PTSD: One family’s struggle
Go read the heartbreaking story over on The Political Carnival of a recently-returned soldier from Iraq.
I spent the past year comforting Tiffani as best I could, knowing full well he had been assigned one of this fraudulent, bloody occupation’s deadliest missions. She knew that, too. There were so many days that I’d see her dissolve into tears, terrified that she would never see her dad again. She’d hover over her cell phone waiting for a pre-arranged call, and when it didn’t come, she’d worry herself sick until she got word that he was still alive. Recently, his Humvee got hit by a roadside bomb, but he made it out alive. His friend didn’t.
He’s home, and his young daughter is seeing the ravages of war, up close and personal:
All I can do is give Tiffani hugs and words of encouragement. All she can do is hope her dad returns to someone who resembles his old self… and offer him every bit of love and encouragement a terrified 15-year-old can.
Thank you, George W. Bush. Anyone who feels anything for Tiffani should remember that John Sidney McCain promises her, and the rest of us, more of the same.
PTSD is real, visceral, and if not treated, can lead to depression, suicide, divorce, alcoholism and substance abuse.
The Bush Administration created the circumstances that caused Tiffani’s dad to suffer, but the Bush Administration wants nothing to do with the services needed to treat it. The current Army policy dictating denial of the condition wherever possible, leaves men and women who have done their duty adrift, with no pathway to treatment and healing.
Senator McCain argues that increasing benefits for veterans discourages retention. Yes, retention. Bring these stressed, traumatized soldiers back and keep ’em in the military. Way to go, Senator McCain.
While I have respect for Senator McCain’s service and experience in Vietnam, his refusal to support suffering soldiers returning from Iraq is detestable, in my opinion. There are some things we just do because they’re the right thing to do, whether or not they cost money. If my child needs medical treatment, I get it and figure out how to pay for it after the fact.
If my country sends young men and women into battle, it damn well better expect to take care of them when they come home. Is patriotism a flag pin, or a commitment to those who were on the front lines making the sacrifice?