MOH Recipients Push PTSD Counseling

[pinboy3niner]

MOH Recipients Push PTSD Counseling
June 08, 2010 Military.com | Bryant Jordan


It’s among the most sensitive subjects for troops stressed out from war while trying to get on with their lives, their families and their careers: whether to tell anyone what’s going on inside.

Now, a unique band of brothers has come together to tell those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder that it’s more than OK to tell. The group consists of 35 Medal of Honor recipients – men from America’s past wars who have the credibility to tell those fighting its current wars that help is there for the taking and to take it.

http://m.military.com/news/article/moh-recipients-push-ptsd-counseling.html?ESRC=eb.nl


As part of their commitment to serve their country, more than 30 of the 90 living Medal of Honor recipients have joined in a public service campaign designed to help stem the rising tide of suicides among military service members today.

These recipients, who have survived some of the most harrowing experiences in combat, including years as POWs, physical wounds and emotional trauma, felt compelled to speak out to America's military, share their experiences and encourage them to seek help for behavioral health issues that are often a result of deployment and combat. Their message is simple: Don't let the enemy defeat you at home!

In their own words, Medal of Honor recipients encourage America’s military by reminding them that seeking care is indeed a courageous act. One that shows they recognize the need to stay strong in mind and body.


http://www.medalofhonorspeakout.org/news

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Yesterday, another soldier committed suicide. Army Pvt. Elizabeth Lynch-Gonzalez of Shrub Oak, N.Y., was 19 years old.

Army pvt. bound for Hood jumps from NY bridge
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8535230

[UTUSN]

1. K&R #1 for, good for this sub-group, since 6 MoH dudes stood on Shrub's stage

using their medals as props during the Coup 2000. I'm grateful that this particular sub-group is doing the right thing now. In 2000 I complained to the MoH society about the politicization (no response).

[pinboy3niner]

2. This time, it's a worthy nonpartisan effort

In society--and especially in the military--PTSD is still mistakenly viewed as a weakness. These guys, representing the epitome of courage and heroism, are trying to counter that misperception and break down soldiers' resistance to getting treatment and help.

You're absolutely right. It's good to see them doing this, instead of standing with W campaigning or with the swiftboat liars (as at least one MoH recipient did).