I read this site every day, I've subscribed for year, there's always good material here...

But your exposés of the evil underbelly of the US military system have been right in the black. Walter Reed, Abu Ghraib and this series, bullseyes, stern towards the criminals, yet compassionate towards the soldiers (who are both criminals and victims - but somewhat more of the second...)

Thanks, Salon. These articles alone are worth the entire price of admission.

Civilians Care? Civilians Listen?

Having lived on military bases between 65-83 and having gained a relationship with some of the issues of suicides, combats deaths, and impact of all upon my entire family due to Vietnam, I learned at an early age how ill equipped the military is in dealing with the fallout of this country’s combat operations. Considering the 30 plus years that have elapsed since the events I witnessed, the military has no excuses anymore regarding such negligence and derelict of duty committed by some. The military is good at tearing people’s bodies and minds apart but def. not so good at making them whole.

For example, returning home from school with my two little sisters one day during the winter of 73/74, we were greeted and locked out of an empty, dark house and had no idea what was going on and what was going to happen. My mother had been hospitalized and remained in the hospital until my father was flown out of the jungle to prove that he was still alive. We stood on the step and my sisters began to wail and cry until a neighbor took us in until my mother’s mother arrived flew in from the other side of the country. I was certain that my father had been killed and/or my mother had taken her life. I had this feeling someone was dead. Somehow my grandmother could manage to fly but somehow someone from the Air Force could not get in a truck and drive to our housing. There is something vulgar and inhumane in allowing children to believe one or both their parents were dead.

The treatment of troops at Ft. Carson and elsewhere around the country is simply inexcusable. I would think that actions will be taken and those in charge at Ft. Carson along with the mentioned 1st Sgt. and a few others are disciplined and some made examples. At the same time, I know there are good men and women in the military who are a deeply upset and angry about the actions of some of their service members and the daily loss of life in both wars. As with any large organization and considering the scope and size of the entire military, it could be worse and but am def. not making any excuses for any of it.

It should be noted by some and esp. those who question the status of PTSD being an illness or not, it is clear that from what I read, such individuals obviously have no direct experience with the military or any first hand personal relationship with these issues as if they did they would not be making the statement some have. Otherwise, they would understand why there have been the reactions there has in responses by some Vets. I share many of the same sentiments. To that, I would add, instead of being so nasty and judgmental, perhaps consider being thankful that life did not work out in such a way that you yourself had to directly or indirectly deal with such circumstances related to combat. Some people make it real hard to be nice but want to remain above their level.

At the end of the day it will be those in the military who take this situation into their own hands and make the necessary changes to improve services for returning soldiers and their families. Those in and around the military know first hand that the civilian population and those in congress can and will only do so much. Information and dialogue such as this is critical and the first step in the process. Again, I want to thank Salon and individuals such as Paul Rieckhoff at IAVA, and those individuals in and around the military who will help make the necessary changes to improve the situation for all returning vets, spouses, and dependents.