Veterans: Help is on the way

In a recent article in the New York Times it was reported that legislation was passed to eliminate the huge hurdle that veterans face regarding thier claims for recieving assistance with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Prior to the legislation soldiers were required to provide specific documentation of the incident which initiated the spiral of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Not surprising that more than 50 % of the claims are denied.  Perhaps not for the symptomology but for the lack of paperwork required.  Although I would like that the symptology itself move us to action.

What puzzles me is the conflict that pits soldiers against thier own goverment and civilians by extension. Where is our collective will to provide any and all soldiers access to treatment as part of our committment to honor thier service?  I would propose that we look at the training that soldiers recieve as the first step in their vulnerability to developing symptoms of PTSD. They are afterall trained to kill. We have already begun to develop a part of thier psyche in an extreme way, one not easily disidentified from. Furthermore I would contend that part of the healing that needs to take place is not only in the psyches of soldiers but in the relationship between veterans and civilians. Thier acts belong to us. Thier psyches live in our collective psyche as well. 
 
Our organization, Intersections International, has developed and hosts Veteran Civilian Dialogues to address this very issue.