| Here are the top stories this week related to our soldiers here and abroad, taken from the Our Troops Newsladder.
The latest Army mental health survey brought back more bad news, with only 20% of troops describing their morale as high. Obviously, they are seeing things in Iraq differently than John McCain is. VoteVets.org's Jon Soltz makes the case that someone should ask them why they see it so differently and how he can insist that they should stay the course. (vetvoice.com)
The same survey also suggested that civilian psychiatrists be sent to Iraq and Afghanistan to assist the uniformed mental health corps. (military.com)
On top of all of all the mental health problems that soldiers are facing as they return from the combat zone is the No. 1 disability in the war on terror: hearing loss. 70,000 troops who have served are on disability for tinnitus (a constant ringing in the ears) and another 58,000 for hearing loss. (AP)
A new study found that among people suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction, those who also suffer from PTSD face worse outcomes and consequences from their chemical dependency problems. (Medical News Today)
The weekly newspaper at Fort Drum (already the subject of a damning report about its failure to treat troops from the most deployed unit in America for mental health problems) responded to a recent spate of DWIs by printing the mug shots of servicemembers on the front page. Maj. Gen. Michael L. Oates defends his decision to print the pictures to discourage other troops from drinking and driving, while Adrienne Willis, a spokesperson for Veterans For America said it seemed to unduly burden soldiers who are reeling from the stresses of multiple deployments in Iraq. (NY Times)
Veterans of America is proud to sponsor the Our Troops Newsladder, a new tool to find the top news and articles in the progressive community by, about and for our troops. |
