UPDATE: After this series originally aired in late 2016, more than 12,000 people signed a petition calling for Congress to pass the Fairness for Veterans provision. The provision was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, and signed into law in by then-President Obama in late 2016. These stories remain a testament to the struggles faced by veterans every day.
How do you treat an injury that you can’t see?
Scars and amputations are heartbreaking visual reminders of a service member’s sacrifice. But it’s the invisible wounds—the PTSD and TBI—that people struggle to understand. Many veterans come home knowing something isn’t right, but don’t know what it is. The perplexing nature of trauma-related injuries, contributes to the misunderstanding by the military and civilians alike.
It’s a different story for the men and women just starting out in the military. At basic training, the mission is to transform from civilian into soldier. Future soldiers are taught to recognize the signs of PTSD, but the threat of those wounds are a distant concern. Their focus is on the physical and psychological preparation required to become an American warrior.
Watch part 3 (of 6) above.
If you feel moved to act, tell your lawmaker to support Fairness for Vets by signing the petition below. Let your voice be heard on social media by tweeting your Senators and Representatives.