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No Obama is not doing a good Job look at his approval rating.He is all speeches with no substance.Now what do you have against teenage girls ?Sounds a little sexiest to me.
BHO has said a lot of things he will do but has done nothing but passed a boondoggle meant to take care of healthcare and "stimulated" the economy into the worst drop since JEC. The only thing BHO is good at is campaigning, which he has been doing since first coming on the scene. Of course, he has also failed miserably at this in VA, NJ, and MA. How many of his promises has he successfully kept? How are jobs? How is immigration? How is the economy?
bboomer: Maybe if the entrenched powers that be would stop being afraid of change and actually support the President, then something positive might actually happen.
easy Joe: that kind of talk could get you charged with treason.LMAO
Back to the article at hand. As my screen name implies I served in Afghanistan(also in Iraq and an undisclosed theatre). I was Dishonorably discharged in 2004 for missing early morning formations, and getting into fistfighs with several people. In 2006 I was diagnosed with PTSD, agoraphobia and panic disorder, attributted to my service in Afghanistan. Armed with this diagnosis, I filed for review of my discharge with the Dept. of Defense. after a year long investigation the DOD reclassified my characterization of service to Honorable, and restored me to full benefits. The DOD even issued me a letter of apology for the way i was treated by my Command. If I had been in treatment i would not have been discharged as I was, and if I was unable to recover I should have been Medically Retired. When I applied for VA disability, my PTSD was found to be NOT service connected because i did not know the name of a soldier that I watched blown from the top hatch of a humvee by an IED. he was not in my unit and I had never met him in person, I just helped stuff his pieces into a bag to be shipped home. I will now reapply and hope for the best. If Obama does nothing else in his tenure, i will always applaud him for this victory alone.
Although I am usually the first to jump on a political discussion, this article is not the place for it. Please save your rhetoric for another article.
Thanks.
Thanks for your service!
Best of luck, War Vet... I hope that you can finally get the help that is yours by right- you deserve the best this country can offer
Bama:
Take a look at repubs' approval rating. It's a full 10 points BELOW that of dems. Just goes to show that voters are just generally unhappy right now, so ALL approval ratings are down. Those on the right that want to claim a "majority" are deluding themselves. Discontent amongst the voters does not mean they've all gone completely crazy.
Thank you for your service. I work with lots of vets and many have had problems with getting help with their PTSD and I am proud our President has stepped in to help our troops. As to the misinformed person above the Great Recession started in 07 and hit in 08 before the new President was elected or did you forget-Also for those 8 yrs middle income people have lost money. This country will fall apart if middle class are marginalized. We are investing heavily in clean energy and good jobs. We had to fix health care and
Bama-836911 -
given the state of our country when obama took office, he is obviously doing a resonable job or better.
you are unreasonable and it's amazing what he has done given the level of obstruction from people like you.
facts are facts no matter how many times you click you heels.
1, 2 deleted, pre-emptive strike from Scott-1352085, derail from denissr-1.
Yet, those same polls you are chanting about also show a number you seem to have left out. A slight majority now says that they would rather see Republicans in control of Congress. Obamafailure has reached a new low at 60% disapproval rating, how long has he been President again? Hell at this rate by the end of four years anything higher than 20% approval will be a lofty goal. Of course Liberals will have a few more excuses for him of course. Instead of saying he was laughed out of the White House, they will say the people were laughing with him.
It will be interesting to see how soon the directives and new procedures filter down to the County and State Veteran Service Officers that provide the bulk of clams development for the VA and our veterans.
With the increased number of tours our brave men and women are having to endure in combat zones, obviously is providing the justification to lower the requirements behind providing stressor letters and such, rightfully so, especially with combat veterans.
Increased cases with suicidial tendencies, self mutiliations, anger issues, paranoia, etc.. are evident after two or three tours in a combat zone. Hopefully the VA will step up examinations/audits to weed out deception with the new directives.
from vietnam alone of the 56000+ that never returned more than double have comitted suicide and we had to lissen to the chickenhawks tell us we were just tryn to work the system
our genetic damage from the free agent orange showers to the du munitions used now the vets always have to hear how they are tryn to work the system
I'm sorry that you're suffering from the Vietnam war. My nephew-in-law only got a diagnosis in 2001.
I am also sorry and know you are telling the truth. Those who have never experienced trauma don't have a clue-hang in there.
I'm so tired of hearing the 'milking the system' argument from people. By the time someone gets compensation for a disability from the VA they have usually been dealing with their problems for at the VERY LEAST a year. They've seen a battery of doctors besides their primary physician and in many cases have been through a medical board from their particular service plus the doctors that treated him/her there. The system is set up well and very few frauds collect disability payments. Any veteran who collects a disability check fraudulently will soon find themselves shunned by other Veterans and Veterans organizations- not to mention being reported for their fraud. I've seen it happen. The system isn't perfect but it is pretty damned good overall.
I'm glad they are loosening up on the PTSD requirements and expanding the program. In the military you don't need to be in combat to get PTSD, or even be involved in a war. Any job where you deal with death, from combat soldier to medical staff to graves registration to military honor guards can get PTSD. War and death is a miserable business from being in combat to the blowing of Taps. Then there are also the servicemembers who are victims of assault or rape. I'm sure I have missed mentioning a couple of others also.
How do I know all of this? Part of my disability compensation is for non-combat PTSD. The whole time I regarded myself as being helped for depression my doctors and counselors were writing PTSD as my diagnosis in my records. In my mind PTSD was for combat soldiers or people involved in a violent incident of some sort. I finally started being able to straighten my life out a bit when I read up on PTSD and saw that the diagnosis given to me was correct. Once I started treating my problem as PTSD instead of only depression I started having more success getting myself back into order. The years long repetition of the PTSD diagnosis in my records made it easier for me to get my compensation claim approved by the VA. I was very unsure of whether I actually SHOULD apply for the compensation so I talked with a few combat vets about it to get their opinion. To a man they all said yes. In fact they said it was my duty to do so in one sense because I had such a strong case, not likely to be disapproved. If my case for non-combat PTSD was approved it would help to set a precedent and open the way for other soldiers in the same position in the future. I hope that this is finally coming about.
I consider myself to be very lucky. I know the years and decades of misery that many veterans have gone through/are going through because of their inability to get a PTSD diagnosis or just being ignored by a system that doesn't wish to admit the problem or carry the burden of it's cost. To have soldiers come back from serving the Nation overseas and end up in the situation that Richard Hill found himself in is absolutely unforgiveable in a country of our abilities. Such a huge portion of his life was wasted merely trying to exist and get treated reasonably for what they suffered at the request of the country. Absolutely shameful. Supporting our troops means more than getting them beans and bullets for the fight. It also means taking care of the wounded, injured, and sick- and their families and survivors. It includes the same treatment for people who serve during 'peacetime'. All of this support depends on the citizens of this Nation speaking up for their friends and family members who do serve. Lets not have another situation in the VA like they had after the Vietnam War. Servicemembers deserve the best we have to offer since we would not have it in the first place if it wasn't for their dedication to (y)our safety and their willingness to put their lives and well-being on THE line.
Richard Hill, Thank You for your sacrifice and what you continue to sacrifice because you gave faithfull service for us all. I'm sorry we allowed you to be treated in that manner and I hope that your life is much better these days. I'll do my part to make sure it never happens to another Veteran, and I hope the rest of our fellow citizens will do the same. Peace to all !
I.m a Viet Nam vet. I was discharged in 1968, up till almost 1974 I was homeless.
I lived on the streets, in the old town of Chicago, in the back alleys of Hollywood and the california mountains of Big Sur. I hitch-hiked from New York to Cal. twice. I've eaten from dumpsters in the back of restaurants and been robbed of my belongings at a shelter in the tenderloin of San Francisco.
My life at the time was rulled and ruined by PTSD. I had flashbacks that put me right back in country
during a fire fight, I have nightmares that wake me up screaming I still jump a sharp sounds, and never sit with my back to a door.
I know it sounds like I'm whining but that was all I knew.
I joined the army to get away from an abusive father and had no knowledge of the real world, much less some place called Viet Nam. One day in country I was shot through my thigh by an old man chained up in a tree with instructions to shoot Americans, he had no choice. Our guys in harms way do have a choice, they are fighting an un-popular war just like we did. It took me almost 15 years of constant assault on the V.A. But I finally got benifits for ptsd and the gunshot.
We need to make it as easy as possible for our boys to get all the help they need.
We can not and must not make them wait "15 years".
although a long time coming, thank you for your sacrifice to this country Mr. Hill. People like you are what made and still make this country today.
Richard, I concur! The VA now has a goal of 125 days, from the receipt of the original claim, to the date of their Decision Letter. By their implementing Fully Developed Claim (FDC) checklist, we're actually seeing some great progress in this area.
With the automated process, it will only be as good as the software behind it. My reservations, happen to be on what I learned from a VA employee years ago, sometimes you just have to be a little creative. Another words, develop the claim based upon the "weight of the evidence". Two positive medical opinions minus the one negative medical opinion provided by the VAMC C&P examiner equals one positive medical opinion which results in the benefit of the veteran.
If the software released is for presumptive cases, then of course this will speed up the process for our veterans. But admittedly a lot more has to be done to preclude cases like yours from ever occuring across this nation. Thank you for your service, and welcome home.
Richard,
Thank you so much for your service. I am so sorry for all of the pain and anguish you have suffered because of it. Having lived with PTSD all of my life just produced from a different kind of trauma, I know the pain and anguish it causes. I know the crippling effect it can have on the ability to function. I know the damage that flows from it in every aspect of your life.
In my mind our system of value is extremely skewed. Actors that pretend to be heroes in wars get millions and millions of dollars. Our soldiers that actually risked their life and gave of not only the moment but of their future because they carry the damage caused as they served get paid diddly squat. A returning soldier should never have to worry about getting a job, getting health care, getting assistance. We should be treating each and every one as a hero. We don't risk our very lives for our jobs. Soldiers do. They risk the most precious gift anyone has: their life. It is time we paid them well and took the utmost care of them when they return from service to their country. Obama is as usual breaking the mold and doing for the American people what has needed to be done.
Richard:
All I can say is welcome home Brother. I only hope your life now is far better than it was.
I've been in almost every "publicized," combat situation since Vietnam, (Retired 1SG, US Army Rangers, 34+ years), and believe me, Vietnam Veterans had the same, if not, worst problems. This goes further back than any one/two/three, four, etc, administrations, all of the past administrations had opportunities to uphold their sworn duties to Veterans, especially those returning from combat in pitiful shape. But, a good move forward by President Obama.
May ALL our Veterans have peace, where they lay, or where they stand, they deserve it!
WE MUST acknowledge that THIS PRESIDENT is at least TRYING to help Veterans, so is his wife, who has made support to military families her mission. Even if you don't like our President, he IS trying to help those who serve us. The point of this article the recognition of PTSD is LONG PAST DUE. These men and women SUFFERED for us. They need our help. DON'T dish our President for trying to help Veterans....
Doobie-1458862- nice.
I returned to America 25 March 1970 after fourteen months in the republic of Viet Nam, Quang Tri Province. I found jobs and wasn't aware anything was wrong with me. Over the years things got progressively worse. Dreams, nightmares and severe depression. I went to a civilian physician and was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and advised to report to VA. I did, and under went a battery of psychological and mental tests. The conclusion: PTSD and severe depression. VA referred me to a service officer, one who files claims on the behalf of the Veteran. They all failed. Though constanly in the field I was not classified as a combat veteran. If you are in a war, there is no such thing as a noncombatant. I've in the VA system since 1982 and since, have been incarcerated (commited) for close to two years on and off. PTSD and severe depression are known killers of Veterans and the present VA system condones those killings. Hopefully this will change. Thankyou Mr. President!
Over the years the stigma within the VA was to view several veterans of the Vietnam era as noncombatants. Even those performing convoy duties daily between military installations that were ambushed by the Viet Cong on a regular basis. No combat infantry badges, no combat action ribbons, and overall no recognition provided by the DOD. In those cases I've successfully developed those claims based upon "more likely than not as a result of events (reflecting traumatic events that you've experienced) that transpired in the military" as medical opinions by the professionals that deal with mental health issues. Someone with PHD behind their name works wonders.
Just like any other profession, there are good and bad VSOs, hopefully the change in regulations will work to your benefit.
Thank you Sir...
Prior to reading this article I was beginning to eliminate VA from my life. I grew tired of people with Phd behind their names telling me to get over it, "You're home now". Or telling me here, take these twenty one pills a day and everything will be just fine. Things were not fine! But your comment coupled with the news of this article has sparked new interest.
Bob
Thank you too for your service to our country. I think that PTSD and the reality of its damage and effects has taken too long to be finally delineated and recognized. Someone does not "just get over it" or my favorite "it happened so long ago- why are you still hanging on to it". There is no hanging on to it. It hangs on to you.
There are always people that 'work' the system. However, there are way more people who are in vital and desperate need. The true reality is that it would probably be less costly to just flat out help then to go through all the paperwork, manpower, and expense to decide if someone needs help. If a person is starving- they don't have time for 3 weeks of paperwork, appointments, etc to document that yes they are starving. The need is vital and current. It is this day and now. If a Vet is starving, homeless, unable to hold a job, unable to get a job, unable to pay the rent, the need is NOW.
However, it is true also that we the people decide the need for regulation/paperwork. When there is honor in people's behavior, there is no need to document everything. When people lie and manipulate, the need to document so that help goes to those truly in need becomes imperative.
Edball:
I would love to know how you do it. after 8 years as a machine gunner and anti-armor gunner, my hearing is almost gone and my ears ring constantly. the audiologists say it is "as likely as not caused by hazardous noise exposure in service." the VA says there is no record of me being exposed to "hazardous" noise. the funny part is when I requested my medical records from the VA, I found 7 different pages Stamped in big red letters with either "routine exposure to hazardous noise" or "constant exposure to hazardous noise."
Go figure.
I guess i am doing better than some. after two surgeries (both while still in service) to repair my right shoulder failed, i managed to squeeze 30% disabled out of the VA after a 4 year fight.
And Bob,
Welcome home, brother.
Obama is full of it..He has not respect for the military or fallen vets. He was one of the first Presidents not to lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soilder this last Memorial Day. I'm sorry this man could care less for our fallen and our vets. Lies, lies and more lies. My goodness the country will be a better place when this man serves his term and lets someone who knows what the heck they are doing take over. I support our vets and have the utmost respect for all our men and women who have served our country. As a single American if there was something I could do to assist...I'm there.
Shelly, you couldn't be more wrong.
The Obama administration requested an additional $25 billion for the VA budget. In addition, he is making numerous changes for the V.A. revamping their old, antiquated procedures to do far more for veterans.
Although she isn't President, Mrs. Obama made taking care of military families her number one priority.
I agree that Obama has does nothing to help our Vets out. We have vets from World war II. Korea, Viet Nam, who are still awaiting help. he may say he wants something done but ubtil it happens I do not beleive one thing this man says or does. I support our troops overseas, sending sending packages and go to the VA hopsital. The American flag in prouldy displayed and a yellow ribbon is on the tree. This is not right that they protect our country and get nothing in return.
pat-1126979, obviously you don't have the facts. Do some research and find out exactly how much the President has helped Vets and you might change your mind.
He doesnt visit VA hospitals or go to the war front like Bush did either.He is just an empty suit. He despises the military but wants their votes.
Shelly, Please don't help! With your frame of mind you can't help but promote more hate in America. You don't how to respect the office of the president of your country. I think you don't know how to help because your heart is so full with hate for this Democratic, Blackman. And it wouldn't matter what he does you will still hate him. I think you don't understand that you are talking to veterans who have fault in wars to end all wars, hate, racist, bigots, discrimination-Etc,etc.etc. I hope you understnad that these same veterans are Republican, Democrats , independents and just plain Americans who will support the office of the President of the united states against all enemys foreign and dosmestic so help me god. And thank god for those proud people who keeps this country free from the haters in this world because they would start wars in this country like the one and only (civil-war)that happen here in this country that had brother fighting brothers and son fighting their fathers. I am an independent but I will support and respect the commanding chief who ever he or she is (AND NO MATTER WHAT IS COLOR OR RACE. The south has already risen but a lot of people are still at the botto)m trying to take it back down. I am sorry that you don't love this country good are bad and the dully elected official. Obama v.s Biden, Bush vis Cheney, Clinton v.s Gore, Mc cain vis Sara Palin ? I don't see alot of difference. It's politics and you need to learn how to live with it and use it to help not hurt. "I love this country and the people who allow you and me the freedom to say what we want and live in peace without fear of the loss of life are limb. After 30 years of service I guess I am still proud to be an american and will always respect who ever gets to that thinkless office of the president of the U.S.A. And maybe one day when you are a little older and if all your hate doesn't kill you you might see and respect your luck to be an american too.
Shelly, I wondered where the haters were.
By the way, you always capitalize American. I would think that a true patriot like you would know that.
Shelly:
Only one question since is bothering you so much in your hate.
Are the fallen heroes entombed in another cemeteries around the country "lesser" heroes?
What's the difference of being lay to rest at Arlington or at another military cemetery?It wasn't honorable those deaths?
So, if any of the answers (after thinking about it) is NO, please stop the ranting about the POTUS not laying the wreath at Arlington.
All our fallen needs to be honored, NO MATTER WHERE THEY ARE.....
BTW THANK YOU to all you that have been called to service and served. No matter what conflict. To all of you that served in Vietnam, Sorry for all the miseries that you have to go through. To the new ones I hope that we don't make the same mistakes again.
Thank you for your service!
shelly-868317 Some of you people are absolutely pathetic, President Obama, "one of the first?"
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/memorialday.asp
Shelly, ther has been only one U.S. president in recent history to have visited Arlington every year of his presidency and he did't even serve in the military. That was Bill Clinton.
Others have already pointed out your ignorance in thinking that only the troops in Arlington deserve respect. I thought it was great to have the president and vice president both laying a wreath at seperate national cemetaries on Memorial day.
Shelly, Maybe you missed the fact that America has quite a few war cemetaries and that President Obama attended another ceremony in a graveyard of fallen soldiers. They should also be remembered and revered. We could do better by remembering them all.
Shelly please research your "facts" before posting-it just makes you look really stupid.
You are just wrong on this one. He has done more for the mmilitary than any recent President of either party.
Reagan gave us more room to play. Bush(1) knew that overwhelming numbers and superior technology were the keys to victory. Clinton took away the overwhelming numbers and Bush refused to build back up the manpower. So far Obama hasn't changed any of that.
Many of you are hung up on symbolism...photo ops...placing a wreath...that is fine I guess from an emotional perspective but what really matters is are the FIGHTING men/women adequately taken care of financially and their physical injuries addressed with the best. I still think this PTSD is being milked by many Psychiatrists ans Psychologists and many of the military people were screwed up before they went into the Military. A way to get money from the government. Joined the military with anger issues and antisocial issues prior to serving. Still if those of you claiming to be helped psychologically are really what you say and not the mental health community lobbying under another name maybe a few people are helped by the shrinks but I still get a lot of input that many many are trying to milk the system and since you can't SEE the damage the Mental Health community is making it politically correct to spend fortunes here when many physical injuries are not fairly treated because of lack of funds!!!
The hard, cold truth of the matter is that whenever Obama says "he's gonna' do something", guess what? You're right! Two things: 1) nothing will happen, or 2) it'll get worse.
I'm not holding my breath. And neither should you. You'll be in for a terribly rude awakening.
The Obama administration requested an additional $25 billion for the VA budget. In addition, he is making numerous changes for the V.A. revamping their old, antiquated procedures to do far more for veterans.
Although she isn't President, Mrs. Obama made taking care of military families her number one priority.
Oh really? I havent heard anything or read anything about her helping military families. If it was her #1 priority, then why hasnt it been on the news? Also, I heard on the news a while back that he wanted to cut military pay and do away with free medical care for them. That is caring for the military?
guenavere, you heard ..... That's because you don't read and do any research. You are obviously consumed by hate for the President. Do you believe everything you hear? None of what you said above is true.
However, if I'm wrong and you actually want the facts, check out these links.
Visit this OMB website for all of the veterans benefit changes from the Obama Administration.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2011/assets/veterans.pdf
Visit the Dept. of Veterans Affairs website for the Obama budget proposal:
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1656
The President’s budget proposal would increase VA’s budget from $98 billion this fiscal year to $113 billion for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2010. This is in addition to the $1.4 billion provided for VA projects in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The 2010 budget represents the first step toward increasing funding for VA efforts by $25 billion over baseline during the next five years.
guenavere I'm sure you don't want and/or you will ignore the truth, but since you asked, check out this link.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/03/12/michelle_obama_shines_her_spot.html
Oh really? wWell instead of throwing parties, goung around the states making political speeches, etc. he needs to spend more time visiting these guys. But then hw would be using it for a photo op. He never salutes the flag when others do. There are pictures of this. So why doesnt the commander in chief salute the flag of the country that the vets have served and others have died for?
guenavere, thanks for PROVING YOU DON'T WANT THE TRUTH!
You just want to spew hate towards the President while making up your view of reality. It's amazing how people consumed by hate will accept every lie they hear if it conforms with their biased view of the world but will close the door to the TRUTH.
Keep on hating while other open minded people appreciate what the President and Mrs. Obama are doing for our Veterans.
These posts just prove some people are against anything the president does, even if they are for it. Its blind hate. This talk about laying wreaths and visiting fronts. When he does you all say he has no place near a cemetary or on the front and you scream photo OP!!!!. Money talks and he's for more money to help the honorable people who served. SHUT YOUR PIE HOLES HATERS!!!!
It is improper to salute the flag when not in military uniform. If you are not in military uniform, you remove any headgear and place your right hand over your heart with the headgear towards your left sholder.
President Obama is doing it the right way.
actually mike you are close, it is improper to salute the flag unless on active duty, regardless of uniform.When a service member is in civilian clothes he must still salute. I believe, although I am not certain, that this rule has recently been extended to Veterans as well, which is fine by me. I have always(since enlisting) saluted, and I will till the day I die. and the law can kiss my pasty white .... well you know what, if the law dont like it lol.
Oh and guenevere read the US Flag Code. Civilians "salute" by removing head gear and placing your right hand over your heart as mike said. so when you see the president doing that, it is a proper civilian salute. the salute you see service members perfoming is SOLELY for service members ( and vets in my opinion)
Correct. I should have been clearer.
guenavere-your ignorance is showing....
Sorry Afghan Vet but I don't give a damn about codes or laws to salute my flag.
I will honor my flag, uniform or not, active duty or not, because that is what it came out of my heart, not any "rule" or "law", and if I have to pay for that SO BE IT.
Thank you for your service!
yea thats pretty much what I said too Martin.
RTBTAT: Well, sir, can you explain WHY the VA was not allowed to increase COLA for 2010, at the "Presidents" request? So much for helping, we live, generally, below poverty, and HE, the Chosen One, decides we can get along on less? Great message for those on disability, and fighting for their benefits now.
Richard K. Hill 11B10, WELCOME HOME brother, my time was from '70-'71, nearly died a couple times, did full tour, and the VA FINALLY conceded that, in fact my NECK and BACK were broken in May 1970, but, wasn't discovered until 2000, when a begged for MRI showed the damage any X-ray couldn't. I lived and worked with that pain for all that time, now, the damage can't be repaired. Sad, Bro, thanks for your service, and again, welcome home!!!!!
Obama does not care anything about the man and woman in uniform. It is just a bunch of speeches and promises to get their vote. if he cared so much for them why hasnt he made more than one trip to the front line. Why hasnt he visited him in the VA hospitals? In both instances he sent Viden. Viden is not their cCommander in Chief. Another question/\. Why did he use the memorial service in Fort Hood as a photo op? Also, why are the military hospitals in such disrepair? One Va hospital may have exposed hundreds of soldiers to HIV because od diery dental instruments.
guenavere, please read my comments in the post above your comments. President Obama is doing more for Vets than any other President in recent memory.
Because he has enough sense not to go there.
Why didn't you?
The point of all this was to get Bin Laden. Given the environment, any fool would have realized an undercover special team or a surprise bomber attack was the way to go. In all cases of necessary war, that is the way to go. Troops on the ground is an old-fashioned and stupid way to conduct war. It's never about winning, it's about posturing of the guys at the top.
It's simple: don't do it. Laugh at the fools who sit in safety and mouth off about bravery and patriotism and all that other stupid empty crap. Choose human decency instead, because remember, you're not killing Bin Laden, nor even one of the people who flew planes into our buildings. You're killing people who are fighting for the same reason you are -- they've been told a load of crap -- and also killing their grandmothers, wives, and babies.
What is brave and patriotic about that?
As for those who go into the military for a meal-ticket, oops. The price of your Big Mac was kinda high, wasn't it?
Threepence. What planet are you from? I am a 65 year old grandmother. I dont think they could use my services. However, my nephew died over there and I dont appreciate you insenuate that he willfully killed innocent people. These people were killed because the terrorists used them as shields. Our soldiers dont go around willfully blowing up vehicles, cutting off peoples heads, setting off bombs killing their own people. If you love the terrorists then why dont you leave the US and go over and live there. The comments you have made are a slap in the face to those who have died including my nephew and also to the ones still fighting.
Who should take responsibility for the McChrystal failure? How about the guy at the top. obama ingnored his responsibility for far too long (this is well documented) leaving our troops in harms way without direction and/or support. The first thing to go is moral. It was obvious in the interview from Rolling Stones that McChrystal expressed extreme moral problems. The responsibility rests on the man at the top. obama should be embarrassed with yet another failure due to his poor leadership.
guenavere --
Listen up, granny. I don't go over there because I am an American, born and raised here by parents who were born and raised here for numerous generations back. So shut your mouth about telling me to leave. YOU leave.
I'm sorry your nephew died and I'm sorry he died for nothing but a load of nonsense. Too bad you, in your advanced years of wisdom, didn't sit the kid down and tell him the facts of life. That would include what is, and is NOT, worth dying and killing for.
And a large percentage of the people we kill and have killed throughout our warmongering history are innocent of anything except fighting for their country -- just like us. Don't give me this lame crap that our soldiers don't deliberately kill civilians. First of all, they've been caught doing EXACTLY that with monotonous regularity. Second of all, if you are so incredibly stupid that you don't know for an absolute FACT that innocent civilians are going to die in a war you are participating in, you are too retarded for service.
You're not that much older than me, granny. Difference is, I'm not nearly as brainwashed and I'm not scared to call a spade a spade. Furthermore, I care about our young people -- including your dead nephew -- more than you do.
Call it insensitive if you like. I wonder what he'd say, if he was alive to say it.
War is stupid. It's no longer necessary since any country can be cut off economically until they are no threat to anyone. It's all about egomaniacs like George Bush, may he burn in hell. So I'm an insensitive jerk because I don't want even one of our children or one of their children to die for a jerk-off like Bush who wants to strut around in front of daddy.
Tough.
He didn't get to grow up, guenavere, did he? He didn't get to teach his son how to catch. He didn't get to grow old with his wife, sharing memories. You got to grow old, didn't you? Now you want to mouth off about how YOU feel regarding my words.
It's not about YOU guenavere. It's about your dead nephew. But I wouldn't expect YOU to understand that.
It's about these young people who are never going to be the same.
If someone invades my country, I will proudly fight to the death. If a military squad is sent in to assassinate someone like Bin Laden, I will support them in any way I can. But no, I'm not proud of our soldiers. Would you be proud of a kid who did something incredibly stupid that put his life in danger because he listened to a load of crap? Well yes, you would. I care deeply about them, but I'm not "proud" of them because I'm not a warmonger.
Isn't it time, before you die of old age, to realize the price your nephew paid? You got to live out a full life, while he was cut down for NOTHING. And you're proud of that?
I think that is incredibly self-serving.
guenevere
None of your comments are based on the truth and reality. Instead of supporting our Vets and welcoming/acknowledging the changes the Obama administration has and is enacting to truly help them, you try to deride Obama. I admire Obama's patience. He has to deal with people trying to bite his hand while he reaches out to help them. They try to bite because they have been told lies, and provoked to bring in fear and hate. It is the people that are doing the lying, fear mongering, deceiving, and hate fanning that are the criminals: which right now seems to be the GOP in a nutshell. Kudos to Obama for moving forward to help our Vets. As in everything, it is we the people that have to also reach out to help in any way that we can. A President can only do so much and we have to support and help as much as possible.
As I said above, Bush did not do one thing for my SIL except give him a gun and a free ride to Iraq.
landspirit....most of the blind-rush-followers' comments are not based on truth and reality. They wouldn't know a fact if it smacked them upside the head...come to think of it-a good head-smacking might do them some good :-)
Why is it the same people who holler "it's just a photo op" about everything Obama does are the same ones who seem to think the visits to VA centers, etc., are more important than actually providing some resources for the vets? Can you say "hypocrisy"? BTW:
Veterans Day: Michelle Obama launches community network for vets ...
Veterans For America » Veterans for America Salutes First Lady ...
Michelle Obama Raising Profile on Military Family Issues
Defense.gov News Article: Obama Visits Troops at New Fisher House
> Photos: Despite storm Fay, Obama visits veterans – Central ...
President Obama Visits Buchenwald ...
OBAMA VISITS ARIZONA VETERANS OF FORIEGN WARS ...
Obama visits troops at Naval Hospital : Veterans Today
Tom Matzzie: Obama's Visit to Section 60 Reminds America of War ...
It took me about two minutes to find ALL of these, so anyone interested in the truth (unlike guenavere et alinstead of just slinging spurious accusations can find it.
Obama is reaching out to as many groups as possible to try to secure votes for his re- election in 2012, which he knows is in severe jeopardy. These are just words and rhetoric to pander to the military veterans in attempt to get their votes, he has never shown any real deep respect for our military.
marmee, Mi, you are dead wrong. He's done more for Vets than any other President in recent memory. Do some research on how the President is funding and changing the VA for the better. If you're open minded and can accept facts, you will change your mind.
What isn't obama funding?
By the time he gets around to doing anything he will already be out office. You Obama worshipers are so dumb. You are too blind to see what this man is doing to our country. One day maybe you will open up uour eyes.
Dennis-1940841, are you opposed to the President increasing the VA budget by $25 billion over the next 5 years?
Is your hate for the President more important to you than taking care of our Vets?
I'm opposed to the VA in general. Use the twenty-five billion(and the billions from the stimulus they haven't spent) to buy every veteran the best private care this country can provide.
Dennis,
Obama is not sending or funding enough troops to protect our southern border.Instead he is using our tax dollars on lawyers to sue one of own states for trying to protect our country from illegal invaders. He is not funding NASA, and what money NASA does receive, is to be spent on reaching out to the Muslin world to make them feel good about their math and science accomplishments.
Being a veteran, I am not opposed to taking care of our own. I am opposed to obama's answer to everything: just throw money at it. And yes, I hate your (he's not my president) president that much. He is a disgrace to our country.
Dennis-1940841, at least we know where you're coming from, a man consumed by HATE.
People who are obsessed with hate are incapable of recognizing and accepting the truth. They only see what they want to see.
RTBTAT,
It's not that I am consumed by hate so much as it is that I am informed. I love my country and I understand how Socialism is promoted and developed. Your president is a socialist. It is well documented. His agenda promotes socialism that can be witnessed with every step that he takes. The truly scary thing is how many complacent and ignorant people are following this Pied Piper.
Dennis, at least I give you credit for acknowledging your hate. Unfortunately, your comment about the President being a Socialist iswrong. By the way, don't you realize America's been a Socialist Country for decades [long before President Obama]? Socialism actually does a lot of good, especially for our seniors. Check out the list below and see where you fit in.
Here are some examples of how American Govt. programs support citizens, thereby making us a Socialist Country.
RTBTAT
....and let's not forget the tithing on Sundays in Churches across America.
Especially the ones who actually use they money to help disadvantage people.
Heaven forbid their SOCIALISM, I guess all those folks are HELL bound!
Dennis-1940841...get a grip your ignorance is more profound than your hatred.
You must be a Rush listener and not look at any facts. Check out the websites above as this has been a big deal since he started and is not about re-election. I have to wonder what makes people so angry. Ussually this is a result of fear or depression. If you need help there are community mental health centers.
First this in NOT about Obama. This is about a group of sh*thead politicians who have never stepped onto a battlefield(for the most part) making rules that affect the treatment and futures of men and women who have risked much more than a paper cut to ensure the continued freedom of this country. No veteran should have to prove anything other than they were honorably discharged to these MFers in Washington.
Because if the government cannot care for those who have died(do you know how many military graves are desecrated each year?), been wounded, or have suffered to ensure that the government of the people continues to preserve then that government has failed in its most basic duty.
Not to mention the cross in a California desert erected in memory of WW1 veterans that was stolen. When someone paid to have it replaced, it was up for two days and the government ordered it rmoved. This shows a lot of respect huh.
The government fought to keep it. Reseach is your friend.
I bring you these important news updates, since MSNBC will not (they prefer to keep you in the dark on issues that matter, that way you will remain ignorant and easily led):
1#) The sovereignty of our country is threatened along our Southern border with Mexico.
2#) DOJ corrupted by obama's bid to rule autocratically (that means dictatorship for you libs).
Let the fun begin!
Boy, I can hardly wait to see the "proof" of these two statements. Go back and hide under your bed, it's safe there.
This is what you don't understand. You are the one hiding. Proof? Get your news somewhere other than MSNBC.
Why are you bringing this up on this topic? This is a constitutional issue. The US sets all immigration policy and the President wants to change things so they work. He needs Republicans and there are not enough Dems who will support him. Why can't we work together to fix they problem. Jan Brewer is one of the worst. When they passed this law she should havve called on her two Republican Senators to fix the issue but she didn't and now we have a lot of angry people. We don't need more division in this country. We have all had a scary time but that does not mean we can't come together to overcome the fear mongers.
Maybe after 20 years of losing of my life almost and my arm when I was in military,
I can get a response from the VA for PSTD. I cant even go outside without having to look over my shoulder or even shutter protection tactics when I go places. And I get the sweats and start getting really nervous in crowds without no escape portal. But they wont reconize it still.
I hope you get the help you need OneMadArmyVet. Thank you for your sacrafice for my freedom!
OneMadArmy Vet - Have you told the VA you feared for our life while in country? As strange as that may sound, I find most cases are based on a single event while in the military and several of those cases are denied. What I recommend is After Action Reports that are declassified military documents that allow you to identify chronological events, units involved, KIAs, WIAs, artillery units with rounds expended, etc.. based upon the operations you may have participated in.
Recommend Google Moises Vietnam War Bibliography and search through the material until you find what you are looking for, or search by operations you participated in. You may be surprised by the number of things that you participated in but have blacked out over the years. Hope this helps.
Crazy thing happened:
The VA Doctors told me I suffer from PTSD, a sleep disorder, Clinical depression etc,etc, because of what I was exposed to.After interviews with a couple of doctors, and a couple of mental health professionals,I was told that I was entitled to all of these amazing benefits......Now the VA is fighting me everystep of the way when I try and claim them....typical.
Schinseki-think that is how you pronounced his name was hired to overhaul the VA and help vets.
Joe Veteran,
You are simply encountering the VA bureaucracy. Have a Service Officer from a Veteran's organization such as the Disabled American Veterans or the Veterans of Foreign Wars assist you with your claim. Let them fight the battle for you. They know the rules and system much better than you do. If your claim gets denied file a notice of disagreement or appeal. You may have to apply 2-3 times before getting approved.The more medical records you can show them that indicate your PTSD symptoms the stronger your case will be. You especially need to be able to show records that show a connection between the PTSD and your military service or an incident during it. That is the sticking point in many cases. It is also why soldiers need to make sure everything pertaining to mental and physical health gets documented in their medical records. If you can, get supporting statements or letters from the people you served with concerning incidents or situations that have a bearing on your case. Good Luck Brother!
thank you mr president
I'm not a vet, and I have PTSD - Present Traumatic Stress Disorder - caused by Obama and his insane reign of our country.
I revere those who have fought for our freedom and do not deny them anything that they need. Obama's obvious loathing of our military makes his plea to help them reek of insincerity and plays like yet another campaign speach.
laura-455073, it appears as if you hate the President and don't want the facts. Because if you did any research on how the President takes care of our Vets, you would change your mind. President Obama's done more for Vets than any other President in recent memory.
Do you want the truth? If so, I'll give you links so you can research it yourself.
If you don't want the truth, keep on hating.
obama doesnt care about the vets this is all about getting more votes and getting reelected which if that happens this country is in a world of hurt which is not too far away from where we are now the only thing that could help is a new adminastration in the white house.
ArmedCitizen, you could get some help for your grammar and spelling and come back. I have you on ignore now.
Sorry but this sounds like a racial issue.
When there's valid criticism, one can always pull the "racial issue" card. Hopefully one day, it wont work anymore. It's like beating a dead horse; for years.
my son served two tours in iraq and God brought him home to us without major issues and for this i will ALWAYS be very grateful!!!! not all soldiers were so fortunate and this country owes them all the help and support in whatever way is needed. as my dad a retired navy man of three wars stated "my son laid it on the line for his country and he deserves whatever help that is needed." because of the men and women who served their country we the people of the united states have the right to state our opinions freely.
At least Pres. Obama’s Federal Government is trying to do something to clean up the mess (again); Bush’s under-funded, under-staffed and over-worked VA couldn’t keep up (I’m still alive – some of my buds didn’t make it: 2 bullets, 3 ODs, one jump and one rope). It is too bad the Fed has to do what the general public won’t - while stepping over 18 veteran suicides EVERY DAY and over 200,000 homeless Vets - as they climb into their shiny new pickups with the cute little yellow ribbon stickers.
But hey, we’re just the “yellow bastards” that signed-up for it.
BTW: It’s been 2,627 days since “mission accomplished”.
the United States is the most dangerous country in the world, including to its own citizens. Keep them broke and hopeless, and we'll get plenty of idealists to "volunteer" for duty to do corporate's dirty work for them and call it "patriotism". It's just imperial resource gathering, at the taxpayers' expense. If you get "PTSD" tough sh!t. Obama makes these broad grandiose statements and he's an empty shirt. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss, nothing will change. spare change.
You suffer from PTSD, you know what, tough, what you said. Do you remember what you said? Most of you are sad individuals with technology in hand and don't know how to use it. You use it for hate much like Hitler did with Mien Kampf. Ever read that? Read it, you might find you true self. But then maybe you'll find you're not true to yourself or anyone else. You just own a computer and can afford the DSL you're using. Isn't freedom great?
what this country owes the people is a long stretch of being without WAR we havent been without a war somewhere since korea
novel idea, lets go off a war footing, get our ppl out of everywhere and try peace for 20 yrs and then we can check the condition of the world and see if they actually do need us anywhere
Actually if you do a lot of reasearh you will find that this country has never been more than 10 years without some form of military action, since its inception. Not just since Korea. We are one of, if not the, most warlike people in the modern world. Yet we keep wondering why so many other countries hate us.
i said korea becasues thats when the washington sewer rats stopped us from winning wars
ww2 was the last war we actually won
and how is your comment relevant to anything?
Unfortunately people keep attacking us for some reason. We are at war, and there is a segment of our society always at war. In times of peace we prepare for war, there is no rest.
And then you have the covert actions, deniable actions, and everyone's favorite term "black ops". Which no one will ever acknowledge as ever happening and most of the time the familes don't even get to bury the bodies...
lilbear:
As i was AGREEING with you and merely extending your comment alittle further back through history, I would guess that my comment is only as relevant as yours. I said the same thing as you. I just carried it back through time.
actually we won the first gulf war, not to mention 2 or 3 other military actions that were not necessarily defined as wars, but in my opinion, if one country's army goes and fights against another country's, thats pretty much a war. (kosova, bosnia ang somalia come to mind.
And I do agree with your assessment of our politicins and their involvment in military affairs. Sewer rats may be a little more nice than they deserve though.
sorry afghan my bad, i misunderstood
i am a viet nam veteran and they continue to deny me ptsd because i have been married and able to work but they have no idea what hell it has been just to do it. i have tried to take ny life 2 times because the walls just cave in but they ignore that even though it is in my medical records and i know there are more like me out there. we offered our lives up for what we believed in and now no one wants to help. i wonder if this will really do anything?
i seriously doubt it will help, but way back the vnv m/c helped me a lot but it cost me 2 wives and many other problems
maybe theres no help but let me add 'welcome home my brother'
rvn service dec 68-june 70
Are you working with a county VSO? FWIW, Wisconsin takes care of their own.
It is unfortunate, but in the past, veterans had to prove that their current chronic condition was caused by the military service. If medical records failed to reflect that, then the VA was forced to deny the claim. Perhaps with the relaxing of stressor requirements and a new automated process, things will become simplier.. But personally, I don't see how. I still develop PTSD claims with factual information, and all the evidence I can get my hands on to further provide the VA the "benefit of a doubt" in favor of the veteran. The scales of justice in adjudicating claims must tip in favor of verifiable evidence based upon, in many cases, medical evidence. If you fail to pursue future medical treatment, the VA simply thinks things have gotten better, and with the treatment the chronic disability then becomes an acute disability. By law VA will only award for chronic disabilities. Ongoing medical treatment is required, except in those cases where no amount of treatment is going to make things better, such as loss of use of; limbs, eye sight, etc...
i take medication for depression, anxiety and blood pressure pills, i carry nitro's due to stress on my heart all this was provided to the va but again they said because i worked and had been married they say i'm okay even my doctor sent a letter which had no effect. i told them to look at my medical records when i came back from nam and still in the marine corp where i was put in long beach navel hospital but they released me and then gave me my honarable discharge and said i was okay. so tell me how fair it is
Let's face it, how many reason are there for PTSD outside of our military career? A broken bottle of Jack or watching your friend drown in his own blood? Why should we have to prove anything.
Bernard, let's hope and pray that more help will come your way. My nephew-in-law who was in Vietnam finally got benefits in 2001. He was a sharpshooter.
My son has PTSD - from deployment #2. Guess what - good old Army sending him back next month for Afganistan. They care?? I don't think so. They've done nothing.
Army Mom - sadly you are not alone, several of our brave men and women suffer from PTSD, yet remain on active duty. Many elect to do so on their own. They are well trained and use their skills while on active duty to safeguard their fellow soldiers, and remain alive. In several cases, it is when you take them out of the military and place them in an environment at home that they exhibit problems.
Yet the hardest part seems to convince our loved ones and troops to recognize they have problems and seek the help that they need when they do get home. While in the military, these same soldiers don't seem to think they have a problem, they're in their safety zone, they're comfortable with military culture. But becoming a civilian they loose their camaraderie with those that understood, and more importantly had their backs, many feel isolated, and fail to trust their surroundings. Many still live their lives as if they were on the front lines looking for the enemy.
All the more reason for supporting our veterans, and being there when they need our help. Getting them intoVet Centers, enrolled in the VA Medical Centers, helping them adapt to alternate life styles by keeping them occupied and focused, while at the same time filing disability claims for compensation by the US Government for those injuries sustained as a result of their service to our nation.
This is very similar to what happened to me. I served another tour after my problems started but was fine over there. As soon as I got home though the problems started again and got worse. I left service in 2004 and have in recent months began to sleep at night, if only a little, for the first time in alomst a decade. My therapist helped me to understand the reason I can sleep by day but not by night. During the day when my wife a children are awake and moving around I feel safe, there is someone alert to watch for danger. At night when everyone else sleeps I cannot, because I feel unsafe and obligated to stand guard and protect those who protected me all day. this is normal behavior for one in a combat zone, but not for an average guy in NC.
For me, the hardest part of leaving service was learning to feel normal in a non-military setting. there have been many days that i have wished i could re-enlist... just to feel normal and safe and accepted again.
Its called the meat grinder. Generals are apparently fond of them, I don't know of anyone else who is.
AWV-Have you tried a dog? Seriously if you let it sleep in your room at night it stirs enough to remind you that something is moving and on watch. Its worked for a few guys I know.
AfghanWarVet, I also recommend a dog. I was assaulted in January, 2009, and after my dog died (assailant killed her) I was terrified of everything. I know that my experience isn't anywhere near yours but I know some of what bothers you. I have another dog now, 1/2 airedale and 1/2 german shepherd and I have begun to get more than 2 hours sleep a night. Be sure and get a dog that will have some natural guard breeding. Don't buy, get one from a shelter. Here in my town women prisoners train shelter dogs to be guard dogs and drug dogs. The guard dogs are adopted out to anyone in the community who needs one.
Good luck and take care.
My therapist recommends a dog as well, so I have two now, lol. thanks for the thoughts!
Just stick with the therapy AWV, trust me most of it seems like complete BS but it does help. And trust me it does get better.
Good luck.
This is slightly off topic, but "here, here" for dogs! This is just one more positive we humans can get from a non-judgmental relationship with "man's best friend."
So whats going to help us with post-Obama traumatic syndrome? Just the thought of having to listen to that self-indulgent, egotisical, petty lil man-child until 2012 is enough to put us all away in an insane asylum.
"us"?
speak for yourself; I'll give Obama some time to get this cleaned up... better than G.W.... who pulled the pin, and then didn't know where to put it
Bob, what will do for four more years when "us", (that is those of us with an IQ of over 50) re-elect him? lmao, can we go ahead and lock you up now?
every one want to talk politics this is about us that have paid the price so you can post your comments so lets quit pointing fingers and figure out how guys like myself can get help
first let me say,.. im a former marine,... viet nam combat vet. i have been dealing with p.t.s.d. since returning from vietnam in 1969. i can tell you from first hand experience ,.. it can control your who;e life if you let it. believe me there have been many times where i wish i would havee been dealing with a physical wound as oppossed p.t.s.d.,.... at times in my life i have been homeless, incarcerated,.. hooked on drugs and alcohol,... not because i wasan addict,... but it was the only way i knew at the time to get some relief from the depression , nightmares, flashbacks,.. from that dirty little place i was in for 13 months. i can tell you that i have been involved in the v.a. hospital system in hampton va. for the past 12 yrs. i have met some pretty awsome people,... i can tell you if it hadnt been for the therapy that i have recieved and working my ass off trying to understand p.t.s.d, ,.. i wouldnt be alive today,.... so,.. all i can say is,.... p.t.s.d. is real,... and anything that can be done to help our warriors of yesterday and today will be appreciated,.... rick
rick :
Welcome home, Brother.
Rick, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
i guess you served right to help pay for this freedom
Just another ploy to get votes. The administration will do and say anything now that some voters are catching on to their scams.
Everything he has promised has been a bust. Why change directions now.
As to my fellow Vietnam vets who after years of fighting with the VA and have taken their own lives, sorry you missed out on the giveaway program. To my fellow Vietnam vets who to this day are still denied compensation for PTSD even with a diagnosis but lack proof of the stressors, hope you get what you so much deserve.
And to the new generation of veterans, thank the old vets who have fought hard and long to see that the VA does not toss out claims, to see that the POW/MIA flag is flown everyday, that the current military medical field, understands PTSD and provides mental health programs from the very first day you return home. We did not have that, we did not have a country supporting us, we only had each other.
So I pray the current generation of veterans appreciates the work that fellow vets have done and not what some politician is doing to garner votes. It is up to US to take care of each other.
Mr. Hill, Welcome Home! I am a 21 year Army vet. Been there, Don that, Killed this ,Blew up that. All for my country. I'll beleive it when it get down to me, Oh be the way, "How can someone run a country without ever serving that country?" Just a thought. I started my paperwork for PTSD about a year ago.Everynight the same Damn thing.I am working with the V.A. and the D.A.V. I'll let you know when it "Trickels"down this far, you know where it is needed.
I have always been amazed in how this country neglects their warriors instead of honoring them always. All should have everything they need and never lack for their service for our freedom. They are the valiant, courageous, honorable, men of our society that in the wholesome years made leaders and even presidents. Kudos to you all. You're never forgotten. Thank-you for your service. Godbless
Fellow Veterans I was choked and had an attempted murder occurred to me and I been waiting for my claims compensation since 1976. There is something awfully wrong with many of the VA's regional offices. Many of the individuals that occupies those positions do not care about veterans. All they do is delay, denie and hope that veterans fall off the earth. Many of these VA's regional offices personnel acts like the money is theirs that congress appropriated for veterans. Its a shame how we are treated, just outright wrong!!!!!!
Mr. K