RUSHVILLE, IN -- " Why should those Americans with the least to lose; the children of the poor, the minorities and the blue collar families suffer and die?"
That's the question George Holland wants our military and political leaders to answer. Holland is taking this question to the campaign trail in his bid for the 6th District U.S. Congressional seat currently held by Republican Mike Pence.
Instances of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are on the rise, particularly in our returning troops from the war in the Middle East.
Consider this, according to Veterans Administration (VA) statistics, Joseph Galloway of McClatchy Newspapers reports in a December 2007 article that an average 18 veterans commit suicide each and every day. That's 126 veterans who kill themselves every week. That is twice the rate of other Americans.
"The treatment of PTSD is a national disgrace," vents Holland. "One-sixth to one-third of the returning Iraq and Afghan veterans are suffering from some degree of this disease. Our military has the nerve to write this off as a personality disorder."
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs defines PTSD on its website. "After a trauma or life threatening event it is common to have upsetting memories of what happened, to have trouble sleeping, to feel jumpy, or to lose interest in things you used to enjoy. For some people these reactions do not go away on their own, or may even get worse over time. These people may have PTSD."
Legitimate claims by veterans are being challenged and denied. Holland notes that some of these veterans -- some of the worst sufferers of PTSD -- are being discharged and denied disability and benefits.
U.S. attorneys for the Department of Veterans Affairs clarified in a February 2008 court filing in U.S. District court in San Francisco that federal law provides for five years of care for veterans from the date of discharge. The law establishes "veterans' eligibility for health care, but does not create an entitlement to any particular service." Lawyers continued that the law only entitles veterans to "medical care which the Secretary (of Veteran Affairs) determines is needed, and only to the extent....funds are available."
Holland vows to make changes if elected to Congress.
"I will sponsor legislation to insure that any soldier or veteran, diagnosed with or believed suffering from PTSD be hospitalized until the patient himself believes he is ready to be discharged from the hospital. The patient then must be assigned to outpatient services and followed at documented intervals. Furthermore, I will sponsor legislation to award the Purple Heart Medal to all veterans, even the suicides and others posthumously, who were or have been diagnosed with PTSD."
Holland contends, "In my opinion, this grievous wound is as severe as the physical combat wound. I will also sponsor legislation, with input from veterans suffering from PTSD, that insures swift, safe, effective, non-placebo treatment and counseling; with veterans being awarded up to 100% disability. Our country should do no less!"
Holland acknowledges Representative Pence is a popular giant among politicians within his district. Unseating the incumbent legislator will certainly be an uphill battle. But, with an unconstitutional war and the facts on his side, Holland vows to give it a soldier's fight on the campaign trail.
"I am not a pacifist. I am an American veteran against war," Holland concludes. "This war is unconstitutional and criminal. I intend to do my part in stopping this and bringing our troops home."
Visit George Holland's campaign website: www.georgehollandforcongress.com.
