All over the country there are VA hospitals an ear shot or literally next to Top Medical centers. Why not give our veteran an insurance card and send them to Cleveland Clinic instead of a VA Hospital.
Title is missing a verb.
“Why not give our veteran an insurance card and send them to Cleveland Clinic instead of a VA Hospital. “
Once something is created and funded it almost never goes away. The Rural Electric Board, created to bring electricity to rural homes, gets bigger every year. The Department of Energy, created to end foreign dependence on oil, has accomplished absolutely nothing, yet grows every year. It wouldn’t matter if the VA establishment killed everybody under its care. It would continue and get larger each year.
Funny incident. Reagan managed to shut down some federal enterprise. I can’t now recall which one, but the news was interviewing panicked employees. One limp-wristed man gushed, “I have no idea what I’m going to do. I’ve never had a real job!”
Here’s more information on this subject:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLW5814BiHS4e3_jV-y6eHn4Y8cnNWOfqG&t=12&v=rnizn7dEbuc
I am of the opinion that there needs to be a study on how to improve the mental health of combatants in basic training. In essence, better equipment the combat arms with how to deal with the stresses of combat prior to being deployed. Further, require more time to decompress as a unit when returning from combat.
A week in country to “process the paperwork”. Then perhaps a week on an ocean transport (like WWII). Then another week of barracks restrictions upon return home to station, prior to being returned to normal operations. During this time, units and individuals can be counseled to help reduce the impact or duration of PTSD. It would also be useful to identify the most vulnerable and get them additional help.
I can remember the stress of returning stateside after 4 years in Germany during peace time. I know that does not compare but even simple things can take a bit of time to get used to. I can still remember my shock of seeing a round door not and having to think as to how to open the door. The shock of moving from a foreign battle field to back to normal has GOT to be far more shocking and likely could use an adjustment period.
Why? Because most people cannot imagine, no matter how hard
we try what they have seen and experienced. It is my opinon, that every combat veteran has some degree of PTS. Once they have seen that Elephant, there is no un seeing it.
I have read that Audie Murphy was so paranoid, he
slept with a gun under his pillow. Why? I suspect a form of PTS.