Something to consider when your with some of these Vets

This was on the cover of the Ny Times the other day.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/us/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-may-cause-erratic-driving.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1

The Palo Alto VA (where I work) is doing a lot for Veterans in this area.  From my own expierences a few years ago performing convoys in the Sunni Triangle, I can tell you it was hard for me to deal with normal traffic.  I still hate driving in SF, and any bumper to bumper traffic sets me on edge.  GF hates riding with me when we are in traffic because I am always looking for a way out of it.  But my worst habbit is passing fuel trucks,  I hate them, big rolling fireballs in my mind, so I creep up on them, then pass them with great speed.  I let her do a lot of the driving when we are going to be in areas like that.  Some of the Vets we work with in HOW may have similar or worse reactions.  So keep that in the back of your mind if you ever have one ride with you or they are driving.

Thanks Mr Storm for the article and experince,

 That is why this program and ones like it are so important. To try and crack the pattern of PTSD and turn it into

  PTMI... Post Traumatic Mild Inconvenience ,,,, 

It's education for the general public and for those suffering to get help...

 The General Public has to understand that there are " Time Bombs..."  coming back and their fuse is short for good reasons. Many of these men and women have seen more combat than any other war in our history... 2 to 3 tours, maybe more... I met one guy who had been hit 3x's by IEDs, 3rd one got him...

ya might want to think twice in your next road rage situation...  That person may have a whole lot more experience in hostile situations and knows how to take it to an end...   

The statistics are that 18 vets a day are taking their lives, and I personally have witnessed murder suicide...

This is just unacceptable and the Nation needs to stand up and help those who have stood up for us....

These articles are also good to get the message for those suffering, to realize it's not necessary to be in that state of alertness, to stand down and get help...

That's what were doing here...

 Offering a way to help these brave men and women relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate...

Here is the first article of that series,  strong stuff...

  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/02/us/acting-helps-soldier-cope-with-post-traumatic-stress-disorder.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp

Thanks again to all who have helped HOW and are waiting in the wings to help again or for the first time...

Going to be a big year for HOW as we start to expand this program all over the Greater Bay Area and of course the Nation...

damn, never thought of that angle.  Thanks for bringing it up.

wow, that article was gnarly...but good.
sure gives one perspective.

There was good information in the articles and in your  thoughts.  My hope is that we can give some of these brave soldiers a step in the direction back to health. 

 Just wanted to let some of you know that THE best PTSD clinic in the nation is right in your backyard here in Yountville just north of Napa. It is called the pathway home and has by far the best success rates for combat veterans from OIF/OEF. I am currently in their program after having been through a VA clinic and can attest to how superior this program is for our modern warriors. At any one time there are up to 30 marines, navy, soldiers, or air force veterans in different stages of treatments. This is a non profit completely free to the veteran program. It truly is what should be done for all our returning veterans who continue to do so much. I have seven personal friends who have committed suicide since the return of various deployments and cant help to think that more can be done, should be done. Please if anyone is reading this is or knows some one that needs help.....GET HELP!
GOD BLESS THE USA

Delawhere,  I am glad to hear you are getting the help you need.  I know what I went through.  I had a mentor of mine die of suicide.  It shook me to the core.  I am lucky my GF has stuck beside me through thich and thin, she deserves more credit than I can ever give her. 

There is some back and fourth talk of my National Guard Engineer unit doing some work in Yountville this summer.  Not sure where that is in the process, maybe we will run into each other. Best of luck and welcome home brother!

Thanks for the post