The True Cost of War...Veterans

A homeless Veteran in the United States...the statistics say that 65% of the homeless in the "Land of the Free" are Veterans...

Others say 1 of 4 homeless are Veterans...

The majority of homeless Veterans are African American or Latino...

Many are disabled

I have read that President Obama is funding many programs for our Veterans.

Much of their health care and medications are not paid for by Veterans benefits.

At least 22 Veterans commit suicide daily. I have heard up to forty, but this is the research that I am finding. 

At least one active duty Veteran (a soldier or an airman while serving is considered a Veteran) commits suicide every day, although the research I have been doing says that the numbers are decreasing due to the military, all branches, are implementing programs for suicide prevention.

The United States sends our soldiers and airmen off to serve as heroes, but when they return, unfortunately, many in this country pay no attention to them any longer. I am not saying everyone, but many.

It is so unfortunate for our men and women who served for they are lost when they return. Many realize the horror and live with it in their minds and their hearts daily. It not only takes a physical wound to be damaged, their are many wounds inside.

A staggering number of our Veterans are suffering from PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder.

Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a while, but they don't have PTSD — with time and good self-care, they usually get better. But if the symptoms get worse or last for months or even years and interfere with your functioning, you may have PTSD.

Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/basics/definition/con-20022540

It literally took a fight of words between researchers and doctors, to convince the higher ups in the military, what a serious problem
PTSD is, and to finally fund programs for Veterans who suffer from the disorder, around a table at the Pentagon.

Soldiers see things, do things that we can never imagine...I will post some pictures now that only touches the surface of what a soldier must face daily and this is only the touch of what we see...or do not see...

 

Now some positives...with the governmental programs there is now hope for those suffering form PTSD...

War carries a heavy burden upon our Veterans...to live with war inside must carry a heavy load. I ask those who are from other countries who may be reading this, to do your best to not be angry at our Veterans, at our government and those who profit from war, yes. But, these young men and women realize so much once they have seen the destruction, the dying, the killing, and who knows what more they must carry within...

I thank you for reading my simple words, and unfortunately this was the best I could do in research, but I will post some links if you care to read further. Once again, I say, may we all have peace...

Maria Juarez Beam (Boheme)

http://www.endhomelessness.org/library/entry/fact-sheet-veteran-homelessness

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2015/03/31/suicides-military-2014/70735040/

http://www.globalresearch.ca/why-america-needs-war/5328631

A great resource: Iraqi Veterans Against the War:

www.ivaw.org

Musical Selection: Homeless Veteran PTSD Song: "I'm Not Home

https://youtu.be/zekytHlCo7Y

There are also some amazing phone numbers to call if you are in need. This number is if you are in need at any moment for PTSD, Suicide prevention, or if you need someone to talk with:
Veterans Crisis Line-1-800-273-8255

This number is for non-serving Veterans, The Veteran's Center
1-877-927-8387

If you are currently serving, your post is for yourself and for family members

Any VA Center in your area for yourself or for family members for we suffer too...


REMEMBER, REACH OUT. IT TAKES GREAT STRENGTH TO KNOW YOU NEED HELP AND THEN TO ASK FOR IT.
 I HONOR YOU ALL. 
IN PEACE AND LOVE... 
Paz y Amor...Maria

Maria Juarez Beam (Boheme)