Gonzales Among Defendants in Iraq Vets’ PTSD Suit
Jul 24, 2007 With the problem of post-traumatic stress disorder on the rise among American veterans returning from battle in Iraq and Afghanistan, two veterans' groups have filed a class-action lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales (pictured) and other defendants, citing systemwide failures in dealing with the PTSD crisis on the governmental level.Remembering Manny Babbitt
Jul 18, 2007 The Army has just launched a campaign to educate soldiers and officers about post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries. Unfortunately, this relatively minor gesture of recognition that these two debilitating conditions need major attention comes too late for veterans like Manny Babbitt, whose nightmares didn't end -- even long after his tour of duty did.Army Schools Soldiers on PTSD, Brain Injury
Jul 18, 2007 The U.S. Army is starting a corps-wide push to educate soldiers on all levels about the signs and symptoms of brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both of which are taking major tolls on active troops and veterans from the Iraq war.
Truthdigger of the Week: Gen. William Odom
Jul 8, 2007 Truthdig tips its hat this week to William Odom, a retired three-star general who has proved his patriotism and loyalty to U.S. troops serving in Iraq by truly keeping their best interests at heart and advocating for their mental and physical well-being -- as well as for their speedy and safe withdrawal from Iraq.
Army (Finally) Hires More Shrinks
Jun 15, 2007 The Army plans to hire roughly 200 additional mental health workers to help care for ailing soldiers. Thirty-five percent of troops seek mental health care a year after coming home and between 15 and 20 percent of soldiers in Iraq show signs of post-traumatic stress. The latest Pentagon study found military mental health care to be inadequate.
The Overseer: Rep. Henry Waxman
May 31, 2007 Rep. Henry Waxman, who more than any other politician is fulfilling the Democrats' election promise to bring good governance and oversight back to Washington, tells Truthdig about Iraq corruption, the tragedy of post-traumatic stress disorder, and why it's only a matter of time before Congress -- Republicans included -- pulls the plug on the war.
A Warrior’s Tragic Downfall
Apr 7, 2007 A munitions explosion in Iraq took away Sam Ross' eyesight, left leg and half of his ability to hear. That trauma would eventually lead to 17 suicide attempts and charges of arson and attempted homicide.
Vet Blogs From Within Walter Reed
Mar 14, 2007 A wounded soldier is giving the world an insider's view of life at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center with his new blog, This Veteran's Life, and the view isn't pretty. Here's a little taste to set the tone: "Maybe this will give me a place to scream into the void when my screams fall on deaf ears."Padilla Trial to Go Forward
Mar 1, 2007 Jose Padilla has been ruled competent to stand trial, a rebuke to his lawyers. The defense had sought to have him treated for PTSD before the trial began. Padilla has been held in isolation for three and a half years, during which time he was subjected to varying kinds of interrogation and, very likely, torture.
Read the Fine Print
Feb 20, 2007
