Leo, this is superb coverage and analysis. Randy

Because I am in to this stuff at the moment, I checked to see if your organization is legit. AND it is a 501(c)19 organization certified by the IRS to have tax exempt status. Good for you. See how easy this is when it is the truth? Good luck with your work! Randy

I'm not a Marine...but I think that it is "Semper Fi"...not to be confused with "by a box of nails just kitting"...whatever that means.

Thank you for the courage to make this statement. It's a shame that veterans, and others, face bigotry and bias. I hope that you don't also face this with the VA. You may wish to comment on the Straight Talk for Veterans site. Wendi Goodman moderates there and you will find her to be an amazing supporter of you and your experiences. Those of use with good hearts want all veterans to be supported in all ways.

I am glad that you wrote about this. It's unclear to me as to why you believe you were excluded from the Native American ceremonies, but all veterans should be treated the same...with honor and respect. From my own experiences with PTSD, a lack of community support exacerbates the affects of the disorder. Many of us do not have community support; Native Americans may have it with tribal support before and after combat experiences. I, too, hope that one day soon that we all be treated the same.

I agree. Anyone who makes the decision to serve our country deserves our respect and should be honored for so doing. Of the Vietnam veterans I know, they all (this includes me) don't wish combat for anyone. If one has not been in the position of being threatened with death or having to kill others...it's a good thing...and there is no dishonor.

I share this sentiment. I watched this vet being interviewed by Fox...he was sort' kinda' incoherent I thought. And it was a moot point anyway as the government did not shut down. I did feel that the veteran was disrespectful and that the congressman was stonewalling and wanted to move on. There are ways to present ones views...and maybe this wasn't the best way. The point that the vet was attempting to make...active duty servicemen/women not receiving paychecks in the event of a shutdown, did show concern.

Thank you for writing. And giving up isn't an option...and I am glad that you keep fighting!

It is terrific that this veteran has been able to save. I disagree that veterans, and others, who depend on Social Security or VA disability benefits are slaves to the government. Veterans have a wide range of needs...some hover over the home or homeless line each month. Some do not have family or friends that can help in a crisis and some live far from other support services. It seems to me that when we honor and respect our veterans, we also honor and respect their individual situations and try hard not to make assumptions that suggest all have the same needs or financial strength.

The two articles regarding MST of both women and men cause feelings of disgust to rise up in my throat. We have set high standards for our military leaders and I'm sure most try hard to live up to those expectations. However, some leaders are displaying sociopathic-like behavior and should be removed for their failures. The military seems to have such a hard time holding leaders accountable for their actions...or in this case, their inaction. Suffering MST is bad enough...to then be invalidated by the chain of command is disgraceful and a second personal violation.