On this day 91 years ago, the Armistice ended World War I.  Today, as our nation fights two prolonged wars, we pause and give thanks to those who took an oath to defend our Constitution.

This Veterans Day we also have a rare opportunity to raise awareness about the mental health needs of our service members, veterans, and families.  For example, of the two million U.S. service members deployed to the two war zones since 2001, researchers at Stanford University estimated 500,000 or more Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are likely to return home with mental health conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This Veterans Day, we also try to understand why Dr. Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army Major and military-trained psychiatrist, stands accused of murdering 13 fellow soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas.  The tragic and deplorable shootings further exacerbate mental health conditions and thin the already overstretched ranks of mental healthcare providers.

VCS FOIA Campaign News

As more and more service members deploy to war and redeploy home, the scope of the healthcare crisis among our veterans continues to worsen.  To learn more, please read this superb new essay by Kelley Vlahos quoting Veterans for Common Sense. 

Using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), VCS obtains information from the military and VA so you have the best facts. This Veterans Day, please support our FOIA campaign with a donation.

VCS Fights for Troops and Veterans

When the shooting rampage erupted at Fort Hood last Thursday, VCS leaders were meeting with the Senate Armed Services Committee staff discussing the significant unmet mental health needs among our service members, veterans, and their families.

Our list of concerns included the need for more military mental healthcare providers, the need for universal, mandatory medical exams before and after going to war, and the need for a stronger anti-stigma message to encourage our soldiers and veterans to seek care.

This Veterans Day, please support our advocacy efforts on behalf of our service members, veterans, and families.

Fort Carson Murders Warned of Trouble

The military has set a new and tragic record for completed suicides every year since 2001, strong evidence of morale, leadership, training, and healthcare woes.  There are clusters of suicides and homicides at Army posts such as Fort Carson, where 14 soldiers stand accused in 11 slayings, revealing a clear pattern of escalating violence at and near military posts well known to top military leaders for several years.

Rolling Stone reporter L. Christopher Smith wrote a very detailed investigation, “The Fort Carson Murder Spree: Soldiers returning from Iraq have been charged in at least 11 murders at America's third-largest Army base. Did the military's own negligence contribute to the slayings?”

As the New York Times reported this week, Fort Hood is part of a pattern of homicide and suicide long-recognized and highlighted by advocates.

Fort Hood Advocate Predicted More Problems

While no one can predict someone firing 100 rounds at fellow soldiers, at least one nationally recognized veterans’ advocate issued a dire warning last year: Carissa Picard wrote a superb esssay.

Investigative News: DoD and VA Still Fall Short

The Washington Post reported about how, even after the Walter Reed scandal, both DoD and VA systems remain unable to provide prompt access to high-quality care.

In addition, iinvestigative reporter Tara McKelvey wrote a shocking article, including an interview with VCS, describing how a few political appointees in the past administration may have hindered access to mental healthcare and benefits for all our veterans.

Enjoy Veterans Day – Thank and Welcome Home a Veteran

This week, Veterans Day offers us a rare opportunity for communities and religious institutions to welcome home all our veterans and listen to their stories and their concerns.  Ask your community group or spiritual congregation to take a moment this week – and every week – and welcome home our veterans.

VCS remains a nationally-recognized leader on issues you care about.  This Veterans Day, please help us so we can help improve access to healthcare and benefits for our veterans.

Thank You for Your Support, Veterans for Common Sense