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By Charlene Rubush, May 20, 2010 10:44 pm

It seems we don’t hear much about the Persian Gulf War veterans anymore. But today I came across an article by Matthew Tull, PhD, on About.com. which shares some facts about them. Some of the highlights are:

• Although the Persian Gulf War was brief, it’s impact was no less traumatic than other wars, and many veterans of this war developed substance use problems as a result of struggling with PTSD symptoms.
• Studies examining the mental health of Persian Gulf War veterans have found that rates of PTSD stemming from this war range anywhere from about 9% to approximately 24%.
• These rates are fairly consistent with the rates of PTSD found among Vietnam veterans and Iraq War veterans. Continue reading 'Persian Gulf War Veterans PTSD Rates Are Similar To Vietnam and Iraq Combat Vets'»

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By Charlene Rubush, May 19, 2010 10:59 pm

In a May 20^th, 2010 article by Scott Williams (greenbaypressgazette.com) we learn that there was an emotional and patriotic ceremony in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, to greet the traveling Vietnam War memorial. The event kicked off a three-day tribute to Vietnam veterans.

The scaled-down version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. will stand just west of Lambeau Field throughout the LZ Lambeau event this weekend. Continue reading 'The Moving Wall Pays Tribute to Vietnam Veterans in Wisconsin'»

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By Charlene Rubush, May 13, 2010 10:21 pm

Never underestimate the power of music to change the world.-

 A quote from a wise man

 Who They Are:

Project Troops was founded by Tamra Lynn Smith, in 2008. Tamra is the Proud Mother of an Army son. Wanting to make a difference for her son and others through music, she started writing music to support her son while he was in Iraq.

Soon, other fellow artists such as LanternLane, Randall Johns, Carmella Inchinchiera, Rich Owen, Iam Nelson, Dave Sanford, and other good friends joined together to help write and create very special and unique songs for our military.

The music tells their stories in a way people can understand.

Unless you have walked in the boots of a soldier or have been a loved one left behind to worry every single day they are away, and knowing they are put in harm’s way…

It is hard to understand the realities and hardships of war and the challenges that our Military Members, Families, and our veterans face.

The challenge doesn’t stop when they come home either, because “every soldier who has seen war is changed for life.”

Their Mission:

Project Troops is dedicated to making a difference through their music. Their goals are to raise awareness of hard hitting issues like PTSD, what the families go through and feel while worrying about their loved ones or how our Veterans feel after they come back home. They are dedicated to standing up for our veterans and for Veterans and Soldiers Rights.

 Their Goals:

Project Troops goal is to raise money for charities that support our Military, Veterans and families through the sales of their songs and also to share their music with as many military people as they can.

Their Message:

“Project Troops keeps growing as do the artists who join us to make a difference. It is only in numbers that we can make a difference and have a voice when needed. We hope you will join us in our support and take time to listen to our music.”

http://www.projecttroops.startlogic.com

Charlene’s Note:

I continue to be amazed by the many wonderful organizations helping our returning combat vets and their families. It is most important to make them aware of these resources. The beauty and power of blogs to raise awareness and impart information!

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By Charlene Rubush, May 10, 2010 2:56 pm

Part Two:

“Our freedom is not free. There is a price to pay, and some veterans pay with the remaining parts of their lives.”

–Vietnam War veteran, Altorlee Stokes, Jr.

District Attorney Tim Harris is dedicated to the success of the Veterans Treament Court’ s success. He notes of veterans:

“They literally put their lives on the line for us. Once they come into the criminal justice system, they deserve to be looked at in a different way. We want to bring justice and hope to turn their lives around. We want to show some appreciation for what they’ve done.”

The veterans court was created in December of 2008, after Smith observed a similar court in Buffalo, N.Y. and became convinced of its effectiveness.

Smith said “If you have a veteran, and that person can look to the left and the right and see participants who have been through the same experiences, it makes a difference in how that person feels and progresses in the program.”

Common underlying factors are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury related to combat. Continue reading 'Court’s Mission- Helping Suffering Veterans'»

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By Charlene Rubush, May 7, 2010 4:09 pm

Part One:

In an article by Ginnie Graham, titled “The War at Home,” we learn that the National Drug Court Institute considers the “Veterans Treatment Court” in Tulsa, to be a model court. Four courts are being considered for the distinction.

Getting the distinction means getting a grant and visitors who will come, and want to start programs in other jurisdictions. At the court, Graham observed that some men stood at parade rest as they appeared before Tulsa Special Judge Sarah Day Smith. Others leaned on their crutches or walkers or stood close to military attention.

The veterans are from six different wars and range widely in age. They also battle addictions leading to problems with their families, housing and brushes with the law. Continue reading 'Veterans Treatment Court Considered Country Model'»

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By Charlene Rubush, May 6, 2010 4:57 pm

We do believe when we stand together as a nation, we can make a difference

and help out troops adjust to their new life at home.-

The Grant Humanitarian Foundation

Corte Madera, California

Elena Grant has received many blessings in her own life. Her grandmother, Lurline Matson Roth and her mother, Berenice Spalding, passed on their family tradition of nurturing, cultivating, and giving back to community and society.

In 1975, Elena’s grandmother set an admirable example when she donated her Filoli family home, complete with furnishings and formal gardens, to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, for the enjoyment and inspiration of future generations.

Lurline Matson Roth’s father, William Matson (1849-1917) was the founder of the Matson Navigation Company. Mrs. Roth also served as the president of the San Francisco Chapter of the Red Cross during World War II. Continue reading 'Elena Grant – Combat Relief for Returning Soldiers'»

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By Charlene Rubush, May 4, 2010 4:42 pm

Part One:

I’m continually amazed by the growing resources for combat veterans and their families.

I’ve recently become aware of “Combat Relief,” which is a mission of “The Grant Humanitarian Foundation” based in San Francisco, California. From the website, we learn:

The Grant Humanitarian Foundation’s mission is to care for America’s military men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Specifically, the Foundation helps nurture back to health American troops suffering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Continue reading 'PTSD-Affected Returning Combat Vets – Combat Relief'»

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By Charlene Rubush, May 3, 2010 1:12 pm

In an article by Mike Clary, of the Sun Sentinel (May 02, 2010) we learn of the ways communication between soldiers and family have changed.

When Sgt. James Root first went to war with the Florida National Guard in 1991, he and his wife exchanged handwritten letters. Oftentimes those letters took three weeks to travel between Kuwait and Pembroke Pines. Amanda Root notes, “It was old news before it got there.”

Root is now on his third war-zone deployment with the 124^th Infantry Regiment. He and other South Florida soldiers on a mission to Iraq, (yet who are stationed at a base in Kuwait) stay in touch with daily e-mails, instant messaging, updates on Facebook, and calls over Kuwait cell phones. Plus video conferencing through Skype is become increasingly common. Continue reading 'New Technologies Help Florida National Guard Soldiers Keep in Touch with Family'»

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By Charlene Rubush, May 1, 2010 10:29 pm

Part One:

In an April 20^th, 2010 article by Brian Vastag, published in “Scientific American” we learn of an exciting research study sponsored by the nonprofit Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).

The 21-patient study launched in 2004, was the first U.S. clinical trial of a psychedelic drug in 35 years. One of the study participants, Michael Bledsoe (not his real name) was a former Army Ranger who had worked as a security contractor in Iraq.

In 2007, Bledsoe’s back and feet were broken when a roadside bomb exploded, while  chasing insurgents through Anbar province. His high-paying military career was over.
Continue reading 'Researchers Report Positive Results Using MDMA For Relieving PTSD In Combat Veterans and Late-Stage Cancer Patients'»