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The Cost of War; The Meaning of Memorial Day

Veterans Suicide – an Epidemic – Part I

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

On Memorial Day, Americans honor the fallen. Soldiers whose faces will never appear before us again are remembered for their service. Only the few, friends and family, will recall the life of those young men and women who passed from this world into another. In a country grateful for the protection troops provide, people will shop on this holy day. A President will place a wreath on the grave of an unknown soldier. Beautiful speeches will be made in the spirit of homage. Americans will bow their heads in respect. Reverence will be offered, and statistics that document the effects of war will not be shared. Yet, the numbers cry out for attention, just as the pained servicemen and women do.

• The suicide rate of veterans is at least three times the national suicide rate. In 2005, the suicide rate for veterans 18- to 24-years-old was three to four times higher than non-veterans.


• About 126 veterans per week commit suicide.


• About 154,000 veterans nationwide are homeless on any given night. One-fourth of the homeless population is veterans.


• There are more homeless Vietnam veterans than the number of soldiers who were killed during that war.


• It takes at least 5.5 years, on average, to resolve a benefit claim with the Veteran's Administration.


• More than 600,000 unresolved claims are backlogged with the Veteran's Administration.


• Approximately 18.5 percent of service members who have returned from Afghanistan and Iraq currently have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or depression.


• 19.5 percent of these veterans report experiencing traumatic brain injury.


• Roughly half of those who need treatment seek it, but only slightly more than half of those who receive treatment receive at least minimally adequate care, according to an April 2008 Rand Report.

Support the Troops; Stop Escalation

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Please view this glorious presentation. Support the troops. Stop Escalation

Dear Reader . . .

Tonight I saw a presentation that spoke to me. I share this message in hopes that you too are affected. I have long believed that to support the troops, we must ensure their safety. Placing soldiers in harms way hurts us as a nation. A country that cares for its people does not condone combat. Were I the Commander-In-Chief, I would do all that I could to sustain every life. I would not wish to take a young man or woman far from home and family. Subjecting an individual to undue stress is, in my mind, not just. I do not think a person of any age need endure the conditions of war.

3,000 Soldiers Slain; One Story ©

First Sergeant Charles Monroe King was one of many marred by the Iraqi war. His story is a sad and humanly touching tale. I offer this saga as I speak of the three thousand American soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq. Perchance we are all mired in the misery of this mission. This exposé on Sergeant King written by his partner and published in today's New York Times brought me to tears . It might make you well up with grief as well. I feel certain the families of the three thousand troops that lost loved ones will relate. They have their own anecdotes to tell.

Support Our Troops, In Death And In Life ©

Throughout my life, the musical "My Fair Lady" resonated within me.  As I reflect upon our soldiers, and the oft-heard phrase, "Support Our Troops," I am again reminded of this theatrical production.  Eliza Doolittle sang a song, "Show Me."  She emphatically stated, "Make me no undying vow.  Show me now! Sing me no song!  Read me no rhyme!  Don't waste my time, Show me!"

This was exactly my thought as I read a New York Times article, "Veterans Await a Resting Place That Is Truly Final."  We offer our troops words; too often, our actions do not show them that we mean what we say.  Apparently, whether we are discussing our soldiers serving in Iraq or those toiling in Afghanistan, there is reason to believe, that we, the people of United States of America, do not truly support our troops in life; nay in death.

Feuding Senator Stevens Cuts Funds For Brain-Injured Soldiers ©

The tide has turned. What was my truth only a day ago has been transformed. The reason for funding cuts has been revealed; brain-injured soldiers will suffer at the hands of a rancorous Republican, Senator Ted Stevens. Politically I rarely agree with syndicated Columnist Robert Novak. Practically, I acknowledge that he has access to information that few have. Certainly, I do not have the contacts he does. I think it is important to honor the right of entry Mr. Novak has in the halls of Congress. In this writing I am.

Yesterday, in an exposé, "Stop Congress. Billions For Bombs Not Brains ©,” I pleaded with readers. I wrote, please communicate with your Congressperson, your local newspapers, your friends, and your family. I asked all activist to reach out. I expressed my concern; funding for the research and treatment of war-related brain injuries might potentially be cut.

In my missive, I offered an appeal from Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paul Rieckhoff. He, as I declared this issue is a vital concern. That has not changed. What has changed is my awareness. I discovered the “logic” for this damning plan.

Stop Congress. Billions For Bombs Not Brains ©

There are times when less words, say more. Perhaps, the proper axiom is “Nobody does, or says it better,” than Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. I know not which statement is most fitting. However, I trust there is little I can say to introduce this request. Please stop Congress; they plan to reduce the funding for veterans brain injury treatment.

Rarely can we act [express love] and react [articulate fear and pain] simultaneously. This is a unique opportunity. We, the people, have the power to do each with a single click.

Jews, Mel Gibson, War. Rehabilitating Hatred ©

“Peace is harder to make than war.” - Stanley Weintraub Those that know me well might ask why would I write an exposé discussing Mel Gibson. I am not a fan of Hollywood or its gossip. I do not go to the movie theatres. I rarely recall the names of actors. Show business personalities are of little interest to me. Their art does not mesmerize my mind. Most of it, I feel, is meaningless. As for Mel, I was unwilling to attend a showing of the “Passion of Christ,” even though a friend offered to pay for my ticket. As much as I believe it is important to know what those that differ from me, think, say, do and feel, the prospect of an anti-Semitic message turned my stomach.

Though this treatise will invoke the name of Mel Gibson, it is not about Mr. Gibson; it is about hatred and whether or not we can rehabilitate the hearts and minds of those that hate.

Activist Unite. Veterans For Peace 2006 National Convention

Photograph and Composition By Betsy L. Angert © Recently, the political blogosphere has been buzzing with talk of action, activism, and conventions. Some are seeking a connection to “real” American heroes. Bloggers wish to show their support for the people that truly serve this nation. Still, they want to promote peace. This announcement might offer the opportunity some crave. Veterans For Peace is hosting a National Convention. The conference will begin August 10 and close on the 13th. Speakers such as author John Perkins, peace loving Mom, Cindy Sheehan, and anti-war activist, Dahr Jamail will welcome attendees. I will share the schedule and specifics below.

Years ago, I discovered Veterans For Peace accidentally. I was an active member of the Orange County Peace Coalition. A person I not yet met, placed a request into the Coalition’s cyberspace. James Ameen, veteran and co-organizer of Arlington West, Huntington Beach project, was looking for assistance. Mr. Ameen was planning a performance piece, an installation, and a work of art. He was documenting the deaths from this country’s most recent aggression, and memorializing these.

Mr. Ameen and co-coordinator, Tom Lash, another Veteran for Peace, were focused. They were seeking persons willing and able to contribute time and energy to their effort. The hope was that they, along with others, would enlighten a seemingly apathetic public. They would tell their personal tales of war and discuss the occurrences in Iraq.

Identity Theft, All Servicemen and Woman Are Affected ©

There was much talk in the news of lost or stolen veteran files. The mainstream media began flooding the airwaves with justifiable concerns for identity theft in May. At the time, citizens were told only veterans were affected. This week we learn millions of active duty soldiers are also impacted.

This initial report was released on May 22. The robbery occurred on May 3, 2006. A Veterans Affairs employee’s home was burglarized. Among the items taken was a computer disk. Supposedly, pertinent and personal records of millions of military veterans were imprinted on the compact disk. Now we know that was not true, there was more.

Much of what was revealed in May was inaccurate. Information was withheld and incomplete. No reason was given for the delay in reporting. Apparently, officials were hoping for a speedy recovery; however, that did not happen.

Marines Kill Iraqis. Men Murder Indianapolis Family. Human Nature ©

I woke up one morning last week to further reports of killing. I wrote of Haditha earlier that week. In that treatise, I mentioned the April 26, 2006 slaughter in Hamandiya, Iraq. I was aware of the allegations made against Marines for a March melee. On this morning, as I glanced at the periodicals, I saw reports stating the Camp Pendleton soldiers accused of that crime were cleared. Details were scant. Nevertheless, their reactive behavior was deemed righteous. Apparently, the actions these soldiers took were in accordance with military procedures. Hooray for the “good guys.” I only wish I was clear; who are the men, women, and children in the white hats?