Edwards plan offers veterans expanded counseling options

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Presidential contender John Edwards introduced 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 outside the Veterans Health Administration system, the number of counselors would increase, and family members would be employed to identify cases of PTSD.

"When they come home, they're basically left on their own. They didn't leave us on our own, and we should not leave them on their own," said Edwards, a former Democrat senator from North Carolina.

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

"This is a place wehre America needs to honor its responsibility , again, like generations before of us have honored those who have served this country patriotically," he said

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Around the region..Charlotte Observer