CA2OR Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 So a friend of mine from high school called me last night and told me some of the most disturbing news I have heard in a very long time. Another friend of ours returned from 2 tours in Iraq about a year or 2 ago. Ever since then he has had some serious mental issues from what all he experienced over there. But that wasn't what bothers me. Due to his mental state he has been unable to find a job which in turn left him all but homeless. Yesterday the state removed his kids from him leaving the reason that he is "unable to provide for them adequately". Although I am sure this is true it is bothersome that we allow our vet's to even get into these situations. To keep this thread clean I will avoid sharing my honest opinion of this...all I will say is I find it.....you know....I can't even think of the words to explain how this makes me feel. I think I am actually ashamed to live in a country that would allow our vet's to be treated like this. This guy layed his life down, I am sure on more than on occasion, for what he felt was protecting our country....and as repayment we take his kids?DOH! I'm sorry....but this is heartbreaking. I wish there was something I could do to help him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefboy Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 thats pretty crazy you might want to call a news group or email them his info they may eat this all up and help him out they love storys like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevman Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 I agree, bringing this in to the public spectrum will catch the attention of those whom may be able to help.... Also there is a SALEM V.A. Administration office on Summer St Salem... I will post the Number shortlly. They may be able to help him as he may not of known the channels to go thrue, to help himself....Its hard when you get locked in your own head .... seeking out help is very hard. But there are V.A. advacasy personel that should be helping him.. Ill post the number so you can give it to your friend... This is tragic!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevman Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 Oregon Veterans Services Division 700 Summer St N.E. Salem,OR. 97301 1-800-692-9666 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 That is one of the worst things that I have heard in a long time. When we let drug users and sex offenders keep their kids, but take them away from people that helped protect our country. I hope that your friend gets the help that he needs to return to some sence of normal, and that he gets well enough to have his kids returned to him. dsoz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miniwhinny Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 I'm heartbroken. I came to this country 27 years ago from England/Scotland and you'd be hard pressed to find a more loyal American (yup, I came here legally and am now a U.S. citizen) Last weekend at the Ducks game they announced for all the vets to stand up...I think I cheered so loudly I lost some hearing lol. I don't know if this friend in near you or in another state....if he's here...PLEASE, PLEASE see if you can get a network of past firends going to make sure he's safe and I mean safe from himself. Suicide is a real issue and it sounds like your friend is hitting rock bottom I hope the loss of his kids isn't the last straw. My heart breaks for this brave, brave man who joined the service to protect and defend us ALL (sad)(sad)(sad) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coralreefer Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 it is getting so the workhorses of this country are ridden into the ground... This is indeed sad that this could happen... If his mental state prevented his working, then it may be best for the children to be taken care of elsewhere, but why isn't the government helping this man... why aren't the CEOs on Wallstreet all in jail...financial meltdown was their fault and yet they are yachting in the Carribean instead of rotting in jail... why are soldiers fighting mental/physical ailments floundering with no support systems... at some point the system will collapse from despair... DrMerle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwcoralfarm Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 This is truly sad Eric, I strongly agree with everyone here getting the word out might just be the ticket. Everyone says support out troops, so here is the chance to shine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted November 21, 2009 Author Share Posted November 21, 2009 He lives in Southern California I have been on the phone all day....as I am sure a few of my friends have been as well....trying to help his mother get custody of the children....I dont think that removing him from their lives is a very fair thing to do. Which seems to be exactly what the state has in mind. I just dont understand....how can we do this to people? Soldiers that fought our battles and stood up for us....how can we let this happen? I must admit....for today anyway....sadly....I feel ashamed to be an American. To be part of a country that would allow something like this to happen to one of it's sons. That was probably the hardest thing I have ever typed or said. I have alway had pride in my country no matter what goes on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCR Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 It's been going on for a long time unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nwcoralfarm Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 CCR is correct, and there many worse things that happen as well, and on a daily basis. I went through a version of seeing what the government is willing to do for it's troops with my father, it was not a situation like this but disgusting all the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted November 22, 2009 Author Share Posted November 22, 2009 Well..(sad)..I found out that at some time yesterday he decided to find a permanant solution to what I hope was a temporary problem. It is absolutely astounding that they can take away his kids but still allow him to own firearms(scratch). On a side note...and I am not trying to make a joke out of this(enforcer)...is it just me or should there be a law prohibiting homeless people from owning a gun(nono). Seems that the potential for tragedy is a bit higher under those circumstances(scary). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twitterbait Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 I used to work with a lady that had lost touch with her family members. when se learned that her brother, a vietnam vet was in the same situation, homless and with PTSD, she sent him money and brought him into her home. it was amazing to hear as he was able to get back on his feet. I am sorry to hear what has happened. may he rest in peace. What would be nice is if each soldier had a support list of people to call if they have problem when they get back. then these guys and gals would know they can call people for support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted November 23, 2009 Author Share Posted November 23, 2009 after experiencing all of this I am in firm belief that there needs to be a change in the support system that we have for those who serve. Regardless of your view pionts on whether we are right or wrong with our interactions with other countries these people are providing a service for you and helping protect what you hold valuable in your life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 This is just shamefull. I am sorry for what happened, and I hope that the kids are taken care of and raised properly. He deserves much respect for his service to the country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted November 23, 2009 Author Share Posted November 23, 2009 we are hoping either his mom can gain custody. Childrens mom is in service also and is over seas somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 I would think in a situation like that they would bring the mom home while things are figured out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted November 23, 2009 Author Share Posted November 23, 2009 I would hope you are right...I dont know their mom very well....I dont think anyone I know does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 It is very shameful! but it's not new news! There is several movies about what happened to guy's coming home from Vietnam war, very sad and yes I feel very ashamed to be an American when our government will give billions to a third world country and cant help our solders when they come home. We spend to much time and money trying to fix other nations when our's is hurting so bad! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 We spend to much time and money trying to fix other nations when our's is hurting so bad! its all about money and oil. If you really get into politics with foreign countrys and the US you will find that everything we do is about making money for those in government and big business. The US doesn't care about the other country's, the war, or illegals. They care about making it profitable and making it look justified to us the citizens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted November 23, 2009 Author Share Posted November 23, 2009 But don't people have morals? Or how about just respect for your fellow man? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 I would like to think so. I love our contry, dont get me wrong. But I dont have the most respect for it and how the gov is running the country into the ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted November 25, 2009 Author Share Posted November 25, 2009 I would agree with you there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.