US Iraq war hero Joseph Dwyer dies of apparent drugs overdose

telegraph.co.uk ^ | 09/07/2008 | Tom Leonard

[LuxMaker]

A US army medic who became a symbol of American heroism and integrity in the Iraq war has died of an apparent drugs overdose.

[Arkinsaw]

The government owes these men a reasonable support struture and empathy for their plight.

I think the government, as our representatives, owe these men just about everything.

To be honest, first on the list should be the veterans who served in actual combat. We pay them first and we take care of their Grade A medical first, we assure their well-being and only after that do we budget any other thing. When cuts are needed they are the absolute last...even after roads and Robert C. Byrd Memorial Train Museums.

[ottbmare]

I am all for compassionate care of our veterans. But I think PTSD is a “disease” for which there may be no “cure.”

Maybe there is no cure, but it does seem to help patients if they can talk about their feelings to other servicemembers who experience the same thing. Too many of them get out into the broader civilian society and find that there is no one among those they love who understand what they saw and experienced, and that makes them feel even more alone.

[DemonDeac]

“I am all for compassionate care of our veterans. But I think PTSD is a “disease” for which there may be no “cure.””

Perhaps but I think much of its effects can be mitigated and I think we owe it to the brave men who have risked their lives fighting for this country to give them the best possible care. In many cases we do just that but in too many they don’t have what they need.

[Cedar]

Thanks for posting this added information from his personal friend...helps to clear things up about that one photo and its possible effect on him.

[Gator113]

Rest in piece brave soldier..your pain and the nightmares are over.

Thank you for your service.

I wish I could have talked to him before it was too late.

[Admin Moderator]

The photo was attributed to both Army Times (Gannett) and Associated Press. Gannett specifically asked Free Republic to allow none of their material to be posted here.

Updated FR Excerpt and Link Only or Deny Posting List due to Copyright Complaints

Associated Press material is no longer welcome here.

We're not going to pay AP's extortion fees and we're not going to allow them to control free speech!

Unfortunately posts containing the photo had to be removed.

[Gator113]

piece = peace

[Calpernia]

I didn’t realize that. Sorry.

[MoreGovLess]

It is shameful how we treat these brave souls. Just another example of our kleptocratic government’s incompetence

[Finntann]

BREATHE, trumpets, breathe
Slow notes of saddest wailing,
Sadly responsive peal, ye muffled drums;
Comrades, with downcast eyes
And banners trailing,
Attend him home,
The youthful warrior comes.

Upon his shield,
Upon his shield returning,
Borne from the field of honor
Where he fell;
Glory and grief, together clasped
In mourning,
His fame, his fate
with sobs exulting tell.

Wrap round his breast
The flag his breast defended,
His country's flag,
In battle's front unrolled:
For it he died;
On earth forever ended
His brave young life
Lives in each sacred fold.

With proud fond tears,
By tinge of shame untainted,
Bear him, and lay him
Gently in his grave:
Above the hero write,
The young, half-sainted,
His country asked his life,
His life he gave!

GEORGE LUNT