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War Photo Brought An Unwelcome Fame
The Fayetteville Observer ^ | July 03, 2008 | Sarah A. Reid

Posted on 07/03/2008 4:52:43 AM PDT by PurpleMan

"PINEHURST — Joseph Patrick Dwyer, a former Army medic who became famous after he was photographed helping a wounded Iraqi boy, died Saturday from an apparent overdose. He was 31..."

"A few years later, he would be in the news again. But this time the coverage would be less flattering.

In October 2005, Dwyer was charged with discharging a firearm in a municipality, a misdemeanor, after a three-hour standoff with Texas police.

Dwyer, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, told a Newsday reporter that he was firing at imaginary Iraqis. He thought they were preparing to attack his apartment.

“I know I don’t need to be carrying a weapon,” Dwyer told Newsday in 2005 from a hospital where he was being treated for PTSD. “And I’m scared of going home without having one, even though I know probably nobody’s going to attack me.”

(Excerpt) Read more at fayobserver.com ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: iraq; wot
As written in previous posts, no matter which candidate wins, taking care of the thousands of troops forever psychologically changed and many who are permanently destroyed by the horrors of combat, MUST be a national imperative. (despite what that members of the George S. Patton Just-slap-the-malingerers club say.)
1 posted on 07/03/2008 4:52:43 AM PDT by PurpleMan
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To: PurpleMan

Plenty true.

Won’t likely happen.

And the millions with PTSD from ATTACHMENT DISORDERED childhoods don’t get treatment either.

And they breed more of the same by the millions.


2 posted on 07/03/2008 4:56:37 AM PDT by Quix (WE HAVE THE OIL NOW http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3340274697167011147)
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To: PurpleMan

May he rest in peace.


3 posted on 07/03/2008 5:11:20 AM PDT by Slings and Arrows (~ ~ FREE LAZAMATAZ! ~ ~ [Shipping and handling charges may apply.])
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To: PurpleMan

May he rest in peace.


4 posted on 07/03/2008 5:11:20 AM PDT by Slings and Arrows (~ ~ FREE LAZAMATAZ! ~ ~ [Shipping and handling charges may apply.])
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To: PurpleMan

So sad. May he rest in peace and the Perpetual Light shine upon him. Condolences to his family.


5 posted on 07/03/2008 5:16:53 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
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To: PurpleMan

Very tragic story. Prayers for his family.


6 posted on 07/03/2008 5:30:37 AM PDT by Old Grumpy
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To: PurpleMan
My heart aches for the young people coming back, they left home suspecting to see and feel th war around them but none expected to be entrenched d so mentally. I have suffered from PTSD for forty years and just in the last two finally decided to get help. I pray each day for the brave men and women who protect us daily. May this young man rest at GOD’s Side, his dreams be fulfilled, his love for God, Family and Country Never be Forgotten, may the spring rain wash his face, and the Summer Sun warm his path. Amen
7 posted on 07/03/2008 5:48:54 AM PDT by cav68
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To: PurpleMan

Sounds like a modern day Ira Hayes. Sad. Godspeed mate.


8 posted on 07/03/2008 5:53:40 AM PDT by Centurion2000 (A citizen using a weapon to shoot a criminal is the ultimate act of independence from government.)
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To: cav68

“I have suffered from PTSD for forty years and just in the last two finally decided to get help.”

Your the example that will hopefully help shift the military’s culture from one of “Only p*ssies see shrinks” and “ If you see one, you’re a wimp” that is so prevalent.

You can say, I saw the horrors, it f*cked me up for years, I finally got help, it’s working, I’m better because of it andyou should not be afraid to go.

A VERY powerful message.


9 posted on 07/03/2008 6:18:16 AM PDT by PurpleMan
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To: PurpleMan

I hope there is noone on the left who are celebrating this young man’s pain and death. I am very sorry to hear the suffering he went through.


10 posted on 07/03/2008 6:24:05 AM PDT by FreeAtlanta (Search for Folding Project - Join FR Team 36120)
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To: PurpleMan

Poor man. May he rest in peace. I hope others like him can get the help they need. I don’t mind any tax dollar of mine being used to help troubled veterans ONE BIT... they have earned it.


11 posted on 07/03/2008 6:30:39 AM PDT by CatherinePPP
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To: PurpleMan
God help us find the way to reach brave men like these.

I think each man carries with him all that he experiences. I think some find peace with the Lord, some with family, some in the bottle/drugs/reckless behavior.... and some are just lost.

Family, the Lord and time are the love that will reach anyone at times like these. Please let the men you know that are having problems, that there are people willing to listen and help them.

Try to avoid self medicating with alcohol and drugs. Those things only bury the symptoms but the cancer rots inside and will destroy your family and yourself.

Offer a prayer for all that have seen war and may God find it in his spirit to show those that are troubled a path to a life that is peaceful and filled with love.

This makes me want to cry. There has never been a medic that I don't thank for their service and the fact that one saved my father's life. Bravest bastards in a firefight.... bar none.

12 posted on 07/03/2008 7:10:00 PM PDT by Dick Vomer (liberals suck....... but it depends on what your definition of the word "suck" is.,)
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