Soldiers And The Need To Admit Their Disabilities In Order To Have A Better Life

We have many contradictions in life.  In a perfect world we wouldn't be brainwashed by families, churches, the military, cult-type organiizations or even AARP.  However as we fail to admit our disabilities as soldiers and all that accoompanies them, we limit our ability to move forward with re-integrating into society, dealing with anger and obviously PTSD or physical disabilities, especially PTSD.  PTSD is not necessarily a life-long diagnosis and the VA rules state that veterans can improve and the benefits can be altered or terminated.  I have known people that had their PTSD benefits terminated.  PTSD determines that veterans are 100% disabled due to service connected causes, yet they receive huge retro-active checks, $30.000 per year tax-free, and can work and earn up to $100,000 per year as I understand the law.  Many PTSD veterans go into business or develop property.  Having a lot of money makes it easy to assume one is not disabled but money doesn't prevent suicide and the very real PTSD dilemma. Many but not all,PTSD veterans see doctors, take medications and participate in group therapy  Two of my PTSD friends committed suuicide, one died in the VA Hospital of alcoholism detox failure, while most have their own home or homes, new trucks, Harleys, and many work often 8-5.  The letter of the law is not being followed by the VA and VA medical costs have spiraled to $1.3 trillion per year.  Obviously some veterans have co-payments  .Having experienced PTSD symptoms at times in my life (all of 2009), I am aware of how serious it is.   PTSD was not in the DSMIV until 1986 and is a diagnosis for people with any number of life issues.  I wouldn't wish the problem on anyone and most soldiers in the era were drafted and had little choice about going to war.  However part of the healing process in  life is admitting that we are disabled and taking responsibility for our actions, attitudes and behavior as persons of disability status not "Retired Middle Class"  after serving only two years.  Without admitting our disaility there is a sense of "entitlement" to have anger and violence problems and a bad attitude.  Currently, veterans are coming home with head injuuries from bomb trauma; experiencing PTSD and requiring speecial courts to deal with their violent dysfunctional behavior.  The VA wants to "heal" veterans this time around and obviously doesn't want veterans to end up in prison because they didn't receive enought counseling and/or medication.

The Myth of Male Power by Warren Farrell:  page 152  The :"Glass Cellars" of the Disposable Sex; V. The Consequences of Creating A Killing Class; Whay Are Men So Cruel?  Why Do They Need To "Prove Their Manhood"?:  The Consequences of Training Our Men To Fight.
When John Beverly returned from Vietnam with PTSD, the men at work reinforced his suffering.  They popped milk cartons, broke beer bottles, and even set off fireworks to see his reaction.  He became so anxious he could no longer hold a job -"No Peace For A Veteran," Labor Section, Time, July3, 1989.   On the other hand some veterans with no legs or arms hold down full-time jobs.
Is it time for women to serve the country in equal nuimbers as men?  (in either combat or non-combat roles)  There is a tremendous need for public works jobs that could be military managed.  Millions in our country, both men and women are doing nothing (age 17-35).  Why should the burden of military/public service only be on men?  I believe women would have a whole new respect for men if they served for 2-4 years or more in some capacity in the military.

In closing, I would remind veterans again, that they are not the only ones suffering from PTSD and to be sensitive to that fact.  We don't need Rambo in the private sector.
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