Edwards unveils plan for veterans with PTSD

Edwards unveil plan for veterans with PTSD

By PHILIP ELLIOTT
Associated Press Writer


PLYMOUTH, N.H. (AP) -- Presidential contender John Edwards is introducing a $400 million plan Monday to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, including those recently returned from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Under Edwards' plan, veterans could seek counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder outside the Veterans Health Administration system; the number of counselors would increase; and family members would be employed to identify cases of PTSD.

Edwards, a North Carolina Democrat, was scheduled to introduce the five-point plan during a speech at New Hampshire's Plymouth State University.

"I strongly believe we must restore the sacred contract we have with our veterans and their families, and that we must begin by reforming our system for treating PTSD. We also must act to remove the stigma from this disorder," Edwards said in prepared remarks his campaign provided to The Associated Press. "Warriors should never be ashamed to deal with the personal consequences of war."

Edwards said that despite his opposition to how the war has been waged, the enlisted men and women deserve the nation's support when they complete their service.

"We must stand by those who stand by us. When our service men and women sacrifice so much to defend our freedom and secure peace around the world, we have a moral obligation to take care of them and their families," he said.

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http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EDWARDS_VETERANS?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

about a vet who joined up right after 9/11 this morning on NPR and it touched on this issue. The situation is only going to get worse as more and more troops return home, as well as finding jobs for all of them. The vet in the NPR piece used to work for MTV and they were totally unaware that they were supposed to hold his job for him. It's going to get worse before it gets better and Edwards having a plan really helps - Thanks!

At least not in this forum where winning is more important than what happens afterwards.