Craig Kabatchnick Supervising Attorney

February 18, 2007 at 10:49 by BlogMasters

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July 12, 2008 - Dissabled vet seeks help Posted by Anonymous

I am so happy to see organizations helping veterans like myself. My name is Jason Becker and I am a low income disabled veteran. I was infantry with the 82nd Airborne during OIF and OEF. On May 11th I was cited for a DUI (although I was outside of my vehicle at the time). I blew 0.0 I actually had no alcohol in my system just my prescription medication and some marijuana. No drugs were inside of my vehicle. This happened in Smithfield North Carolina. Upon entering Jail I had $ 500 cash on me ( had just been paid ) and 3 gas cards worth a total of $ 75.00 They would not allow access to my medication or could not get my medication in jail, and I started to go into a PTSD cycle. I forgot to mention that I have Chronic PTSD, Bi-Polar, Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, and head trauma. After my PTSD started setting in and I became irate (I never hit anyone) they sent me to safe keep in central prison North Carolina. Upon my return to jail 8 days later they told me my jail account was at $ 360.00 someone stole $ 140.00 from me along with all 3 gas cards. Upon asking where my missing money was, the response was “Sir do you even remember coming in here?" I know this is not the foundation of my case but there was some wrong doing on their part. I am asking anyone I can that will help a veteran for low cost or possibly free of charge to help me in this court case. I have no prior record, and consider myself an outstanding citizen. My trial Date is set for OCT 11th of this year and in the meantime I will be in a VA PTSD program. Once again I have no previous run in with the law. Please help me if you can, even advice would be great. Thank you so much for your time.

Jason Becker
jcb1423@yahoo.com

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December 1, 2008 - Please help prevent military/veteran "PCSD" suicides Posted by Anonymous

Dear Mr. Kabatchnick, please consider supporting/discussing/publishing the concerns in the following article (derived from my website) expressing the many compelling reasons why a Purple Heart Medal should be awarded to our military members and combat veterans suffering from Post Combat Stress Disorder (PCSD).

I have asked Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC) to introduce and sponsor a bill authorizing the medal be awarded for PCSD. I have also contacted President-elect Obama and Senator John McCain, making them aware of this request. I have also sent this article to The US Senate Committee on Veteran's Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

I feel this action is vital to the welfare of our troops and combat veterans. We all need to do our part to end the terrible consequences of this life-ruining and life-ending combat wound. Please help stop the epidemic of suicides plaguing these brave and dedicated defenders of our people and nation. We must end the stigma of PCSD to solve the enigma!

Thank you for your time and consideration in this very important matter. I look forward to hearing from you regarding your decision.

Sincerely Yours,

Peter S. Griffin

800 Mineral Springs Road

Madison, NC 27025

(336) 427-5567

grifslair@embarqmail.com

www.grifslair.com



Why?

A PURPLE HEART MEDAL

For

POST COMBAT STRESS DISORDER – “PCSD”

By Peter S. Griffin

JUSTICE
DIGNITY THERAPY
REMEDY!



POST COMBAT STRESS DISORDER (POST synonym "AFTER" - the word TRAUMA is inherent in the term "COMBAT;" - thus the term PCSD interprets - AFTER COMBAT TRAUMA STRESS DISORDER) - THE MOST SERIOUS FORM OF WAR RELATED PTSD: "PCSD" - definition: a very serious wound in the form of a severe psychological disorder resulting from the direct clash of arms; the individual active participation in intense, prolonged, highly contested battle on one or more military operations; i.e. kill or be killed; direct engagement in the raw, bitter, bloody nature of war. ONLY "TIP OF THE SPEAR" FIGHTERS SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED AS SUFFERING FROM PCSD!



Due to the fact that PCSD is an honorable, very serious wound, inflicted in battle, it undoubtedly merits the awarding of the Purple Heart Medal (PHM)! This type of wound is just as deadly as any critical wound inflicted by any enemy projectile or edged weapon. The only difference is the fact that most wounds that tear the flesh, (not to lessen their severity, distinction, respect, honor, or the subsequent reduction in the quality of life)… heal, no longer being a threat of fatal proportions. This is not true of a PCSD wound, these wounds never lose their potential to ruin or end an otherwise healthy existence!

"POST COMBAT STRESS DISORDER"
We cannot change it's nightmarish face,
We can only change the way we look at it!
PRIDE COURAGE SERVICE DEDICATION!


THE DEGREE OF SEVERITY
by Peter S. Griffin

It is my belief that basically there are only five criteria, which influence the occurrence and severity of PCSD in the individual combat veteran. The degree of individual involvement in these categories, directly affect the severity of the condition.
1) DEDICATION – the degree of risk, commitment and effort put forth by the individual in combat.
2) EXPOSURE – the degree and frequency of individual intense combat experienced.
3) LOSS – the extent of sufferings incurred, inflicted or witnessed by the individual in combat.
4) GUILT – individual beliefs that what one did or failed to do, negatively affected the lives of others.
5) BETRAYAL – actual or perceived by the individual – committed by comrades, superiors, citizens or government that negatively affected the outcome of the conflict. Betrayal instills the overpowering, often irreversible belief, that all was in vain! PCSD is a serious wound inflicted in combat that is without doubt, exacerbated by the lack of, or loss of support on the home front.
The cumulative, detrimental effects of any combination of these criteria will ultimately lead to the “undoing” of the sufferer. PCSD will, without doubt, destroy the individual’s quality of life, value of life or life, itself! If you have PCSD symptoms do not deny them! Do not compound your problems by using illegal drugs or alcohol. They will not offer any relief and will add to your sufferings. There is little hope for a meaningful life for those who remain undiagnosed and/or untreated! Therefore, I urge all who suffer from the symptoms of PCSD to seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible. Visit your nearest Veteran’s Administrative Medical Center for evaluation today!

NO MORE PCSD SUICIDES!
SUPPORT THE CAUSE AND OUR TROOPS!
PLEASE PROMOTE AWARDING THE PCSD PHM

It is suggested that those warriors currently VA PTSD rated 70% or higher disability be classified as suffering from Post Combat Stress Disorder (PCSD). Warriors exhibiting lesser degrees of battle trauma and stresses (ors) be classified and referred to as suffering from Combat PTSD. The term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) should refer only to non-war related trauma and stress inflictions such as those suffered as a result of crime, accidents and natural disasters. When the VA or military notifies an individual that he or she is seventy percent (70%) or more disabled due to PCSD, they should also notify the proper governmental agencies to award the PHM and make proper note in the applicable official records.

Previous documented individual battle histories, combat awards and decorations stand as testament to honorable individual actions and behavior exhibited while engaging our nations enemies on the battlefield.



I pray our medical and psychiatric professionals do not trivialize or dismiss the above distinctions thinking PTSD is PTSD, that the disorder and treatment is the same, regardless of the cause! That would be (and has been) a grave error! Basically, in the general therapeutic realm that may be correct, and crystal clear in the mind of the professional caregiver. However, these distinctions are meant to directly benefit the psyche of the warrior (military mind) and the PCSD suffering combat veteran by fostering honor, pride, and sense of accomplishment and ultimately, peace of mind regarding the psychological wounds and sufferings that have affected his or her life, and those he or she loves so severely! It is hoped the medical professional will see the great value in that all-important fact. I assure you, the distinction in terms is vital to those who fought the bloodiest of battles to keep America free. I firmly believe great psychological benefit will come to those suffering from PCSD if these distinctions are recognized, welcomed and adopted by the professional medical authorities, military, VA and community. There is no doubt in my mind they will serve their purpose well in improving the overall mental and physical health and quality of life of these severely wounded combat veterans.

The more combat one sees, the more (tours) battle stars one has, the more combat awards and valor medals earned... the more likely one's chance of developing PCSD becomes and the degree of severity increases!

THERE SHOULD BE NO DOUBT - if a warrior is awarded the Purple Heart for a physical wound and/or a valor medal for actions against enemies of the USA on the field of battle, common sense dictates it must be considered presumptive evidence that the warrior's Combat PTSD originates from said enemy action! Under such circumstances the Purple Heart Medal for Combat PTSD is richly deserved and should be awarded!

One does not have to have their flesh torn and/or spill blood to be grievously wounded from prolonged, highly contested, fierce combat! Active participation and repeated exposure to the hell of battle wounds the minds and souls of mortal men. In this world there are no gods of war, immune to trauma. Causing, witnessing, rescuing, providing medical treatment and frequent exposure to threats, extreme trauma and sudden, and violent death to those less fortunate is certain to seriously and negatively effect the psyche and character of the well trained, athletic warrior, let alone the average person. Such circumstances leave an indelible mark on all exposed to such gore and violence! Guilt is a very strong curse on such survivors whether they were physically wounded or not. One is forever changed as a result of such horror and carnage. This should be no surprise to anyone. It should be completely expected and understood. Yet it is not… there are many unfleshed critics. It is difficult in this modern age of advanced education and technology to realize that such confusion and misunderstanding still exists in regards to PCSD! Our society must come to realize that the disorder is not a weakness. That the strongest of human beings exposed to such hell should not be expected to come away unscathed! Green Berets, Rangers, Paratroopers, Navy Seals, Marines, all elite forces are as tough as nails and thick skinned as leather; yet PCSD afflicts all under such conditions. No one is immune to PCSD! We are all human and we can only suffer so much before we are wounded both consciously and spiritually.

POST COMBAT STRESS DISORDER
DON’T EVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU DIFFERENT

PCSD IS AN HONORABLE WOUND, INFLICTED IN BATTLE,
WHILE YOU WERE FIGHTING FOR YOUR COUNTRY!
It is strongly believed that the awarding of the PHM for PCSD would foster honor, understanding and acceptance instead of disrespect, shame and shunning, to those who suffer endlessly for the freedom of our people and nation. Furthermore, the awarding of this well-deserved medal would serve as tangible evidence of courageous and dedicated combat service, bringing honor to the military, as well as to the individual! It would definitely prove that the military takes care of it’s own! Most importantly, recognizing such sacrifice by the presentation of this award would without doubt, foster healing of this combat affliction and definitely lessen the occurrence of many, tragic, preventable suicides that not only end the lives of it’s victims but shatters the lives of all who loved and cared about them!



Bringing dignity to PCSD and justice to its victims could very well lessen the immense cost and frequency of the care, treatment, therapy, medication and hospitalization of these warriors/veterans. Ending the stigmas presently associated with this infliction would not only be cathartic to those wounded, it would benefit every life (Secondary PTSD – negatively affects family, loved ones, friends) agonized by the disorder! No one suffering from, or anyone who loves or cares about someone suffering from PCSD or Combat PTSD should have to be ashamed to say he or she or his or her personal hero has been wounded in this manner!



Are you still undecided about awarding the Purple Heart Medal for PCSD? Bottom line... ask yourself these questions: If a warrior/veteran commits suicide as a direct result of severe and chronic Post Combat Stress Disorder, is he a casualty of war? Is a warrior/veteran who loses his career, can't hold a job, has little or no skills in maintaining interpersonal relationships, avoids societal functions and becomes an isolationist lost in his own personal, tormented world due to severe and chronic PCSD a casualty of war? I don’t think anyone can deny they are!



It defies common sense for someone in this day and age of modern medical science to oppose this noble and just effort. But… there are still some out there who believe PCSD does not merit the Purple Heart. The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) has come out publicly, and I believe without much forethought, against inclusion of PCSD for the award.

LEST WE FORGET

Many warriors who carried wounded comrades to safety under fire, through enemy territory suffer severe Post Combat Stress Disorder.
QUOTE - FROM MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART
“Today, as a ‘Band of Brothers,’ we must withstand courageously, any attempt at degrading our most prized Purple Heart Medal, said MOPH’s National Service Director Jack Leonard. Leonard also concludes that PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) are issues that merit heightened attention in the medical and mental health communities, but not for the issuance of a Purple Heart Medal."
DEGRADATION?
I hope you will join me in requesting the MOPH to reconsider their stance on this vital issue! It is imperative that this type of mind-set be changed so our brothers and sisters suffering from PCSD wounds pursue and receive the life saving treatment they deserve! No military or civilian career should ever be placed in jeopardy because a warrior or veteran seeks assistance in treating his or her PCSD battle wounds! They should be encouraged to do so, as only good… for all should come from it!
I can understand some of those who have Purple Heart Medals for physical wounds being against the awarding of the PHM to those suffering from PCSD. It is not uncommon for something new or for a change in venue to be resisted… at first. If you are one of them, I ask you to consider this before passing final judgment…. do you have a percentage of your service-connected disability compensated for PCSD? I’m sure most of you do. I am also sure that many of you have a higher disability percentage for PCSD than you do for the physical wound(s) suffered in combat. Why is that? I’ll tell you why… it is because your physical wounds, as previously stated, in most cases, have long since healed. The wounds to your mind and soul are still very serious threats to you whether you admit it or not. PCSD is a “wound,” yes a wound, a very serious wound… that keeps on killing!
How many veterans whether awarded or NOT awarded a PHM for “blood wounds” have taken their lives during and after military service because of PCSD? I don’t have the exact figures but I have no doubt they would astound us all! Are those suffering from PCSD currently without a PHM not your brothers? Do they not deserve your support and comradeship? Are they not counted in the rank and file of your “Band of Brothers?” I hope and pray your answer is “yes.” They deserve to be. They fought by your side and perhaps, helped save your life. And PCSD is an honorable condition that warriors suffer because they bravely fought for their county. That is why I feel severe cases of Combat PTSD be treated as any other honorable combat wound, inflicted while engaging our nation’s enemies on battlefields around the world for the sake of freedom for all; and that said wounding merits the awarding of the Purple Heart Medal.
Vietnam vets were taken unaware by Combat PTSD and paid severe consequences in more ways than one because of being denied psychological and symptomatic knowledge of the disorder, not to mention lack of treatment. Fortunately, our Terror, Iraq and Afghanistan GIs and veterans have a heads up on the disorder because of what the Nam Vets have been through… decades of suffering, denial, the “undoing of character” and the subsequent rejection by society because of it.
Now, the “undoing of character” does not have to be… suicide does not have to be! Knowledge and treatment is readily available at Veteran Administration Medical Centers and outpatient clinics across the nation. Books, websites and literature on the subject abound and are easily obtainable.
Lets support our troops in one more very important way, recognize PCSD as a combat wound, as honorable as any wound that tears the flesh. Lets join together and END THE STIGMA TO SOLVE THE ENIGMA! Our troops deserve a bright and promising future! Lets make sure they get it!
Anything less defies righteousness, modern medical science, common sense and I pray, the hue and cry of the public! This issue must be resolved! Lives depend on it! Let your voice be heard. Please notify your congressional representative of your support today, help pave the way! Our military members and combat veterans do not deserve this award posthumously! NO MORE SUICIDES! (I have already sent my opinions on this subject to the Adjutant MOPH, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, and Senator John McCain.)
Political leaders, I ask you: Of what value is the power of the mighty, the riches of the treasury and the lessons of the ages without fear of the Lord in thy mind, courage in thy heart, goodness in thy soul, others before thy self, dignity in thy office, virtue in thy rulings, worthiness in thy subordinates and honor in thy name? It is always better to be morally right than to be politically correct! Govern thy people well and they will serve you and the nation for the betterment of the entire world.
HONOR LEADS – RESPECT FOLLOWS – RIGHT PREVAILS!
Please cross the aisle for America’s warriors. They have never hesitated to go through hell for you! Support PCSD Purple Heart NOW, please!
I repeat: Our troops don't deserve them posthumously!
WHEN IT COMES TO PCSD THE VOICES OF ALL WARRIORS MUST BE HEARD AND JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED BEFORE ALL WHO SUFFER CAN BE CURED.
THE WARRIOR SPIRIT: YOU CAN’T HAVE PCSD WITHOUT IT!
The warrior spirit is exemplified by bravely facing one’s deadliest fears for the sake of others, by risking life and limb for something bigger than self. It is the ultimate unselfish act of true devotion and altruism. It is vividly demonstrated by hurling oneself from an airplane in flight, by rappelling from a helicopter at a precarious height, by flying into a hot landing zone, by courageously fighting a deadly enemy on freedom's battlefields or as in our nation’s great history, like Native American Braves who took enemy coup in brazen defiance and wanton disregard for their own safety. All who suffer from PCSD live by this most honorable code and truly deserve the Purple Heart Medal. They earned it! And still do… every single day of the remainder of their lives, 24-7! Until that day finally comes, instead of the Purple Heart, you unsung heroes, please accept this eagle coup feather as a symbol of your suffering, unending bravery and devotion to our country and our people. All those who believe in this noble cause please use it to demonstrate your fidelity with those who never hesitated to show their love for you under the most arduous and extreme tests of endurance and danger. Please visit Griffin’s Lair for more information and updates. God bless you, God bless all PCSD warriors and God bless America!
Webmasters, please use this coup feather to link to http://www.grifslair.com
Help spread the news of our band and worthy cause across our great nation!

Thank you and welcome home, brothers and sisters!
"POST COMBAT STRESS DISORDER"
We cannot change it's nightmarish face,
we can only change the way we look at it!
PRIDE COURAGE SERVICE DEDICATION!

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