Texax Times Weekly -- Healing The Invisible Wounds Of War

Statement

Texax Times Weekly -- Healing The Invisible Wounds Of War

By: Sen. John Cornyn

As the home to 15 major military installations, including the largest active duty military installation in the United States at Fort Hood, one in ten military service members calls Texas home. Every year, thousands of Texans train, deploy, and serve their nation in the Armed Forces. In Texas, our pride in our men and women in uniform runs deep. We value their contribution and we know how critical the sacrifices they make are to our greater good and our national security. It's no wonder we say "Texas defends America."

With more than 1.7 million veterans also calling Texas home, Texas knows better than any other state what military service is all about. There are scores of organizations and individuals across our state who lend their support to military families, returning troops, and veterans. Our medical professionals at VA hospitals and clinics treat our wounded warriors and help them return to service or transition to civilian life.

But even in a state like Texas where we wholeheartedly support our troops and care for their families, there is always more that can be done to ensure our military personnel and veterans are receiving the best care and benefits possible.

One area that requires greater attention and more resources is mental health. Sadly, there is a rising trend in the "invisible wounds" of war that impact an increasing number of Texans who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as their family members.

Recent studies indicate as many as one in five U.S. veterans is expected to suffer from one or a combination of these "invisible wounds" of war, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injury. A study by the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center reports that service members spend more time in the hospital for mental health disorders than for any other condition.

Left untreated, these mental health conditions often result in other problems including feelings of despair, helplessness, and isolation, as well as substance abuse, spouse/child abuse, and even suicide. In 2008, the Army reported the highest number of suicides since it began recording data in 1980. In January 2009 alone, reports indicate 24 soldiers committed suicide.

Here in Texas, a recent string of suicides within one Recruiting Battalion prompted me to take action. Since 2001, the Army's Houston Recruiting Battalion has lost four Army recruiters to suicide; all were combat veterans. After learning of these tragedies, I expressed my serious concern to Army Secretary Pete Geren and called for an in-depth investigation. Shortly thereafter, Secretary Geren directed Brigadier General Frank Turner to lead a far-reaching Army probe into the suicides. Last month, I visited a recruiting station in Houston to meet with recruiters from this battalion and hear from them directly about their recruiting experiences and daily challenges. BG Turner joined me and updated me on actions taken by the Army as a result of his investigation.

The Army has taken several steps to improve the environment within the Houston Recruiting Battalion and implement suicide prevention measures to address problems uncovered by BG Turner's investigation. Sadly, the rising trend of suicides is not limited to this unit; it has become a serious problem Army-wide. Having asked the leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee to host a hearing to examine this recent trend, I was pleased when the Committee recently announced it will hold a hearing March 18 on the issue of recruiter suicides, as well as the broader mental health issues facing our military. I will be participating in this hearing to tell the story of these fallen recruiters, as well as to help shed light on the alarming rate of soldier suicides, find solutions, and provide additional support to our troops and their families.

On my part, I will also continue to look for ways to dedicate additional federal resources and attention to research and treatment of the complex mental health conditions affecting our service members. I was pleased to support the Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warrior Act, which was signed into law last year. This new law takes several steps to improve the health care and benefits for recovering veterans, troops, and their families. Of note are provisions that expand the treatment and research for traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic eye injuries, along with a guarantee that combat veterans who request mental health evaluations receive them within 30 days of their request.

While the military and Department of Veterans Affairs have made significant strides in identifying the "invisible wounds of war," we can always do better. We need to reach out to our wounded warriors and ensure they have the proper care to make a full recovery.

This month is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and organizations and individuals across the country will work together to raise awareness and understanding of brain injuries. I hope that as Texans continue to embrace and support our wounded warriors, veterans, and their families, we also strive to learn more about the "invisible wounds" of war and help our loved ones who may be suffering from these conditions to get help as early as possible. Through early detection, treatment, and the love and support of family and friends, we can save the lives of brave men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much for our safety and well-being.

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