, just in that location are certainly treatments that help manage those issues.
Howdy, Alex. The counseling services are not often enough or of good quality, only there are ever pills a plenty. Later tiring of being a test case for pharmacuticals, and new counselors everytime a new counseling session is scheduled leaving the frustration palletable. Rapport and trust with a counselor is never established. A typical counseling session involves the advisor looking at a reckoner screen and marking of their checklist. Nosotros don't leave our soldiers on the battlefield anymore, just bring soldiers home for abandonment.
PTSD is real. I am being evaluated for it, although it has taken over a year and 3 attempted suicides to get the VA'due south attention for it. It has now been 1 calendar month since they started the "evaluation". I didn't serve in gainsay, but had enough trauma of my own while in the service. The VA wants to aid, but they can't seem to become going to do it, or keep with it. They go on taking away things that piece of work (like my meds for panic) and won't pay attending to areas that cause astringent physical pain. I can't complain also much tho, at least I tin go to them, every bit I have no insurance.
Cheryl, deplorable to hear about your inconsistent treatment. The large amount of women Veterans has acquired a lot of people within VA to reevaluate their unique needs. It's taking time but I recollect we're making strides. I'll pass along your comment. Cheers for your service.
My Dad was 17 when he enrolled in the Army. He did two tours in Vietnam and suffered ever since and then from PTSD and alcoholism. Jan third of this year, My dad took his own life. Nosotros, as his family knew he was suffering from PTSD and knew he needed assistance. We thought he was getting the help he needed through the VA, simply apprently it was non enough. It was at the time, that nosotros got every medical record of his that nosotros found out how bad he was really, really, suffering. I miss my Dad more than than words tin say and I know how serious PTSD is. A lot of people out at that place don't know how serious this is. So if you think even for a second that someone you know is suffering from this….BE THERE FOR THEM, Back up THEM AND LET THEM KNOW THAT Assistance IS OUT THERE. This post is not bad and I hope that one day PTSD Awareness is taken more seriously.
Thank you for sharing Laura, and I'yard deplorable VA services weren't enough to salve him. Oft times information technology's merely part of the solution. Veterans from past wars, especially from Vietnam, are the all-time role models and advocates for the current crop of Veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's always a shame to hear when they take their own life. Thank you for his service.
my dad (Marines served Vietnam era) has PTSD and is 100% service connected disabled. This is SUCH a meaningful mail and I give thanks yous!!
You lot're welcome Cara, thank your father for his service for us. My uncle was a Marine in Vietnam also.
Information technology would be nice if the VA understood 'Continuity of Intendance'. After working with a Psychiatrist for more than a year, he left the VA for individual practice in the same area. This left one Psych overloaded. I asked for out sourced care with my sometime Psych…..denied. Instead I got to meet a 'new guy' and kickoff over. I dont experience this is correct. I dont want to spend time establishing a whole new re pore with someone else. I feel I was making progress…..now to Get-go over. WTF!!!
Dean, y'all enhance an excellent point. I'll forward your annotate onto the Wellness Administration so they can get information technology to the correct person. Thank you.
Yoo bad they accept to boxing an ungrateful government for what was promised them. Instead seems the regime tin can observe the funding information technology needs for the illegal aliens stealing beyond our borders.