Backtalk: U.S. must unite to aid vets

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U.S. must unite to aid vets
By Alison Lighthall

It has become abundantly clear this year that our military medical system is not equipped to provide all the physical and psychological care that returning veterans need.

Our country needs to step up and help combat veterans and their families in tangible ways. And we, as military personnel, need to accept their help.

I know it’s hard for warriors to accept help from anyone, much less a civilian or civilian group with little understanding of our world. But for this nation to remain strong, we must do everything we can to recover from wounds visible and invisible.

Like so much of America, many civilian health care professionals are disconnected from the impact the war is having on our combat vets. The bridge between the veteran and the civilian medical provider is in serious disrepair. Two things have to happen for that bridge to be rebuilt.

First, civilians need to come closer to our world. They need to read stories written by veterans who have been there and watch documentaries about the war. Civilians need to learn more about the heart and soul of a warrior.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/community/opinion/airforce_backtalk_vets_071224/