If a particular section of our society, (not to mention a mainstream media's pet community) was plagued by homelessness or a "suicide epidemic" we would hear about a "vulnerable population". In the revered by the left, Human Rights definitions, "vulnerable" refers to the undervalued groups "more likely to encounter discrimination”.
When it comes to Veterans suicides, we are given to understand that "mental health issues" play a major role; the blatant impact of desperate poverty is brushed aside as if an urgent need for immediate humanitarian assistance was reserved for refugees.
Strengthening Veteran Support
For the benefit of foreign-aid-oriented "philanthropists", and VA's spell-it-out –for –me Remington riders, let me make this perfectly clear: We won't be holding our breath until we turn blue and politically correct enough to applaud the overwhelming hypocrisy and offhand resolutions.
The recent executive order (March 5, 2019) strengthening Veteran support is an honorable effort; however those who try to reduce the existing problems to "mental disorders" are friends neither to Veterans, nor to Donald Trump's presidency.
The last decade was spent on talking to the brick wall: Veterans asked for housing, jobs and decent health care. The government answered with opioids and distilled legitimate demands down to "PTSD outbursts". No wonder that there is an overwhelming feeling of betrayal and that the VA looks more and more like a bird-brained feeder for vultures and blue falcons only.
To start communicating, the VA would have to truly visit the Veterans' planet and to speak-if not the same, in at least respectful language. Already in 1998, during the pioneering Conference in Nevada it was clearly established that: "Suicide prevention must recognize and affirm the value, dignity, and importance of each person". Judging from VA campus tragedies only, the department still doesn't get it…
How can you save our sons when you let our fathers die?
One can't help but notice that VA's brief definition of a "Veteran" morphs into a very complex one, if you look up this term "for purposes of compensation"… Isn't it ironic that acronym "AO" stands both for Agent Orange and adjudication officer? It could be funny, if not for the fact that so many of our Veterans died waiting for justice. While "VA struggles to unlock the reasons behind high suicide rates among older Veterans" , advice "It is important to get help right away " sounds like a cynical joke for those who've been fighting for their rights for decades.
How can you save our sons when you let our fathers die?
During the Full Committee Hearing (2019-02-27) VA Secretary Robert Willkie shared "the saddest observation" from his visit to West Los Angeles: Veterans, who had jobs, still could not afford a place to live. Well, sleeping in a car is "a luxury" many Veterans in L.A can only dream about. Mr. Secretary, many of our returning soldiers have been sent to the hell of Skid Row.
The VA has spent millions on advertising campaigns to come up with "How do I know I'm suicidal?" questions while leaving our Veterans in inhumane conditions, which by themselves can be an incitement to suicide.
Veterans, their families, VA whistleblowers, Veterans rights advocates- all of us will tell you that "the saddest" is the complete loss of hope that many of our loved ones succumbed to. After years of being in the same boat, we are now serving on a huge battleship, ready to fight for our dignity.
Just be sure to notice that we are moving not towards "handouts", but towards respect.
Joanna Rosamond is a Coach for high stress jobs, a consultant on PTSD and burnout. Joanna has 16 years of professional experience. Unconditional support for our soldiers and veterans.
If a particular section of our society, (not to mention a mainstream media's pet community) was plagued by homelessness or a "suicide epidemic" we would hear about a "vulnerable population". In the revered by the left, Human Rights definitions, "vulnerable" refers to the undervalued groups "more likely to encounter discrimination”.
When it comes to Veterans suicides, we are given to understand that "mental health issues" play a major role; the blatant impact of desperate poverty is brushed aside as if an urgent need for immediate humanitarian assistance was reserved for refugees.
