My Semi-Adopted son called from Iraq on Saturday

[Semi_subversive]

My wife and I agreed that he sounded very troubled. He asked me if I had heard anything of our governor attending the funeral of one of his fallen friends and I said I'd check it out. He recently re-established emailing my 15 y.o. daughter recently after a couple of months of not hearing from him. He doesn't like it over there and wants to come home to his wife and baby in Olympia. I emailed him from the office yesterday after searching Ahnold's web site for press recent releases and sent them to him for a couple of soldiers. He responded that it wasn't them and it happened in late September. I located the release as well as a nice write-up in SFGate. It was for a young man from Novato who was killed by an IED. He leaves a wife and baby, just like Brandon has. I sent the info and got a response back that has got the tears flowing. He said it happened right in front of him and he can't get rid of the images in his mind. He had spent the morning bullshitting with the guy and talking about life in NorCal, and then Boom! , he's not there. He's hurting real bad and I wish I could just go over there and drag his skinny ass back home. He was supposed to be getting out in December, but they extended him until July and I hope and pray that he gets to return. I hate this fucking war and I hate the bastards that got us into it. I already sent a pissed off email to my piece of shit congressman Lungren, like that's going to do anything besides getting me sent to Gitmo. All the responses I've gotten in the past are about how this is a good thing and support the troops bullshit. Hey, Danny Boy, where were you when I was spending my hitch in the Navy? Fucking chicken-hawk! I plan on attending his next neighborhood forum and I'm asking him why the hell he supports this catastrophe he help to create. I hope they don't taze me, bro!

[Maat]

1. Wow.

Your 'son' is in our thoughts and prayers. I hate this whole situation so much! That's why I'm at the peace vigil every week. He's lucky to have those that care for him. It is so sad that he is dealing with survivor-type feelings.

[Semi_subversive]

8. I just wish it was over

[babylonsister]

2. I'm so sorry to read this, Semi_subversive. There are so many

people hurting so bad over the actions of the US. I'm ashamed, and do hope your son comes home in one piece, physically and spiritually. I guess the best you can do is be there for him. Or start a letter-writing campaign to him if he's lonely. I'd help if you need it. Pls. send my regards and know that my heart is with you all. :hug:

[Semi_subversive]

5. Thanks Babylonsister

I'll keep writing him as will the rest of our family to help keep his mind straight. All we can do is the best that we can at ending this thing and I'm not going to let up.

[Breeze54]

3. This is just to tough....

:(

-------------

Bush Signs Vets' Mental Health Bill

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h7vCY0HANN_unr3jPt__KwFP5YEAD8SNQU3G2

19 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) —

President Bush signed the Joshua Omvig suicide prevention bill on Monday, providing improved screening and treatment for at-risk veterans.

The law is named after a 22-year-old soldier from Grundy Center, Iowa, who committed suicide in December 2005 after he returned from Iraq.

"As a nation, we cannot stand idly by when the needs of our brave soldiers are not being met," said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who helped push the measure through the Senate. "We have a responsibility to truly support our troops by ensuring they have the services they need during their time in active service, and after they return home."

The law requires mental health training for Veterans Affairs staff; a suicide prevention counselor at each VA medical facility; and mental-health screening and treatment for veterans who receive VA care. It also supports outreach and education for veterans and their families, peer support counseling and research into suicide prevention.

The new law comes amid growing concerns over mental health issues borne by veterans who have seen combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The VA Inspector General, in a report last May, said Veterans Health Administration officials estimate 1,000 suicides per year among veterans receiving care within VHA and as many as 5,000 per year among all living veterans.

Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, who sponsored the bill, commended Omvig's parents for their sacrifice and support of the new law.

"While suffering this personal tragedy, they went on to help other veterans and their families and have advocated for improving all mental health services at the VA," Boswell said.

[Semi_subversive]

6. I'm surprised the bastard didn't veto

One of my former staff had two sons in the Marines. It was kind of a "you're nothing if you're not a Marine" thing, at least that's what was pounded into their heads. Mom and pop supported * in 2000 and again in 2004. Now the youngest one returned after two tours 80% disabled with PTSD. The eldest hasn't had to go there yet. Support our troops my ass!

[A-Long-Little-Doggie]

4. My thoughts are with you and your son

I wish you could go over there and drag his skinny butt back, too...

[Semi_subversive]

7. Thanks

I told him I look forward to giving him a big hug and he can even grab my large white ass while doing so.

[Fleshdancer]

9. Is there anything we can do for him?

If I could get on a plane and drag him back home, I would. Would it help to send him a care package?

[Semi_subversive]

10. Thanks. That's a very generous offer

That's why I hang out at DU. It's loaded with good people like yourself. My wife and several of our friends are getting together what they claim will be the mother of all care packages, so we've got it covered for now. I just wish there was some way to sneak him in some Jack Daniels. I guess he'll have to be happy with the non-alcohol Bud they get, or camel urine as he calls it. Thank you, again. Let's keep fighting the good fight.