Why Everyone Should Be a Wingman

1st Air Cavalry Brigade ground troops build on advanced skillsWhy Everyone Should Be a Wingman

After 12 years with the nation at war, it’s no wonder that military families are under stress and overwhelmed. Spouses and service members alike deal with the strain of prolonged separations. Husbands and wives of deployed members endure extended periods where they must raise children alone.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sue-hoppin/why-everyone-should-be-a-_b_4017005.html

Maine Medical Marijuana Law Changes Help PTSD Patients

Pot LeafMedical Marijuana Law Changes Help PTSD Patients

Mainers living with post traumatic stress disorder will soon have another option to manage their symptoms. Next week, state law will allow doctors to legally recommend medical marijuana for patients.

“Until I found medical marijuana, I was a ticking time bomb.”

When Marine Corps Sergeant Ryan Begin’s elbow was blown off by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2004, that was just the beginning of his pain. Doctors also diagnosed him with post traumatic stress disorder.

[Video] http://wabi.tv/2013/10/01/medical-marijuana-law-changes-help-ptsd-patients/

Returning combat doctors suffering from PTSD

PTSDReturning combat doctors suffering from PTSD

As thousands of foreign troops withdraw from Afghanistan, many soldiers are returning home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Much of the attention has been focused on infantry troops. But PTSD has also taken a heavy toll on those who were sent to Afghanistan to save lives.

Listen here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-01/returning-combat-doctors-suffering-from-ptsd/4992226

Veterans, caregivers at Bangor event praise law allowing use of marijuana to treat PTSD

MMMVeterans, caregivers at Bangor event praise law allowing use of marijuana to treat PTSD

BANGOR, Maine — Former U.S. Marine Sgt. Ryan Begin returned from war in Iraq without his right elbow. A roadside bomb destroyed it in 2004. Begin’s scars weren’t all visible when he returned home.

“You can’t trust anyone,” said Begin, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder in the wake of his service. “Any situation, all you can see is the danger.”

Read more: http://www.mainemedicalmarijuana.org/veterans-caregivers-at-bangor-event-praise-law-allowing-use-of-marijuana-to/

Sex-Assault Victims May Be Eligible for VA Disability Pay

Veterans AffairsSex-Assault Victims May Be Eligible for VA Disability Pay

Military personnel who were the victims of sexual assault can seek disability pay for the psychiatric trauma even if they didn’t officially report the incident, a U.S. appeals court ruled today.

Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-09-30/sex-assault-victims-rejected-by-va-for-disability-to-get-review

Burned in surgery, Army vet fights VA for PTSD pay

Veterans AffairsBurned in surgery, Army vet fights VA for PTSD pay

These days, former Army Spc. Stephen Anthony sleeps on his sister’s couch, struggling with the depression, nightmares and anger symptomatic of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Read more: http://www.armytimes.com/article/20130903/BENEFITS06/309030004/Burned-surgery-Army-vet-fights-VA-PTSD-pay

When will America come together to end the epidemic of mental illness?

When will America come together to end the epidemic of mental illness?

Thursday, Miriam Carey of Stamford, Connecticut, was shot to death after she drove through a White House barrier and then engaged Capitol police in a high-speed chase.  Her 1-year-old child, who survived, was in the car with her.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/10/04/when-will-america-come-together-to-end-epidemic-mental-illness/

Supervisors of Navy Yard Gunman Were Told of Issues

Aaron AlexisSupervisors of Navy Yard Gunman Were Told of Issues

The mother of Aaron Alexis, the military contractor who killed 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard last month, told his bosses one month before the shootings that he had a history of paranoid episodes and most likely needed therapy. But Mr. Alexis’ managers at the Experts Inc., an information technology firm, decided to keep him on the job and did not require him to seek treatment, an internal company investigation has found.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/05/us/supervisors-of-navy-yard-gunman-were-told-of-issues.html?src=recg

‘Thank You For Your Service’ follows soldiers after battles are over

Thank You For Your Service‘Thank You For Your Service’ follows soldiers after battles are over

In ‘Thank You For Your Service,’ David Finkel follows post-war soldiers (and their families) as they struggle with PTSD and fight a battle within.

Buy book: http://www.amazon.com/Thank-Your-Service-David-Finkel/dp/0374180660

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/books/jacketcopy/la-ca-jc-david-finkel-20131006,0,259858.story

Organization Use Service Dogs To Helps Veterans With PTSD

OnyxOrganization Use Service Dogs To Helps Veterans With PTSD

Man’s best friend is lending a helping paw to aid military personnel and veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). www.k9sforwarriors.org

Read More: http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/23603023/organization-use-service-dogs-to-helps-veterans-with-ptsd