Afghanistan War
Posted on 03/30/2012 5:35:08 PM PDT by jazusamo
A Medal of Honor recipient who lost part of his right arm in a firefight in Afghanistan says society doesn’t fully understand the mental injury that today’s veterans suffer.
Speaking Friday at the Warrior Resilience Conference in Washington, D.C., Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry said service members with internal injuries and psychological damage suffer the most, not necessarily those with external wounds.
Troops with visible injuries receive accolades, but those with unseen wounds are ignored, Sgt. Petry said, adding that whenever someone thanks him for his sacrifice, he makes sure those near him who have served also are thanked.
During a 2008 firefight in Afghanistan, the enemy tossed a grenade near Sgt. Petry’s colleagues. He picked it up to throw it away from their position, and it exploded in his hand.
In July, he was awarded the Medal of Honor — the medal’s second living recipient since the Vietnam War.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
It doesn’t help when, after these men and women make these sacrifices, they get a big F-you from the current administration. I can tell you from experience that these people know that no one that matters in government has their backs. The vast majority are just waiting for the other shoe to drop and then they’ll watch their benefits, the ones they were promised before their four and five combat tours, go bye-bye.
Amen!
That is heartbreaking. I’m sorry for your loss.
Sadly, I believe what you say is true.
The current CINC and his administration are more concerned with our adversaries and PC than with the well being of our present military and veterans, at least that’s the way I see it.
YAY FOR US!!!
1 person on the ping just won’t get the message.
Am happy to see MOH recipient Army SFC Leroy Petry speaking out for our troops and veterans suffering mental disorders.
My only problem with this story is the implication that today's veterans suffer significantly different or greater mental stress than veterans of earlier wars.
While no doubt inadequate, there is also no doubt that greater resources are available today to help them than ever before.
Combat is by definition the greatest stress a person can be under. This doesn't change much with technology.
Very true.
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