Don't judge a Vet by appearances

I am deeply concerned about how my fellow Veterans are being treated and the results of this lack of support.

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), formerly called "shell shock" has long term effects. It is commonly known that many of our Vets who have served/experienced Vietnam have had trouble adjusting to life following their return from combat areas. When I was sent to 'Nam, I knew that I only had to be there for one year, and wouldn't be back, unless voluntarily.

I was 'young and foolish' back then and was enjoying the 'experience' of my assignment, so I asked to stay an additional 6 months. Little did I know how that might come back to haunt me, decades later.

Presently, we have troops that are being sent back to a war zone, over and over and over again.

This does not bode well. Look at the news headlines about the sad incidents that are being reported about troops who have 'cracked' over their constant exposure to combat. They did not have the 'relief' of serving just one tour of combat assignment, they keep going back time after time.

If you think the issues of Vietnam Veterans who are afflicted with PTSD, after only one tour are bad, just wait to see the results that our current veterans will display following recurring deployment into 'hell!'

Some of us are getting the help that is needed, as long as the $$$$ are there, but even that might be cut short by budget cuts. Imagine the amount of money which will be needed by our current 'Heroes?'

Will it continue? I personally pray that our service members of all ages will not be ignored, as I and my fellow Veterans were when we came home.

Don't abandon us!

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