How can the DOD and VA best care for the military community with mental illness?

LTC Jason Strickland — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 09:52:59 -0400

This quote in the Dallas Tribune Op-Ed yesterday is worth discussing: "Mental illness rarely manifests in mass killing, but mass killing often results from mental illness."

My nonprofit, Project Sanctuary, directly serves our military population with this diagnosis. What other organizations have you observed are helping? How are they helping?

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20140403-shootings-are-a-symptom.ece

Editorial: Military must study mental illness more closely

What the military must determine and resolve is how its internal culture has been altered by 13 years of active war footing, the only status most of its troops know.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2014 11:43 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 11:43:10 -0400

Probably the only long term way to get care for our brothers and sisters in arms - is for prior members to get active in the government. We are again at time when members of congress and senate who have had no military background are the majority. Unless more get involved - our voices will remain unheeded and the care and funding needed will remain miniscule at best. Our members that have fought before us and those that continue to this day deserve better than this - the military is the nation's red-headed step child (unless something happens) and are treated as such. As soon as a crisis or war has ended and things get back to normalcy everyone forgets their promises to the veterans, retirees, and those that have suffered some type of physical and/or mental injury. Unfortunately, history keeps repeating itself in this respect.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Apr 6 at 2014 11:17 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 11:17:00 -0400

Any other organizations out there that you, the military / veteran community, know about that are helping our service men and women?

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jul 31 at 2014 11:11 AM

SSG Pete Fleming — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 11:11:48 -0400

This will of course cause some 'hate' mail but I think the problem is two-fold. The government bureaucracy/ 'red tape'. And another issue no one likes to speak about. Fake claims. How many of the people making claims actually have a disability verses those who are just getting a government check. I met soldiers deployed to places like Kosovo as late as 2012 claiming PTSD... This generation just doesn't know how to cope with things. Now I have met some people who were truly effected by their experiences. They are legitimate... but what about all the false claims?

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 31 at 2014 12:39 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 12:39:00 -0400

Funny you should ask. I recently reached out to the local chapter manager for The Soldiers Project. With in 5 minutes she responded. I have since sent two additional emails about structure, funding, and recruiting of heath care provides as they offer free mental health services not only to service members but their families as well. Haven't heard a thing since. Sir I'm not sure where your located but if I don't hear back from her I'm interested if your in the Chicago area or interested in being in the Chicago area. I have a number of friends from Rangers to Green Berets dealing with PTSD. I don't have a psychology background but I do have an MBA and consider myself a critical thinker that can resolve difficult questions. Just looking for an opportunity to address our military's wounded needs.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 1 at 2014 6:45 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 18:45:51 -0400

I just heard back from The Soldiers Project. The person heading the local chapter has only been doing this for a month. She ask me to attend a function she has planned next month to meet and come up with a game plan. Would it be OK with you sir if I reach out to you to share information and or resources since our objectives and mission are somewhat aligned.