Dear President Obama,
I am very concerned about the high rate of suicides being committed by our nation’s warriors and combat veterans due to Post Combat Stress Disorder. I am also alarmed by the current attempt by the Veterans Administration to relax PTSD criteria and stressors proving specific combat actions. I pray you will find the following comprehensive concerns, proposed corrections, concept and proposal helpful in ending the injustices, despair and tragedies currently plaguing our military community.
Federal Register: August 24, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 162)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 42617-42619]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24au09-15]
From Article:
“PTSD is a recognized anxiety disorder that can follow seeing or experiencing an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury to which a person responds with intense fear, helplessness or horror, and is not uncommon in war.”
Wording such as the above, taken from said proposal, is part of the stigma that causes warriors to avoid professional medical treatment and can lead them to despair and in extreme cases, suicide. I fear the proposal to relax PTSD criteria will only make things worse for the American fighting man and combat veteran.
I ask you, what PROFESSIONALLY trained, highly motivated, dedicated, brave, experienced COMBAT soldier would not be embarrassed and ashamed by this proposal of relaxing the criteria for substantiating a claim for PTSD? The very wording and insinuations are a direct insult to the bravest warriors on the face of the earth. They speak of “fear” and it’s effects on ordinary people, civilians and rear echelon military staff as if they bear the brunt of the fighting. They don’t! And they do not have a clue as to the mind set or determination for victory that the American fighting man possesses and lives by; A CODE AND TRADITION OF HONOR! My fear, as a decorated, TESTED and PROVEN combat soldier and proud veteran, is that the author of this proposal does not understand, either!
The American warrior does not speak of or permit fear or being afraid of looking our enemies and death straight in the eye, ROUTINELY, prevent him from doing his “sacred” duty in protecting this country and it’s people! Soldiering to these GIs is not merely a job, it is a calling… it is an honored tradition they strive to maintain every second of every day, every month and every year they serve! Honor in their unit, in themselves and the just cause they are performing under the most adverse conditions, in unfamiliar places and amongst hostile people and situations not readily identifiable. No one should speak of fear in the same breath when referring to these dedicated, unselfish, valorous patriots for they are willing to “lay down their life… and limbs, suffer physical scarring and traumatic brain injury… for their friends!” Which includes those who do not seem to understand the very core of their being!
POST COMBAT STRESS DISORDER, “PCSD” is not caused because of fear or extremely high stress! It is an HONORABLE result of defeating it, soundly… every day, day in and day out, for months, years and even decades at a time! And they suffer it at the expense of foreshortened life expectancy after service, unspeakable pain and suffering (during and after service)… and unfortunately, misunderstanding, ridicule, and yes, even slander and libel… even by those who mean well! Most people, in our protected, civilian population would sue at even the slightest hint of such mockery! Yet, these brave men and women trudge on… in the service to the people and country they love… even until death and worse… intentional and/or unintentional insult!
These warriors would rather die in battle rather than embarrass themselves, their combat units, their people and their nation by showing fear, let alone letting such fear keep them from performing their sacred duties in the highest tradition of the Armed Forces of this nation. Anything less… is FEAR and COWARDNESS! PCSD is an honorable condition and should be treated as such. It is a combat wound inflicted by our enemies on the battlefield! Fear is something our warriors have to defeat and overcome before they slug it out with the enemy! There is no time for fear in the heat of battle! Training, teamwork, instincts, and individual courage drive our fighting men. Fear is the precursor to battle! This is the understanding, tradition and honor of the American warrior!
POST COMBAT STRESS DISORDER occurs, AFTER THE HOSTILITIES HAVE ENDED and usually well after the warrior received his honorable discharge from the military. His calling has ended and his duty is over. Anything less than complete fulfillment of his responsibilities of his service is unacceptable in his mind! Many of these brave people go on to seek and serve in “public safety” vocations; which are without doubt, unsafe for the public servant, i.e. police, fire, first responder, EMT, etc. And yes, they are human and humans have their limitations. Some do get “burnt out” and some find it necessary to prematurely end their careers because of excessive stress. The only fear they ever had was that of failure. These warriors did not fail, they just could not serve as long as they would have liked to. Now, it is up to you not to fail them. Please grant them the dignity they so deserve. I humbly suggest that you instruct your administration to speak of what they bore so bravely and admirably, not that they could not perform in that honorable capacity endlessly. Who amongst us could?
Please strengthen Post Combat Stress Disorder criteria, not relax them! Until the Armed Forces, the Veterans Administration and political leaders recognize, respect and acclaim those brave warriors who are most likely to suffer from Post Combat Stress Disorder… those who distinguished themselves in battle and shouted, “Follow me!” … Despair and suicide will continue to reduce their ranks… at the expense of us all! Officials must admit that PCSD affects the bravest of the brave and remove the injurious stigma of perceived and mistaken weakness! The demoralization and dejection of them must end now… before more warriors are victimized or lost! I believe it is up to the government “to separate the wheat from the shaft” by identifying and punishing those who fraudulently claim to have served our nation and our people so valorously and loyally!
If passed, I fear relaxing PCSD criteria will open the flood gates to every fake, charlatan, liar, embellisher and conman who served in only the safety of rear areas, many miles from the fighting! Not only are such imposters already discrediting our true warriors, they are impairing the prompt and proper treatment of those who need it the most, at the cost of some of the lives of our nation’s heroes! I can only imagine the high price tag that will be part and parcel of such ill-advised legislation if enacted!
Furthermore, I propose the following PCSD Concept and Purple Heart Proposal for examination and consideration.
POST COMBAT STRESS DISORDER
~ "PCSD" Definition ~
POST COMBAT STRESS DISORDER (POST synonym "AFTER" - the word TRAUMA is inherent in the term "COMBAT;" - thus the term PCSD interprets - AFTER COMBAT TRAUMA STRESS DISORDER - THE MOST SERIOUS FORM OF WAR RELATED PTSD:) "PCSD" is a very serious wound in the form of a severe psychological disorder resulting from the direct clash of arms; the individual active participation in intense, prolonged, highly contested battle on one or more military operations; i.e. kill or be killed; direct engagement in the raw, bitter, bloody nature of war.
THE WARRIOR STANDARD
~ BASIS ~
"To care for him who shall have borne the battle..."
President Abraham Lincoln
Only combat arms, hard core, tip of the spear, front line fighters are to be classified as suffering from PCSD. In short, those warriors whose mission it is/was to seek out and destroy the enemy and did so! (Even if the individual is only temporarily thrust into that status due to widespread hostilities and satisfactory combat performance is witnessed and documented by at least two supervisors and entered into unit and/or personnel records.) Documented individual battle histories, combat awards and decorations stand as testament to honorable individual actions and behavior exhibited while engaging our nations enemies on the battlefield.
THE CONCEPT OF "PCSD"
And Purple Heart Medal Proposal
~ SUGGESTED CRITERIA ~
Level 1) It is suggested that those warriors currently VA PTSD rated 70% or higher disability be classified as suffering from Post Combat Stress Disorder (PCSD) and be awarded the Purple Heart Medal as a result of this very serious, intentional, enemy inflicted battle wound. Warriors suffering from PCSD experience severe, negative life-altering behaviors, they are both industrially and socially impaired and can be declared unemployable by the VA. It is logical to believe that those psychologically wounded the worst, those suffering from PCSD, are the ones that are taking their own lives. It is imperative that we reach these warriors as soon as possible. SAVING LIVES BY FOSTERING DIGNITY, HONOR, UNDERSTANDING AND PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE is the major goal and objective of conceiving and presenting this concept and proposal.
I feel this classification is vital in maintaining the morale and fighting spirit of our elite forces who bear the brunt of the fighting such as Green Berets, Rangers, Navy Seals, Marines, Paratroopers, Combat Arms i.e. Infantry, Armor, Artillery, etc. (To those who object to only those warriors currently rated 70% or above being classified with PCSD and receiving the Purple Heart: There has never been parity in regards to the awarding of the PHM. One GI gets a fingernail blown off... he gets a PHM, another GI gets a leg blown off and receives a PHM, still another GI gets his head blown off, another PHM (only posthumously). Is there a 10% - 30% - 70% - 100% differentiation in the relevance of the award? The implementation of this concept does not change the characteristics, application or intention of the award! However, it does distinguish the sacrifices and sufferings of all “who shall have borne”, and in regards to PCSD, still bear the battle! Does the sudden, brilliant flash of a devastating explosion that permanently and totally blinds a warrior take away the integrity of the PHM? I think not! Like PCSD, there is no blood loss in the blinding but the wound is very real! PCSD merits the same consideration as such a wound! Knowing PCSD is real and can kill after the fact... why then would anyone object to acknowledging a very serious psychological wound intentionally inflicted by an enemy on the battlefield? No one needs the Wisdom of Solomon to be able to see that.)
Level 2) GIs exhibiting lesser degrees of war-related trauma and stresses (ors) be classified and referred to as suffering from Combat-related PTSD. (Such as personnel exposed to the wounded and dead i.e., doctors, nurses, grave registration, and those rear echelon people such as clerks, cooks, truck drivers… who experienced occasional incoming rounds, sporadic sniper fire, witnessing the results of improvised explosive devices “IEDs”, etc.) This distinction is necessary to separate those who fight… return fire, attack from those who merely seek cover and protection.
Level 3) The term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) should refer only to non-war related trauma and stress inflictions such as those suffered as a result of crime… example – military sexual trauma “MST”, accidents and natural disasters.
Important! Those classified at Levels 2 and 3 i.e., combat related PTSD and PTSD could still be, in severe cases, rated 70% – 100% disability. However, they would not merit the awarding of the Purple Heart Medal.
THE DEGREE OF SEVERITY
I believe there are only five criteria, which influence the occurrence and severity of PCSD in the individual combat veteran. The degree of individual involvement in these categories, directly affect the severity of the condition.
1) DEDICATION – the degree of risk, commitment and effort put forth by the individual in combat.
2) EXPOSURE – the degree and frequency of individual intense combat experienced.
3) LOSS – the extent of sufferings incurred, inflicted or witnessed by the individual in combat.
4) GUILT – individual beliefs that what one did or failed to do, negatively affected the lives of others.
5) BETRAYAL – actual or perceived by the individual – committed by comrades, superiors, citizens or government that negatively affected the outcome of the conflict. Betrayal instills the overpowering, often irreversible belief, that all was in vain! PCSD is a serious wound inflicted in combat that is without doubt, exacerbated by the lack of, or loss of support on the home front.
The cumulative, detrimental effects of any combination of these criteria will ultimately lead to the “undoing” of the sufferer. PCSD will, without doubt, destroy the individual’s quality of life, value of life or life, itself! There is little hope for a meaningful life for those who remain undiagnosed and/or untreated!
IN SUMMATION
~ CONCERNS ~
I pray our medical and psychiatric professionals do not trivialize or dismiss the above distinctions thinking PTSD is PTSD, that the disorder and treatment is the same, regardless of the cause! That would be (and has been) a grave error! Basically, in the general psychiatric, therapeutic realm that may be correct, and crystal clear in the mind of the professional caregiver. However, these distinctions are meant to directly benefit the psyche of the warrior (military mind) and the PCSD suffering combat veteran by fostering honor, pride, and sense of accomplishment and ultimately, peace of mind regarding the psychological wounds and sufferings that have affected his or her life so severely, and those he or she loves so dearly! It is hoped the medical professional will see the great value in that all-important fact. I assure you, the distinction in terms is vital to those who fought the bloodiest of battles to keep America free. I firmly believe great psychological benefit will come to those suffering from PCSD if these distinctions are recognized, welcomed and adopted by the professional medical authorities, political leaders, military, VA and community. There is no doubt in my mind they will serve their purpose well in improving the overall mental and physical health and quality of life of these severely wounded combat veterans.
Furthermore, the awarding of this well-deserved medal would serve as tangible evidence of courageous and dedicated combat service (in contrast of implying fear of, or in combat), bringing honor to the military, as well as to the individual! It would definitely prove that the military takes care of it’s own! Most importantly, recognizing such sacrifice by the presentation of this award would without doubt, foster healing of this combat affliction and definitely lessen the occurrence of many, tragic, preventable suicides that not only end the lives of it’s victims but shatters the lives of all who loved and cared about them!
Bringing dignity to PCSD and justice to its victims could very well lessen the immense cost and frequency of the care, treatment, therapy, medication and hospitalization of these warriors/veterans. Ending the stigmas presently associated with this infliction would not only be cathartic to those wounded, it would benefit every life (Secondary PTSD – negatively affects family, loved ones, friends) agonized by the disorder!
I strongly believe that the enactment of this PCSD Concept and Purple Heart Proposal would marry the medical criteria with the three levels of, if I may… military criteria to provide our fighting forces inflicted with combat stress a standard they could live with during and after military service. Hopefully, this action would greatly reduce the rash of suicides that is so sadly and tragically depleting the ranks of America’s bravest volunteers! These warriors have earned a bright future. President Obama this is your opportunity to ensure they get to live it.
It is my hope that if this idea is not adopted in its entirety it may be used as a basis for development of a solution that will end the enigma of suicide and “the undoing of character” of America’s fighting men and women.
I thank you, Mr. President, for all you do for our country, its warriors, military veterans and citizens. May God bless and guide you in all your decisions and endeavors. And may God bless America and our military!
Respectfully and Sincerely Yours,
Peter S. Griffin
Dear Friend:
Thank you for contacting me about our obligation to our Nation’s veterans. I greatly appreciate hearing from you.
When Americans answer the call of duty and serve in our Armed Forces, a sacred trust is forged. Our men and women who have served in the uniform of the United States of America risked their lives to protect our freedoms. Beginning at enlistment, we must do all in our power to support and provide them with the benefits they have earned. Our nation’s first president understood this obligation-as I do-to be “a debt of honor.”
While we can never fully repay the debt we owe our veterans, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and my proposed 2010 Budget work to fulfill our obligations to them. ARRA creates tax incentives for businesses that hire unemployed veterans and provides one-time payments to eligible veterans totaling $700 million. My budget includes the largest proposed single-year increase in veterans funding in 30 years. It expands health care coverage to an additional 500,000 veterans by 2013, implements technology that eases the transition from military care to veteran’s care, and enhances screening and treatment services for those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. My budget would also help implement the Post-9/11 GI Bill and allow us to better combat homelessness amongst our veterans. To read about these plans for veterans, visit: www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/veterans.
When our service men and women return home, America will be there for them-just as they have been there for us. For information on opportunities for veterans out of work I encourage you to visit: www.hirevetsfirst.gov . To learn more about health care and other benefits, facility locations, and services to veterans, please visit iris.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.
Thank you again for writing.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
BERET