[A Navy Vet]

"My dad was in WW2, through out the pacific. He told me flat out, that there were incidents when cowards and criminals in the Army had accidents. Cowardice was the big one. I’d say molesting and raping your children would have to rank right up there."

My Father from the Europeon theater also told me of men breaking down and even some shooting themselves. The carnage in that and Korea and Viet Nam was just way too much for some people to deal with. I wouldn't be surprised if there are many who have broke down from Iraq and Aftganiscrap. Ever here of PTDS? Many have come back with it from our various wars. It's documented that even Civil War soldiers were deserting and causing self-inflicted wounds.

War really is HELL and not everyone has the juice to deal with the front lines. However, I wouldn't compare that to raping children.

[esoxmagnum]

Sending your squads into harms way while hiding like a coward.... those officers had “accidents”.

PTDS runs rampant in our VFW, but is frowned upon in our American Legion.

Most PTDS I’ve met use it for a reason not to work. Not saying it isn’t so. Not saying it isn’t real. I’m saying it was a Dan Rather thing in the 70’s, and too many of a certain ilk use it to get on disability I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, I’m saying it is abused by perfectly healthy men, while men with missing limbs go on and become business owners, and highly respected members of society.

I know many vets in my American Legion missing arms and legs, who walk around all day with shrapnel in their bodies, who would never, ever, never claim PTDS.

Also, our local VFW is filled with lawsuits from Agent Orange. The VFW by us is pitiful, and there are lawyers who stop in frequently, looking for clients.

I was taught to have no use for cowardice. Every one is equally afraid. That’s a fact Jack. The difference is some people push on, others don’t. Hero’s aren’t hero’s because they are not afraid. They are hero’s because they ARE afraid, but still manage to act and do what is needed to protect their men, and get the job done.

And cowardice in time of war, is unacceptable. Your team depends on you to be part of the team.

I’m no war hero, I was in transportation, but I was taught from my dad those principles, and I learned as the years went on, what Hero’s are made of, and what cowards are made of.