Symposium for the Needs of Young Veterans

[smithsr]

In Oct 2006, AMVETS will be hosting a "Symposium for the Needs of Young Veterans". The idea is to to provide recommendations for the leadership of our country, in order to meet the needs of our young Veterans and those in the future.

For now, I am scheduled to be on one of the sub committees for PTSD, under Health Care.

I think I have a few ideas where change could or should be, but I am asking for any addition ideas.

One area where I am concerned with, is the separation code on a person's DD214. I recently learned that the Marine Corps IRAM has no code for PTSD. The separation code for someone being released from service is the same for personnailty disorder. I wonder if this is the same in the other services.

Another area of concern is the time line used by mental providers and the DVA for the diagnois of PTSD. Meaning, while someone may not meet the time line at this moment, they still may suffer under acute stress disorder. By accepting and treating at that point, it may mitagate the PTSD, if not then allow a smoother transistion into treatment for PTSD.


Please provide feedback.
SR Smith+

SR Smith+

[danausmc]

In Oct 2006, AMVETS will be hosting a "Symposium for the Needs of Young Veterans". The idea is to to provide recommendations for the leadership of our country, in order to meet the needs of our young Veterans and those in the future.

For now, I am scheduled to be on one of the sub committees for PTSD, under Health Care.

I think I have a few ideas where change could or should be, but I am asking for any addition ideas.

One area where I am concerned with, is the separation code on a person's DD214. I recently learned that the Marine Corps IRAM has no code for PTSD. The separation code for someone being released from service is the same for personnailty disorder. I wonder if this is the same in the other services.

Another area of concern is the time line used by mental providers and the DVA for the diagnois of PTSD. Meaning, while someone may not meet the time line at this moment, they still may suffer under acute stress disorder. By accepting and treating at that point, it may mitagate the PTSD, if not then allow a smoother transistion into treatment for PTSD.


Please provide feedback.
SR Smith+

SR Smith+


THIS IS A RESPONSE THAT WAS E-MAILED DIRECTLY TO ME.

Dana:
Thanks for the opportunity to respond. First and foremost all veterans who have served in a war zone must at the very least be interviewed for PTSD. Second remember most people don't want to admit to any disorder, especially if they are getting out (this is a problem). Third the military must understand the problem and not bully people into passing on interviews or medical attention (you're stay or enlistment will be extended, if you request intervention or evaluation) and finally they must understand that most people don't know or understand the effects of PTSD, until they encounter another stressor or it is brought to their attention.
Finally, I found with some of the vets that I have talked to that the military is telling the vets that the 10% that they are awarding them for PTSD is the best that they are going to get and take it and move on. This is wrong and deceitful and this practice should end immediately.

Just my thoughts.

As always,

Frank

[danausmc]

Symposium News - June 2006

if you have trouble reading this you can view it on the web at: www.veteransnationalsymposium.org/news_0615.htm

Special speaker, panelists announced
Maj. Ladda “Tammy” Duckworth remembers seeing a ball of fire after an RPG hit her Black Hawk helicopter, and wondering why her legs couldn’t work the control pedals. She later found out the pedals were gone, and so were her legs. She was awarded the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Purple Heart.

That was on Nov. 12, 2004 in Iraq. On Oct. 19 in Chicago, the Illinois Army National Guard assault pilot will take the stage during lunch at the National Symposium for the Needs of Young Veterans. Duckworth, who is still active in the Guard, is slated to discuss her military experiences, as well as veterans’ benefits, services and entitlements from a first-person point of view. Her insight will surely provide not only information that will guide deliberations at the symposium, but it also will give the attendees a personal perspective that will last a lifetime.

Former Army Specialist Shoshana Johnson, Navy veteran Luz Rebollar and former Marine Sergeant James Wright (invited) are set to form a panel of veterans who have worked through the various systems to overcome grievous injuries sustained while on duty. The panel discussion will be moderated by retired Sgt. 1st Class Dana Bowman, and will take place on the morning of Oct. 20. Johnson was among the first prisoners of war in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Rebollar is medically retired from the Navy and is now AMVETS' regional service director in charge of five states. Before recently leaving active duty, Wright served as a Marine Corps martial arts instructor despite losing both his hands in combat in Iraq. Bowman reenlisted after his legs were amputated in a midair collision as a member of the Army’s elite parachuting team, the Golden Knights.

For the full program as of now, please CLICK HERE.



Register online today
Do you care about the future of veterans? Then you need to be in Chicago Oct. 18-21. You can now register online. Early registration is important, as space is limited in each work group. For more information, CLICK HERE.

The Symposium is open to all veterans, active military, reservists, Guardsmen, spouses, legislative representatives, current and prospective employers of veterans, and anyone else interested in addressing veterans' needs, regardless of whether they belong to AMVETS. Young veterans are especially encouraged to attend.



Bloggers, webmasters: Help get the word out
The symposium needs your help! Information about the event was recently posted on several military blogs, Web logs kept by veterans, service members and those who care about military men and women. Spreading the word is vital to the symposium’s mission, which is to allow for maximum participation by those who care about the future of veterans. If you have a Web site or know someone who does, click on the symposium Web site’s virtual newsroom to download the official logo to use in a link to www.veteransnationalsymposium.org. If you don’t have your own site, forward this newsletter to your friends and to the webmasters for the sites you read. For the virtual newsroom, CLICK HERE.



Lawmakers, Emmy Award winner join Honorary Committee
U.S. Senators Chuck Hagel and Daniel K. Inouye, Congresswoman Heather Wilson and actor Martin Sheen have recently joined an illustrious list of influential people supporting the symposium. The four recently agreed to serve on the symposium’s honorary committee along with Senator Bob Dole, retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni, actor John Amos, country music legend Lee Greenwood and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary. Several other people known for their support of military men, women and veterans are still considering invitations to join the committee. For the most up-to-date list of Honorary Committee members, CLICK HERE.



Individual, corporate support begins to pour in
The Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation and Caterpillar Inc. recently joined the symposium's list of financial supporters. Also now on board is the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, which is assisting in logistical requirements in Chicago. You too can help! Donate online today to help young veterans attend so that their voices can be heard. To learn how you can help, CLICK HERE.



Early registration vital as experts work on topics to tackle in October
Subject matter experts on the numerous topics to be addressed at the symposium are now finishing up rough outlines for the 50-plus working groups in which the symposium attendees will be organized. These outlines are slated to be sent to symposium registrants in late July, so it is important to register ahead of time. For more information on how to register, CLICK HERE.



SYMPOSIUM NEWS
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