Posted on Nov 18, 2014
I would like to address the "White Elephant" in the room; PTSD and the being awarded the Purple Heart
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The topic has been addressed over the latter half of our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan; never really gaining merit or substantial backing by the DOD, or within the Federal Govt. It continues to resurface from time to time, mostly from a local news reporter, or following a documentary that covers PTSD.
NOTE: Given the professionalism shown on RallyPoint, I feel that my personal experiences are worth the risk of "putting myself out there."
Nonetheless, I have always stayed silent when this topic came up for discussion; I will explain in a moment. Having been deployed to both Iraq, and Afghanistan, with "eyes-on", and first hand experience of what combat and war feels like; I can tell you that I will never be the same.
As to why I stayed silent whenever this topic came up...to be honest, after my last tour in Afghanistan, I came back to a living nightmare; for almost two years my life was destroyed.
Of all the WIA that I worked on, and the KIA's we lost, I always mourned them in my own way during the deployments. I admit now that I didn't deal with any of it properly, I just pushed it somewhere else.
My last tour in Afghanistan was my breaking point. I lost a very close friend during a suicide attack; the casualties were immense, and the KIA's we sustained were many. I was fine, all of the medics were working as best they could to save as many as we could...hours had gone by, loading the WIA's on the birds, taking care of the walking wounded, etc. As the Senior medic and NCO, I was ordered to attend to the KIA's, try to identify, and prepare them for pickup. I didn't think anything of it...I just did what needed to be done.
I don't need to tell you details to make my point, but it was here that I found my friend. It was a complete life changing moment; one that caused a slow decline into a very dark place. That was only 4 months into that tour...
When I returned home, my command became increasingly worried about some of the issues that were quickly arising with me, so I agreed to go talk to someone. After multiple sessions, I was told that I have severe PTSD and informed that the Army has a limited timeframe as to how long a Soldier can stay on AD status once diagnosed; however, if the Soldiers PTSD can become manageable, the Soldier can continue their service.
Months later, it was suggested that I accept the Commands recommendation to start the MEB process...
My story isn't unfamiliar, and I only divulged enough to give brevity to "PTSD" and what it can do to someone who had a great career.
I feel that today, the (long-overdue) acknowledgment and services geared towards helping those who suffer from PTSD are immensely gratifying, e.g. The VA already pays a SM for having PTSD, there are a number of programs that help SMs diagnosed with PTSD, Hotlines, etc.
Our military has dedicated an immense amount of resources, education, time and money into the Mental Health system in order to deal with the overwhelming amount of PTSD cases that are present throughout all the services.
What more could someone ask for?
Bottom line, my stance...I am not an advocate for the Purple Heart to be awarded to those who suffer from PTSD. What do you think?
NOTE: Given the professionalism shown on RallyPoint, I feel that my personal experiences are worth the risk of "putting myself out there."
Nonetheless, I have always stayed silent when this topic came up for discussion; I will explain in a moment. Having been deployed to both Iraq, and Afghanistan, with "eyes-on", and first hand experience of what combat and war feels like; I can tell you that I will never be the same.
As to why I stayed silent whenever this topic came up...to be honest, after my last tour in Afghanistan, I came back to a living nightmare; for almost two years my life was destroyed.
Of all the WIA that I worked on, and the KIA's we lost, I always mourned them in my own way during the deployments. I admit now that I didn't deal with any of it properly, I just pushed it somewhere else.
My last tour in Afghanistan was my breaking point. I lost a very close friend during a suicide attack; the casualties were immense, and the KIA's we sustained were many. I was fine, all of the medics were working as best they could to save as many as we could...hours had gone by, loading the WIA's on the birds, taking care of the walking wounded, etc. As the Senior medic and NCO, I was ordered to attend to the KIA's, try to identify, and prepare them for pickup. I didn't think anything of it...I just did what needed to be done.
I don't need to tell you details to make my point, but it was here that I found my friend. It was a complete life changing moment; one that caused a slow decline into a very dark place. That was only 4 months into that tour...
When I returned home, my command became increasingly worried about some of the issues that were quickly arising with me, so I agreed to go talk to someone. After multiple sessions, I was told that I have severe PTSD and informed that the Army has a limited timeframe as to how long a Soldier can stay on AD status once diagnosed; however, if the Soldiers PTSD can become manageable, the Soldier can continue their service.
Months later, it was suggested that I accept the Commands recommendation to start the MEB process...
My story isn't unfamiliar, and I only divulged enough to give brevity to "PTSD" and what it can do to someone who had a great career.
I feel that today, the (long-overdue) acknowledgment and services geared towards helping those who suffer from PTSD are immensely gratifying, e.g. The VA already pays a SM for having PTSD, there are a number of programs that help SMs diagnosed with PTSD, Hotlines, etc.
Our military has dedicated an immense amount of resources, education, time and money into the Mental Health system in order to deal with the overwhelming amount of PTSD cases that are present throughout all the services.
What more could someone ask for?
Bottom line, my stance...I am not an advocate for the Purple Heart to be awarded to those who suffer from PTSD. What do you think?
Wounded Warriors
PTSD
Purple Heart
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 14
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I don't think it should be given based on having PTSD alone, but I do think something should be done to acknowledge those who have it. Especially if they're forced to end their military career because of it.
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SFC Keith Frain
ty, those who replied are all in agreement with how the PH, should be awarded to those individuals with PTSD. I am such an analytical person
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SFC Keith Frain
I forgot the equation pertaining to "What was the service member like before their tour of Duty?" The only quandary that keeps coming up.. how could I face my peers with the same medal when I was lucky to keep ally limbs... but an unforeseen ailment gave me the same war time honor. I really do appreciate your commenting, it was a very long and hard decision for me to post my question... and personal life. vr
Keith
Keith
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SFC Keith Frain
Awesome response, right now I am taking the kids to the gym; I owe you an equally insightful response. Have a great day.
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I do think a person should be awarded for PTSD regarding combat period, however as someone stated already you earn the PH from injuries seen and unseen just my 2 cents. Thank you for your service
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SFC Keith Frain
Good morning SFC Drake, ty for the comment. I will admit that I failed to think about what you proposed, as well as PO1. A part of me still wants to deny that something "unseen" could ruin my life. I have always lived by personal commitment and a can do attitude... my life is slowly becoming my own. I just explained to a long time friend that I was terribly sorry for ignoring any contact with old buddies or civilian friends from my past because of the shell that I became. obviously I am in a different place, as to why I am looking for answers from you, and the others. Thank you for doing your part. We have to stick together...even when those who don't want to, we have to impress our assistance. vr Keith
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I am a 100% P & T disabled vet (PTSD) according to the VA. This said, I can see that the PH could be warranted in some cases. I don't see that it would ever happen. With the number of service members being diagnosed with PTSD, it is a numbers thing and boils down to money and policy. The DOD has refused to authorize a Cold War Service Medal because it would cost too much to issue to all of the millions of cold war era vets. So too would it cost too much to issue the PH to 1/4 of all deployed service members returning from Irag and Afghanistan, not to mention the Vietnam vets that have been ignored for so long. I realize from personal experience that PTSD can be just as devastating to someone's life as I imagine the impact of losing a limb would. I just don't see the feasibility of awarding the PH for PTSD (as much as many vets diagnosed with PTSD deserve on). Stay tough and keep fighting. As Winston Churchill said, "Never give up, never surrender."
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