For years the Silver Star Families of America, along with other wonderful organizations, has fought against the stigma associated with PTS. It seems that PTSD is one of the few remaining wounds of war that people don’t want to talk about.
Yes, I said “wounds.” Just like a civilian, a Soldier comes from God as a complete package; body, mind and soul. Wounds of the mind can be as devastating as wounds of the body. You cannot amputate a wounded mind.
Further, PTS affects not only the Soldier but family and friends. Secondary PTS is a known scientific fact and must also be recognized and treated.
PTS is not a personality disorder; it is a result of war or an experience so far out of the ordinary that the mind doesn’t know what to do.
The mission of the SSFOA is to remember, honor and assist the wounded. We help people to remember by giving the wounded a Silver Star Banner. When people see a Banner or a Silver Star Flag they KNOW it represents the sacrifice so many have made for us, in blood and in pain, in mind and in body.
And the Silver Star Banner also means a lot more to some people. The letter below is from a relative of a Soldier with PTS and it shows the effect of honoring our children with PTS instead of stigmatizing them.
“ I would like to explain something.....He refused to acknowledge to the public, friends, or even family that he had PTSD and then he received the banner and certificate, since the time the banner was hung...and I mean starting that very day... he has done speaking engagements for the War Memorial Building here in our city, Veterans Day ceremonies, churches, schools, and a few other places, he is also no longer afraid to tell people this is one of the affects war can bring to some. Plus he has performed Taps at the VA and for a few burial services since his return home. He suffers a great deal.....but is trying to get through things. Why did it all change that day? He opened the envelope with the certificate and banner and realized someone was recognizing him as an injured member.....not to be made fun of....it was then that he accepted the fact that it was alright to say he was hurting. My husband and I both noticed a big change starting right after he opened the envelope and have commented on it numerous times. SSFOA changed his thinking.”
This young person struggles EVERY day. He fights on in a war that for him is not over and may never be over. May God bless him and give him peace.
My friends we must continue the fight for our children. To not do so would not only be reprehensible but will result in a new generation of homeless veterans that suffer from PTS. If we do not press forward NOW it will be too late.
Let’s use this young persons struggle as an inspiration to us to fight on just as he has had to fight on.
The SSFOA will continue to honor the heroes of this and all wars who have paid an awful price for our freedom.
They paid with their peace of mind.
Steve Newton
Founder
SSFOA
IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE
June 22, 2007
Today it was announced that the Silver Star Families of America has joined forces with
Give an Hour to help provide treatment to Soldiers who are suffering PTSD.
Steve Newton, President and Co-Founder of the SSFOA stated that “the mental health issues facing our returning troops and the failure of our current system to provide adequate treatment has reached crisis proportions.”
“We were looking to start a program or find an organization that was actually DOING something,” Newton said. “Providing PTSD resources and information is great but not much help if the Soldier cannot actually find a professional that can help them.”
“By actually recruiting volunteers to treat these Soldiers for free Give an Hour is stepping up to help in a time when government resources are stretched thin and we are proud to join with them in this effort,” Newton says.
The SSFOA will assist Give an Hour in building a coalition to support this effort.
The non profit Give an Hour will recruit volunteers to treat our kids and the CSAH will recruit and qualify Soldiers who need help. Connections among troops, their families, and the providers are already being made through the GAH network, which can be also be reached via www.saluteheroes.org.
Give an Hour is an organization dedicated to developing and maintaining a national network of volunteers capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions that arise within our society. Their first target is the Soldiers and their families who are being affected by the current conflicts. PLEASE GO TO http://www.giveanhour.org
The Silver Star Families of America is an organization that remembers honors and assists the wounded of our Armed Forces by presenting them Silver Star Banners and Certificates. They also distribute care packages when the need arises and they act as an advocate and education resource for the wounded and their families.
SSFOA JOINS WITH GIVE AN HOUR
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PTS (D)
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SSFOA PTSD forum
Read the article written by a Mom
Watch the MTBI and PTS(D) video from the Battlefield Training System Office...
How do Americans Celebrate the Day
by
Nancy Spoerke
How do Americans celebrate the day
That our nation with fireworks does display
How can I be a part of all of this now
When my mind takes me back to the war somehow
The sound of the sky rockets that cause all the glee
It sounds like mortar rounds to me
To all that smile at the beautiful sights in the sky
They look like tracer rounds through my eyes
So how can others not see all of this
Why can't they see my fears and paralysis
How much more need I take
How far can I go before I break
Am I a rock so solid and strong
NO, you make it so hard for me to go on
I love our country beyond belief
But I can't handle this, I need relief
How strong can I be, please let me be strong
Sometimes I have the feeling I can't go on
How strong do you think I can be
When the shots of hell are still inside of me
So as I cower from the beautiful sights
This 4th celebration, sometimes night after night
Please remember I so want to be free
I love my country, my flag,
. . . Remember I gave my mind for thee.
Download PTS(D) brochure
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ON
THERESA VEACH TALKS WITH SSFOA FOUNDERS CONCERNING PTS AND THE MISSION OF THE ORG.
Many rode as shotgun while the supply humvee made way to the next camp site.
When the colvert in the road came into the driver site, he stopped and yelled,
Everybody out and walk across.
The driver alone with the supplies in his truck took on the IED and they rolled in the dirt.
Chorus: Many were the bullets that wizzed all around,
IED"s hiding and bombs all around, but during the dark of night,
each soldier would look up and see the Silver Stars shinning,
making their hearts warm, they could feel the hugs and love,
from their families at home, from their families at home.
Next Verse: The fire was a blazin' behind the units camp,
they rushed out to fight it and shots came raining down,
GO! scatter and protect, he yelled to his team as
he was pushed into the burning ground.
Chorus:
Last Verse: Up in the watchtower, a soldier at each end,
He watched every move and zoned in on every sound,
protecting his unit, asleep on the ground.
He started climbing down when the RPG's whiz headed right for his chest.
Several stories he fell, to the ground, to the ground.
Chorus: (Optional)
Ginger Crane ©2009
HEAR FOR YOU
by
SKIP SPOERKE
I know you feel all alone
The world so distant and cold
The battle rages and
nothing seems to matter anymore
I'm right here for you
I'll be by your side
Take my hand, be my friend, let me in
I'm right here today, by your side, always
A teardrop falls from your eye
Please let me offer my love
Never forgetting the
battle you carry with you
I'm right here for you
I'll be by your side
Take my hand, be my friend, let me in
I'm right here today, by your side, always
Now you know you're not alone
The world is a better place
Together we'll make it so
Thank you and welcome home
I'm right here for you
I'll be by your side
Take my hand, be my friend, let me in
I'm right here today, by your side, always
®
Silver Star shining for sacrifice, honoring wounded, ill and dying members of our Armed Forces, and bringing remembrance to those so deserving of our thanks.
We will never forget . . . WELCOME HOME!
TBI & PTS
Their similarities and differences:
TBI is considered the signature injury of the current wars, though PTS seems to have it’s own distinguished rating which may well surpass TBI in numbers if all that suffer from PTS would be diagnosed and receive treatment.
TBI (traumatic brain injury) occurs when the brain is physically injured. It is when the head has been jarred, a sudden blow to the head or also known as a concussion.
PTS (post traumatic stress) is from an exposure to traumatic events, whether one or repeated events. The brain’s activity is affected.
But, both injuries may cause one to suffer with other medical problems. One reason this happens is because when a body fights against one injury, the immune system breaks down and may suffer from other illnesses or physical issues. Both injuries can affect physical abilities; they can affect the behavior and emotional well being of a person. Both TBI & PTS can bring on headaches, digestive problems, respiratory, and musculoskeletal issues. They may also cause nervous system problems, along with aches and pains. Often these medical issues can become chronic problems and affect the way a person functions.
There are also differences with the two injuries with symptoms and one is remembering what happened to cause the injury. The person suffering with PTS relives the experience often becoming numb trying to remove the memory of what they witnessed or took part in. If the PTS patient is diagnosed immediately it is called Combat Stress Reaction. A person suffering with the same symptoms for a longer period of time may then be diagnosed with PTS.
With the mild TBI patient they often cannot remember what happened. They may become uneasy and easily upset from certain events not realizing why they have the feeling that they are in danger. Depending on the severity of the blow to the head, the TBI patient may be diagnosed at the time of the injury.
Simply stated the PTS patient remembers because their mind will not forget and it processes it all, over and over again. The TBI patient may suffer amnesia of the actual event, but they may remember the hospital they were brought to.
Diagnosing PTS and mild TBI is often hard to distinguish symptoms separately because many are the same for both. Someone may suffer from both injuries at the same time. Some symptoms that both may experience include: sleep issues, anxiety, depression, sudden mood changes, being on edge, concentration problems, visual problems, being irritable, feeling unattached from their emotions, and possibly think they are loosing control of themselves. Many people attempt to self medicate as the symptoms first start. They often think they just need help that one time to get through things and then things will be okay.
If one is placed on medication for treatment it is so one can improve with how they function, it should help lift some of the symptoms, and help make their life easier to cope with daily activities which will help one move forward in a more normal fashion. It also allows the family members to work with the patient easier. Medication should not sedate a person to the extent that they can not function.
Either of these injuries may also require one to seek counseling so they can understand what is happening within their minds and be able to work to keep things under control.
One suffering from TBI may want to keep their mind active. This may include tasks such as crossword puzzles, writing, or playing games to mention a few.
Things can improve, but it takes time and patience. Ask for help if you notice a change in behavior. You may become afraid, but the fear can be eased if one receives the help needed. Ask for support from those around you whether it is family, friends, or coworkers and therapy groups. For one that supports a sufferer you need to understand what is going on. To understand one should educate themselves about both injuries. Show the sufferer you support them and help them receive treatment. The earlier treatment is started, the better under control it can be kept and help minimize any long term health problems.
JONATHAN, I MUST ASK YOU WHY
JONATHAN WHY DID YOU LEAVE THIS EARTH WITHOUT TALKING WITH A FRIEND?
WHY DID YOU LEAVE THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROGRAM WITHOUT SHARING YOUR PAIN WITH THEM?
I’M NOW REACHING OUT FROM MY HEART TO ASK YOU WHY YOU DID NOT SEEK HELP FROM THE MEDICAL STAFF OR AN ANGER MANAGEMENT COUNSELOR.
I’M ASKING YOU JONATHAN, DID YOU NOT TRUST IN THEM, IF NOT THEN WHY?
YOUR RECENT SUICIDE HAS BROUGHT UP MANY QUESTIONS FROM YOUR WOUNDED WARRIOR COMRADES.
ONE OF WHICH IS, IF JONATHAN COULD NOT TRUST THE MEDICAL STAFF OR ANGER MANAGEMENT COUNSELORS THAN WHY SHOULD THEY.
JONATHAN I’M ASKING THE LORD OUR GOD TO COMFORT YOU AND TO SET UP A COMMUNICATION PATH FOR YOU TO TALK HEART TO HEART WITH YOUR WOUNDED WARRIOR BUDDIES.
JONATHAN THEY NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR SO THEY CAN FIGURE OUT WHO TO TRUST.
JONATHAN I’M ASKING THIS IN THE LORD’S NAME AND IN THE NAME OF HIS SON JESUS, THAT YOU BECOME PART OF THE SOLUTION NOW AND HELP STOP FUTURE SUICIDES IN THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROGRAM.
REMEMBER JONATHAN WHEN YOU JOINED THE MILITARY SERVICE WE VETERANS BECAME BROTHERS FOREVER, SO HELP ME GOD.
JONATHAN I ASK YOU NOW TO REACHOUT TO THE LORD AND HELP SAVE THE LIVES OF YOUR WOUNDED WARRIOR COMRADES. – AMEN
Written by Bob Bovitch on 7 February 2010
A CRY FOR HELP
DEAR LORD
I JUST CAME BACK FROM FORT BENNING AND WHAT I HEARD FROM SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROGRAM WAS HEART BREAKING.
THE WOUNDED WARRIORS TALKED ABOUT HOW INSENSITIVE THEIR DOCTORS AND NURSES ARE PLUS NO ONE CARED ABOUT THE ADDED PAIN THEY WERE GOING THROUGH OR THE ADDITIONAL MEDICAL PROBLEMS THAT THE PATIENTS ARE HAVING
LORD, I ASK HOW CAN ANYONE IN THE MEDICAL FIELD NOT FEEL THE PAIN OR ACKNOWLEDGE THE ADDITIONAL STRESS AND DEPRESSION THAT THESE WOUNDED WARRIORS ARE GOING THROUGH
I ASK YOU LORD NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, TO REACHOUT TO THE COMMANDER AT FORT BENNING AND HIS MEDICAL STAFF TO LET THEM KNOW THAT JESUS TOO FELT A LOT OF PAIN AND YOU LORD RELEAVED JESUS OF HIS PAIN.
I ALSO ASK YOU LORD TO INSTILL IN THEIR HEARTS AND MINDS TO GO THE EXTRA MILE TO SAVE THESE MEN AND WOMEN WHO STOOD TALL TO KEEP THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FREE.
I ASK THIS IN YOUR NAME LORD AND IN THE NAME OF YOUR SON JESUS TO ANSWER THE WOUNDED WARRIORS CRY FOR HELP.
AMEN
Written by Bob Bovitch on 28 January 2010
BY Stephen T. Banko III
Here For You
Music written by Kade Puckett Lyrics and arrangement by Skip Spoerke Recorded by Dave Kennedy and Varis Ozols.
Music and Photos Copyright Silver Star Families of America 2010
