PTSD Not Worthy of a Purple Heart

Earlier today, I brought up a discussion with my husband, a veteran of Desert Storm. I’ve never held my tongue when it comes to my feeling as though the veterans of the U.S. military are some of the most neglected individuals around.

I’ve watched uncles who served in Vietnam and Korea suffer from ailments that were linked to their service, go without treatment because they couldn’t afford it.

I’ve watched many a soldier come back from Iraq to a country that appreciated them while they were there, but shelved them and forgot them when they returned to normal life.

But what is the normal life they come back to? What is their normal? What did they see and endure while there? Isn’t that worth a little something besides flag waiving, anthem playing and a pat on the back one day and a “we’re sorry but your not worthy” the next when they seek medical treatment for the night terrors, night sweats and unexplainable mental anguish.

It may be hard pressed to present them with a Purple Heart for their service – but by God these guys (and women) deserve far more than what we are giving them.

Personally I think they deserve a Purple Heart – but according to my husband, that’s an honor that is bestowed on a soldier that has not only suffered physical disability of some sort – but they suffered it during a time they were saving the lives of other soldiers. So that I can see – but what I don’t see is, if they aren’t worthy of a Purple Heart, then what are they worthy of?

Care to share your thoughts?

Image credit: Wikimedia.org