Will they take away my firearm?

Larry Pruitt — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 09:23:08 -0400

As a mental health provider focused on suicide prevention, formerly on a Department of Defense (DoD) installation, and now for the Veterans Health Administration (VA), I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard some variation of “I can’t tell my doctor these things because they’ll take away my firearm.”

So, bottom line up front, a mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, etc.), your primary care doctor, really anyone in the healthcare field, cannot legally remove, or have your firearm removed. Only law enforcement personnel has the authority to make that decision and take action on it (unless you’re on a military installation in which case you’re subject to the policies of that installation and Service regarding privately owned firearms). In fact, even in most states with Extreme Risk Protection Orders, medical or mental health professionals are not legally able to initiate the firearm removal process, it has to come from the individual, a family member, or the police themselves.

One of the pillars of behavioral and medical care is patient confidentiality—healthcare providers are legally and ethically bound to protect their patient’s privacy, with just a few exceptions involving life-threatening circumstances. Unless you state that you’re in imminent danger of harming yourself or someone else, what you say during a medical appointment must stay in that appointment. Military providers are bound to those same rules, with the exception that commanders may receive information about a Service member’s fitness for duty, and there is a formal process for how and what information can be shared. Thus, a behavioral health provider cannot reach out to the police with concerns about your firearms, except in those extreme situations where they feel that danger is imminent. Doing so, outside of those emergency situations, would violate federal Privacy Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements.

So, why does this myth persist? I think that, in part, this is because we’ve all heard a story where someone’s firearms may have been removed…but it’s likely that there are nuanced details of those situations that aren’t always appreciated. The other piece is that it’s common practice for a behavioral health provider to ask a Service member or Veteran, pretty bluntly, if they own a firearm or have access to them. That question has a very specific purpose regarding risk assessment for suicide. But because it can sometimes be asked without much context as to ‘why’ it’s being asked, it can seem kind of threatening.

What’s likely to happen if you say “yes” to that question? Well, the provider is most likely going to ask some follow up questions like whether you practice safe firearm ownership behaviors, if you have had recent thoughts about harming yourself or someone else, and where you keep your firearm (in a safe/lockbox/locked up or not) and how you store it (loaded/unloaded). Talking about these things will not result in you losing your firearm, but it will likely result in a conversation about your safety. The provider may even ask you to spend some time creating a plan for how to minimize the chances that your firearm will be used to end your own life. This is a collaborative process, and you have a say in everything that goes into that safety plan.

Safety is an interesting word in this context and can mean totally different things for the firearm owner than what the healthcare provider is intending. Typically, when a behavioral health provider talks about firearm safety, we’re talking about the use- and storage- of firearms in a manner with the lowest likelihood of accidental or intentional self-harm.

And the reasons why are pretty clear. Seventy percent of all Veteran suicides occur from self-directed use of a firearm. The same is true in about 65 percent of military suicides, and 50 percent of civilian suicides. In Washington State, for example, 78% of all firearm related deaths in any given year are suicides. Further, we know some really important pieces of information about suicide:

- 71% of those who’ve attempted suicide routinely report that the impulse/thought occurred no more than an hour prior to the behavior, and 24% say those thoughts happened only 5 minutes before the behavior.

- It’s commonly reported that feelings of regret/second guessing/and an immediate change in perspective occur in the moments immediately following a suicide attempt. In fact 90% of those who survive a suicide attempt don’t go on to later die by suicide.

- In the majority of cases (over 70%), removing highly lethal methods of planned suicide does not result in another method being used.

It seems pretty clear to me that safe storage of firearms can save lives. And safe storage shouldn’t be news to anyone who’s learned Colonel Cooper’s Four Universal Rules of Safe Firearm Handling:

1. All guns are always loaded (Even if they’re not, treat them as if they are).
2. Never let a gun point at anything you don’t intend to shoot, kill, or destroy.
3. Keep your finger off of the trigger until you are on target and intend to fire.
4. Be sure of your target plus what is around, and behind, it.

The values imparted by these rules extend to keeping ourselves safe from suicide. If you’re struggling, talk to a professional. Have a conversation about firearm safety, and make sure that they know what you consider safe, and what you don’t. Be willing to listen to why they may be approaching safety a little differently, and understand that any changes they suggest do not have to be permanent, but they may be exactly what’s needed in that moment.

And remember, in a moment of crisis you can always reach out to the Military and Veteran Crisis Line at [login to see] . Press 1 to reach a Military/Veteran responder.

For anyone who wants to find help in their area, there is a treatment locator available here https://rly.pt/VCLresources

You can also text them as well, just text 838255

VCLresources

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 4 at 2020 9:54 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 09:54:30 -0400

Thank you for the share.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2020 10:15 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 10:15:50 -0400

There are situations where you are required to surrender your firearms. If you are rated incompetent to handle your finances by VA, the Brady Bill requires you to surrender your weapons.

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made Aug 4 at 2020 10:22 AM

SGT Steve McFarland — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 10:22:23 -0400

My answer to "Do you have a gun?" is "None of your business."

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Aug 4 at 2020 10:28 AM

TSgt George Rodriguez — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 10:28:12 -0400

Non of my doctors have questioned me about my guns. They know I carry all the time. Besides being licensed to carry concealed I have a license for armed security issued by and trained by the state of Oklahoma. The qualifications for that license required me to take a mental test the same for any active policeman or sheriff.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Aug 4 at 2020 10:42 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 10:42:00 -0400

The safe thing to do is never answer the question. Period. It is no ones business if you own weapons legally. Perhaps one of the reasons guns are used in suicide is they are an available means to use. Do we really think that those determined to kill themselves will not find a way?

I have seen the recent ads from the Department of Veterans Affairs on "safe weapons" and they are complete BS. Keeping a weapon unloaded and locked away and the ammo stored in a different location than the weapon makes paper weights out of them.

This is merely another avenue in the "safety" screed hurled out by society today. I prefer liberty over safety.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 4 at 2020 12:51 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 12:51:12 -0400

My brother worked a long career running live concerts for many big names. He was always in that console area up in the audience. His perspective on being asked about guns was the same as the rental car guy asking if he wanted insurance. He'd just say he wanted the coverage so if he kills a family of five, he won't get a phone call. His varied quips over the years had interesting results, like always being excused from jury duty. Ask him about guns at your own intellectual peril. As for me, I live in a rural area where about 70% of the men and 40% of the women pack. Being on the ISIS hit list, we knew the pastor would get off the first shots because he had the best view of the door. We had over time some issue with what's now called PTSD and its effects including suicide. We rescued a severely abused dog from one of these instances. Max is doing much better two years on. In these cases, the LEOs were glad to assist family in removing firearms, but otherwise stayed out of it. Getting involved with this stuff is like football. Three things can happen, and two of them are bad.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 4 at 2020 1:12 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 13:12:46 -0400

Larry Pruitt: Dear Larry, if I may indeed address you by your first name, I have responded in kind before: the phone number for The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is as follows: [login to see] .
Please Press the Number One (1) for: Active Duty troops; and, for Veterans.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Aug 4 at 2020 1:28 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 13:28:55 -0400

The answer is “quite possibly “. The narrative today is that guns are bad. Veterans are dangerous. Liberal activists are seeking more and more infringement of the second amendment every day.
How many firearms someone has, how they store them etc is nobody’s business but the owner.
If someone is flagged in the system as “a person prohibited “ there is a real chance that they may then have additional related problems because of that “flag”.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Aug 4 at 2020 6:13 PM

PO3 John Jeter — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 18:13:06 -0400

I simply decline to answer any questions concerning firearms. I have heard of a couple of instances where the “red flag” laws are up for modification to include neighbors, coworkers, and Healthcare providers among those who can file a report of concern. I have no information on the outcome of those efforts. With the agenda driven media we now have I won’t speculate on lack of info on the subject. I have an inherent dislike about red flag laws while recognizing the good intent. I just believe they’re more harmful than helpful.

Response by PFC Lisa McDonald made Aug 4 at 2020 10:47 PM

PFC Lisa McDonald — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 22:47:00 -0400

Maybe I am wrong or just over trained I don't feel the need to own a fire arm. Even to go hunting or for target practice you don't need one. I don't believe you need one for home defense either.
I also believe god forbid there is a civil war there will be plenty of free guns and ammo to pick from the bodies.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 7:36 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 07:36:01 -0400

This is often a concern of active duty troops seeking behavioral health treatment. I don't see the issue. People are free to divulge their firearm ownership if they so choose, but they are also free to keep their mouths shut.

Personally, I lost all my guns in a tragic offshore boating accident in about 1200 feet of water...

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 5 at 2020 4:08 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 16:08:56 -0400

You are not whollu inaccurate. But you are wildly misleading. In many juriadictions certain mental health diagnoses automatically trigger oss of 2nd Amendment rights or at least hearing about said loss. Therefore in order to avoid that possibility, one must avoid the diagnosis, which means not saying shit to your therapist. It is not the therapist's fault. Unfortunately, the mental health field seems to be ambivalent about this, when actively fighting these laws would help to increase candor and attendance at mental health appointments.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2020 6:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 18:41:13 -0400

Thank you Sir, this was a great read especially considering I am doing my Masters Thesis on a similar topic.

Response by Sgt Jack Bain made Aug 5 at 2020 11:43 PM

Sgt Jack Bain — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 23:43:17 -0400

I have been asked that many times over the years and at first said no. I told them upfront If I say you'll be taking them. They assured me they didn't want my weapons. I have PTSD and was under the care of my shrink until three months ago. I have had periods of depression and many thoughts of wanting to be free of my pain. Trying to service-connected back surgery to fix their back surgery is tough. Along with nerve damage pain, I have wanted to just go to sleep by a bullet. The VA knew and still didn't that my weapons. They have me on a load of pills and if a doctor puts another one on me it seems to not set well with the others and cause grief. I'm 70 and the Covid is holding up surgery, and I would take the long sleep as an option. The wife does like that. That should answer your question.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Aug 7 at 2020 7:49 AM

1SG James Kelly — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 07:49:32 -0400

And if you believe that, I have a bridge.

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Aug 7 at 2020 8:46 PM

CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 20:46:51 -0400

Patient Confidentiality is a Very Important Issue, however, so is the Welfare of Your Patient. Suicidal Patients or Patients with Suicidal Thoughts need to be taken and treated seriously. Sadly, most people that die from suicide, don’t tell anyone about themselves. There is no stopping this type of Suicide. Reporting suicidal patients and taking weapons away will not necessarily Successfully prevent them from dying either. This is a very Serious Crisis that’s going on with Americans in general and Veterans in particular. Everyone needs a Lifeline of Trust, Caring, and Love. Close Family and Friends can help a lot by noticing small changes in behavior and actions. And, Yes, there are medicines that can help some patients with mental issues but it takes a strong and close Doctor/Patient relationship. I’ve seen it many times while serving but still don’t know the answers as to how to stop or eliminate the potential of a person truly set on Suicide. Sadly, You help those who want help. Just my humble opinion. May God Bless Y’all Always

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Aug 8 at 2020 2:23 PM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 14:23:45 -0400

Every time there is a mass shooting, the most common response from the pro-gun folks is: just some nut with a gun.
Should we not identify and safeguard against said "nut?"

Response by PO2 David Ball made Aug 17 at 2020 12:29 AM

PO2 David Ball — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 00:29:55 -0400

It is not a myth... Ever heard of red flag laws??? Oh, wait! I guess not.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2020 1:55 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 01:55:57 -0400

What is more important here, saving a life by removing access to firearms or keeping your guns only to do the deed when no one is looking? I've personally been on both sides of this issue and for my health and well being it's just safer to stay away from guns that would tempt me to end my life before God is ready to call me home. Trust me, I understand the right to bear arms is paramount in most circles, but you really are more likely to do yourself harm than stop a revolution. For me, this is a spiritual decision intended to prolong my life. My brother-in-law bought a handgun on a whim and later when he was feeling the blues he took his own life with a shot to head or chest I can't remember which, but he had powder burns on his skin because the barrel was so close. He was divorced and going through depression apparently when he was visiting the family. Mind you this guy was prior service and was a really good shot. I know because him and myself went shooting in the field one day a few weeks before he did the deed. Myself, I have been asked the question too and family members would wind up securing them somewhere away from me for safekeeping. Going shooting at the range I have had the thought cross my mind "what if I just ended it right here" Since then I have sold my boomsticks and got rid of gun safe and all my reloading gear. But of course there are those die hard fanatics who will not give em up, no matter what, bad choice in my opinion. Honestly, I think the mental health professionals are right to have law enforcement intervene especially when a person has confessed thoughts of suicide. Guys, I know the gun ownership in this country is a right and tradition even in some families, but at the cost of your own life? surely there has got to be a better way.

Response by A1C Thomas Hudson made Aug 21 at 2020 1:10 AM

A1C Thomas Hudson — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 01:10:33 -0400

You are missing some very important details. About 10 years ago the VA had announced that the VA would be sharing information with the FBI and Homeland Security about veterans with firearms. One would argue that violates privacy issues. However, the general public does realized that the VA is a government department and Volunteers to complied with HIPAA and the Commission on Acredidation. The laws did not include the federal government or Congress themselves. There are a lot of law enforcement stopped going to the VA after that infear that if you piss someone off at the VA then they can raise your PTSD rating to over 50% and that means that you will lost your professional license

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Aug 26 at 2020 7:34 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 07:34:50 -0400

Are you a responsible gun-owner, who purchased their fire-arm legally, and haven't done things like recklessly brandish your fire-arm on people like the couple in Missouri did? If your answer is yes, yes, and no(in that order), then you have very FEW worries.

Response by MAJ Brian Miller made Aug 26 at 2020 4:33 PM

MAJ Brian Miller — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 16:33:42 -0400

Totally concur with below about if asked "Do you have a gun?" Don't tell them anything, but you should know your rights and what would happen if you are considered a high risk. This is an interesting article coming from a providers point of view, but if you are a Veteran who is drawing VA disability compensation for PTSD you may want to checkout your State Gun Owners's regulations regarding your specific situation. It's great to be defiant, but you better know the consequences and be prepared.

See below:

https://ptsdlawyers.com/blog/can-veteran-ptsd-gun/#:~:text=PTSD%20Veterans%20and%20Gun%20Rights&text=There%20are%20also%20prohibitions%20against,laid%20forth%20in%2018%20U.S.C.&text=If%20the%20VA%20determines%20that,amount%20of%20disability%20benefits%20due

Berry's Law-Veterans Law Attorneys

Veterans with PTSD and Gun Ownership: Get Help Now
Specific gun laws differ in each state and often at the county or city level, so it is essential to review local statutes or contact a PTSD attorney to discuss the unique gun laws in the area where you reside. An attorney can ensure that you are given correct information in regard to your PTSD and gun rights. During your consultation, it is important to bring all of your medical records, your disability determination, and any relevant paperwork that might assist your attorney in reviewing your case.

After thorough research has been conducted, you may find that you are eligible to own a weapon, or your local laws may put restrictions on ownership or even forbid it. Either way, it is important to find out so that you can remain in compliance with the law and not risk a criminal charge for illegally possessing a firearm.

Page not found | PTSD Lawyers

The page you were looking for appears to have been moved, deleted or does not exist. Go back to the previous page, go straight to our homepage or contact us now.

Response by Angela Bates made Aug 26 at 2020 5:29 PM

Angela Bates — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 17:29:59 -0400

Working for Veterans and reading the research and statistics on not only how many civilians, but the alarming number of Veterans who take their lives via firearms and then seeing the comments on this post and those the VA puts out about lethal means safety is concerning to me. Firearms are so instant. Will those who want to take their lives find other means? Perhaps, but the number of people seen in my local hospital ER who took a whole bottle of pills or harmed themselves with sharps objects and then changed their minds was astronomical. Those who chose a gun couldn't call 911 and undo what they did. In the darkest moments, you can still have regrets about your actions, but some of those actions cannot be undone. My own mother was suicidal many years ago and kept trying to leave the house to buy a gun, but we wouldn't let her. She would have easily walked in, had a simple background check, and left with a gun. She is alive today because we didn't let her go. If we hadn't, she would not be here, I can assure you.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 28 at 2020 12:41 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 12:41:38 -0400

I think a lot of this goes back to things said in the Senate a few years ago: https://www.factcheck.org/2013/04/twisting-feinsteins-words-on-military-vets/

Twisting Feinstein's Words on Military Vets - FactCheck.org

Did Sen. Dianne Feinstein say all military veterans are mentally ill and should not be allowed to own guns?

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Sep 12 at 2020 8:31 PM

MSgt Allen Chandler — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 20:31:45 -0400

The fact that the question is asked (Will they take my gun) Shows how difficult the situation is. I do not own any guns. That does not mean I am against anyone having a gun. There are many legitimate reasons for owning a weapon that’s capable of killing somebody. I know many people who are responsible well balanced citizens who I have no problem with them owning one or more guns. At the same time I know many people that because they owned guns it frightens me. You’re not well balanced do not well disciplined FYI off the handle easily and they’re just plain scary. I am not a legal expert nor am I am in a health expert but I do believe the commonsense tells us there are some people that should not have guns. And before anybody gets into the Second Amendment question. Every court in the country including the Supreme Court and every law-enforcement body in the country from the local sheriff to Federal Bureau of investigation‘s has said there are cases where an individual should not be allowed to have guns and that we can tell them not to have guns. If you’re in jail you do not have a right to a gun if you were on Parole you usually do not have a right to gun. The second amendment like everything Hass to be taken with a bit of common sense. Your first amendment right to freedom of speech ends at my nose. They take my gun. If you’re in mental health counseling hopefully you have some confidence in your mental health provider. If you don’t have that type of confidence to trust him or her with this kind of a conversation it might be best for you to look for another provider.

Response by Sgt James S. made Sep 17 at 2020 12:09 AM

Sgt James S. — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:09:55 -0400

Yeaaahhhh....that's going to be a "no" from me on this. Even if the author of this article is being genuine (albeit incredibly naive) and would never contemplate unjustly referring someone to the authorities as being at-risk, there are too many examples of anti-2A health professionals doing exactly that for any intelligent gun owner to trust that it won't happen to them.

Bottom line: DO NOT answer any question about firearm ownership posed by a healthcare provider unless they also happen to be a shooting buddy of yours (in which case, they wouldn't need to ask!). Whether you own firearms is not relevant to diagnosing whatever ailment you're there to see them about and it has nothing to do with treating your ailment.

"...So, bottom line up front, a mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, etc.), your primary care doctor, really anyone in the healthcare field, cannot legally remove, or have your firearm removed..."

No, they can't--but they *are* the ones who call the police and report you as being an at-risk (or even incompetent) individual, and then law enforcement shows up at your door to take your guns. There have been far too many reports of that occurring for this to be called a "myth." Heck, there are already other people in the comments section of this very article who have posted such stories from personal experience.

"...Thus, a behavioral health provider cannot reach out to the police with concerns about your firearms, except in those extreme situations where they feel that danger is imminent..."

That is a subjective measure, entirely open to the interpretation of the provider. Anti-2A people have irrational fear issues about firearms to begin with, and many consider firearm ownership inherently dangerous--some of them even consider it to be a sign of mental illness. You really expect people to blindly trust that a total stranger healthcare provider isn't an anti-2A activist?

"...The other piece is that it’s common practice for a behavioral health provider to ask a Service member or Veteran, pretty bluntly, if they own a firearm or have access to them. That question has a very specific purpose regarding risk assessment for suicide..."

It's neither appropriate nor relevant to diagnosing a legitimate health condition to ask a patient about firearm ownership, nor are most healthcare professionals qualified to even discuss firearms, let alone firearm safety. Furthermore, even if a suicidal person *were* to keep their guns locked up and unloaded, they are still perfectly capable of opening the gun safe and loading the gun before pulling the trigger. "Safe storage" does little or nothing to prevent suicide while at the same time rendering those guns useless or even inaccessible for defense in case of an emergency situation where seconds are critical.

"...And safe storage shouldn’t be news to anyone who’s learned Colonel Cooper’s Four Universal Rules of Safe Firearm Handling..."

Those 4 rules have zero to do with "safe storage"; they're about safe handling practices. You are still compliant with all 4 rules even if your storage routine consists of the classic "loaded long gun hanging up over the door or fireplace mantle" routine.

I have to question the author's qualifications on the topic of firearms and firearms safety.

Response by MSG Lonnie Averkamp made Sep 21 at 2020 2:47 PM

MSG Lonnie Averkamp — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 14:47:16 -0400

There are too many Politically Correct Doctors and Therapists who believe that their power trumps the U.S. Constitution. There may be occasions when it would be good to consider (temporarily) separating an individual from a means of hurting himself, but liberal states have made it an excuse to PERMANENTLY deprive the individual of his Firearms Rights. To make things worse, in order to overturn the decision, the individual would often need to take the issue before a non-sympathetic left-leaning Judge (who is nothing more than a sleazy Attorney, all grown-up, and believes that he possesses Constitution-Trumping Omniscient Knowledge -- sorry, 22 years of Law Enforcement Experience talking).

Response by PO2 Ed Taylor made Oct 11 at 2020 8:07 AM

PO2 Ed Taylor — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 08:07:34 -0400

As far as any weapon is concerned, there has always been and will continue to be observed by any member of the U.S. MILITARY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A DOUBLE STANSARDS. Not only does a member of the military have to adhere to LOCAL, COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL laws rules and regulations but is also regulated by the UCMJ, BASE cOMMAND REGULATIONS, UNIT REGS. A LOCAL INFRINGEMENT CAN MEAN ( DOUBLE JERPORDY ) FOR THE MILITARY INDIVIDUAL CONCERNED This means you can be tried twice for the same infringement no matter how large or small Once by civilian court and once by UCMJ or military tribunal.
PO2/SGT ED TAYLOR US NAVY/US ARMY AND ARNG TRAINING NCO

Response by SFC Joe Walsh made Oct 21 at 2020 8:43 PM

SFC Joe Walsh — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:43:30 -0400

NOT TRUE! In Pennsylvania and several other states, a healthcare worker, family member or Law Enforcement can have a person involuntarily incarcerated for a mental health evaluation. If that happens, say goodbye to your firearms.

Response by SMSgt David A Asbury made Oct 21 at 2020 11:47 PM

SMSgt David A Asbury — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 23:47:18 -0400

Do you tell the truth or can they check?

Response by PO2 John Deal made Oct 26 at 2020 12:37 PM

PO2 John Deal — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 12:37:14 -0400

I have no doubt, as to your credentials, however, based on the unchecked medical malfeasance, neglect and lack of concern for veterans rights as it pertains to HIPPA, and other “legal” guidelines, many VISN’s and facilities nationwide have been complicit in gross violations where in a Veteran was reported as a threat, when none actually existed, as well as providers relying on second hand information from family members or acquaintances without ANY VERIFICATION resulting in assets being seized, firearms removed, or even their benefits/C&P being placed in the care of an attorney without due process. Until the current Administration took office and invoked Presidential Executive Orders for VA ACCOUNTABILITY, there was NO RECOURSE for large numbers of Veterans, without onerous and burdensome financial stresses of having to hire federal attorneys to plead their case. Here in N.C., specifically at the VAMC, Salisbury this was a common practice with their mental health “providers”.
I spent a short time on the Veterans Advisory Board where we advocated for change on behalf of other disabled veterans with this, and many other problems. Being ostracized as a vet from Politicians who think we are all “Right Wing Militants” is one thing, but to have people sworn to provide us with “the best healthcare available” and “thank us for our service” basically strip us of our Constitutional Rights, is completely unacceptable. This problem is compounded by a “system” who thinks we need to be “reprogrammed” and we are all broken, and therefore we all need a “Social Worker” to shower us with “justification” and “affirmations” as to how we are all broken and cannot be trusted to manage our own affairs.
They have made remarkable improvements, however, many still struggle with the undeserved and undue stress of being “placed on a list”, or having basic rights stripped.

The typical “liberal think” of “blame everything on something, but DO NOT hold individual ACCOUNTABLE because you might “HURT THEIR FEELINGS”.

Response by Lt Col Paul Dallemagne made Nov 14 at 2020 1:49 PM

Lt Col Paul Dallemagne — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 13:49:41 -0500

Actually, the New York Safe Act (passed in 2012 I believe), very specifically REQUIRES all healthcare providers, both physical and mental, to report to law enforcement any individual who reports that they own firearms and who they think might be a danger to themselves (emphasis on might). That act has been used repeatedly for law enforcement to show up very quickly and confiscate ALL firearms at the property, whether they are owned by that individual, or by someone else. It is a very lengthy process to then PROVE that you are no longer a danger to yourself. It's even harder for the spouse or roommate to prove they should get their firearms back.

Response by SPC Bill Palmer made Dec 4 at 2020 12:09 AM

SPC Bill Palmer — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 00:09:41 -0500

During the 90's, the Clinton administration was able to pass into federal law that any U.S. citizen diagnosed with any mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc. is not legally authorized to own a firearm of any kind (for home defense, sport, hunting, etc.). Unless that law has been repealed, it is still illegal to own a gun. That is why the guns in my home are owned by my wife, who does not have a diagnosis of a mental health disorder. Of course, if she thought for a moment that I would hurt myself or others, those guns would go bye -bye very quickly.

Response by SSG Greg Miech made Dec 6 at 2020 4:35 AM

SSG Greg Miech — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 04:35:00 -0500

Do the responsible thing and pawn, sell or have someone hold the gun for you. This can be temporary or permanent depending on you situation. Should an alcoholic keep alcohol around? Same with a gun an perhaps you are going through a depression or phase that a gun put somewhere else is better. If the risk seem higher that you will use it on yourself or others, rather than use it for protection, might put it away for awhile.

Response by SSG Bob Teachout made Dec 10 at 2020 8:36 PM

SSG Bob Teachout — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 20:36:01 -0500

If asked - I will not answer - one way or the other.

Response by PFC Ken Mason made Dec 31 at 2020 2:20 AM

PFC Ken Mason — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 02:20:00 -0500

The young lady behind the register at my local gun shop asked me “Why do you want to buy this gun?” I answered “Because it’s not free.” Then she asked “What purpose do you want this gun for?” I answered “To answer questions like that.”

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Feb 8 at 2021 1:52 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 13:52:45 -0500

If you are going to lie to keep your weapon, perhaps I don’t want you to have one

Response by SFC Clifford Brewer made Jul 28 at 2021 7:55 AM

SFC Clifford Brewer — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 07:55:21 -0400

Wow..the author wrote a lot and I am a believer a gum will kill or hurt anyone or anything in front of it..I think a soldier has a family will a serious mental health problem should no have a in his house around his kids or wife..i also think if a behavior counselor think this person is a danger to himself and or in family they should recommend he remove or store his gums outside of his house..I am not a professional but I do read about mental health disorder kills..