An article from last summer, published online in the National Gulf War Resource Center, Inc, details Massachusetts state representative Marty Meehan's attempt to get a bill passed that would mandate more extensive psychological screeing of war vets on their return home. Of particular concern to Meehan are situations like that of his friend, Iraq veteran Daniel Cotnoir, whose apparent PTSD symptomology caused problems in his civilian life, for which he is shortly to go on trial in Massachusetts. (See other entries in this blog to that effect, or for further background on the Cotnoir story.)
In Meehan's words: "Eight-six percent of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have been exposed to combat and one in five has suffered from major depression or post-traumatic stress syndrome,'' he said. ``It's morally reprehensible to send our brave young men and women into Iraq and then not try to make them whole – mentally as well as physically – when they come home."
There are a lot of great quotes in this article, which alone make it worth reading. Meehan takes a strong stand on this topic, and is passionate in its defense. It'll be interesting to see whether his point of view can gather traction with his colleagues, or not. In any case, he seems to be making an impression as a friend of veterans and veterans issues. Two other Meehan quotes from the article: "Senior officers must be encouraged to talk openly about their own (stress) experiences so that our troops can feel comfortable about seeking treatment without fear of repercussion.'' And, ``It's unconscionable,'' he said, that the armed services merely administer a questionnaire about post-traumatic stress disorder, not a real exam. ``Many of them just want to get home. They fill out the questionnaires in a rush.''
