what you arent hearing on the news

[Mari333]

The soldiers returning from Iraq, this was sent to me on an email and can also be found at http://www.bringthemhomenow.com


February 25, 2004

I am a 24 year old soldier recently returned from Iraq.

I was medivac'd because I shot myself in the foot during a suicide attempt . I am writing in to make it clear to everyone the complete lack of morale and proper psychological care available not only in Iraq but in the Army. While deployed, I was command-referred to mental health where I was seen for 5 minutes and told to go back to my unit. After I returned to my unit, my weapon was taken and I was humiliated and made the subject of jokes.

My problems continued and in my 6th month of deployment, I put a 9mm to my head and tried to kill myself. I couldn't do it and I ended up lowering the weapon and firing into my foot….I asked for help dealing with everything many times from the military to no avail.

When I returned home I went on leave and checked myself into a civilian hospital where I was diagnosed as bi-polar with post-traumatic stress syndrome. This diagnosis was upheld by 2 other civilian psychiatrists, but when I was evac'd back to a military hospital i was told by the doctor there that neither of those things was wrong with me and I had mild depression.

I am currently in the process of being court-martialled for malingering and self-inflicted injury (which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison).

The purpose of this letter is to let people know that medical services are not available like they should be to our troops in Iraq, and that if this problem isn't taken care of and our leaders are not trained to properly recognize the signs and symptoms of a psychological break, there will be many more troops in my situation.

Tim
posted 27 feb 2004

[hlthe2b]

1. this makes me so very sad.... heart-breaking.

I certainly know the military has no concern for mental health. I'm sure this poor guy was just told to "buck it up."

I hope someone out there can intercede on his behalf. Stay, strong, Tim. Many anonymous people out here are sending you their strongest karmic thoughts and prayers.

[Dissenting_Prole]

2. Remember Tim

The next time you fill 'er up.


http://www.brant.net/gvmr/electric.htm

[Karenina]

3. Also be aware that

a whole lot of messed up kids will eventually be returning to a street corner near you.

[Columbia]

6. There are more Iraq vets home than you think...

[anarchy1999]

4. Marianne -

Hang on. Small, little words, but important, just the same.

S

I can't tell you it is going to be okay, but I know this young man has many friends he doesn't even know exist. We're with you through this, everyone one of us at DU and all the other groups you've become a part of. We will see him home. One way or the other. God Speed and PEACE to you tonight.

[G_j]

5. I'm sure this is not an isolated case

What scares me is the seeming lack of compassion in America today. There will be many needing care and compassion for years to come. If this young man goes to prison, will we ever hear about it?

[Disturbed]

7. The Military

They are cold blooded and want cold blooded killers. They don't care about their soldiers. In Vietnam a few oficers were fragged. I was in the Military and understand how homicides and suicides can occur.

[Mari333]

8. Instead they are dragging in teenagers with guns who are scared shitless

and want to come home. This has to end, now. NOW.
http://www.bringthemhomenow.com

[dusty64]

9. Come to think of it,

I've heard next to nothing about Iraq in the last two weeks or so. Does Pravda really think that we will simply forget about it cause they fail to report about it?

[Mari333]

10. They dont want the lid to come off their lies

they think the public will forget its happening if they throw out other stories and try to put a pretty face on it..and the lies are still there, the deceit, the illegal occupation of Iraq, soldiers arrive wounded every night at Walter Reed, the civilians are being shot and killed and wounded, the soldiers are standing in sandstorms and waiting to go home, desperately afraid new troops are being sent as we speak, shaking in fear and wanting to get the hell out of there, and civil war is on the horizon every day..but the media, whores for the corporate bastards and politicians who have no spine nor honesty, ignores it again...the blood was on their hands in the First place by playing cheerleader for this quagmire,,and its still on their hands as they ignore it daily.
http://www.bringthemhomenow.com