PTSD: The Silent Killer
Handsome and friendly, Clay Hunt so epitomized a vibrant Iraq veteran that he was chosen for a public service announcement reminding veterans that they aren't alone. His "surprising" decision to take his own life has shaken many veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Those who knew him wonder why someone who seemed to be doing all the right things to deal with combat-related issues is now dead. Learn about this amazing individual and his silent , unsuccessful struggle with combat stress and depression.
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Meet The Raulerson Family
Matthew had completed 6 years of active duty and just started inactive duty when activated and deployed in Iraq for a year. He was a driver and gunner providing convoy security in Mosul Iraq, involved in a number of fire fights, and injured when his vehicle was hit with an improvised explosive device (IED) in an ambush. Matthew was awarded a Combat Infantryman Badge and The Army Commendation Medal for his service overseas. He was honorably discharged in January 2011, has been diagnosed with PTSD and is experiencing hearing, sleeping & knee problems. Mathew is now being evaluated for traumatic brain injury. Mathew, his wife and young son are now waiting for the Veterans Administration to start his merited service-connected disability income. Rebuild Hope is helping them in the interim. Learn more about them. |
Amazing iPhotos of The Afghanistan War
Photographer Balazs Gardi is an acclaimed photo journalist who has been in Afghanistan documenting the war with his iPhone. Recently, some of his photos were released as a photo essay in Foreign Policy Magazine. These amazing shots vividly remind us of how their daily lives differ from our own. (You can view the original online photo essay at the Foreign Policy website.)
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Victory For Veterans (?)
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ordered an overhaul of mental health care for veterans, who are killing themselves by the thousands each year because of what the court called the "unchecked incompetence" of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In a scathing 2-to-1 ruling on May 10, the judges said delays in treating post-traumatic stress disorder and other combat-related mental injuries violated veterans' constitutional rights. The delays are getting worse as more troops return from Afghanistan and Iraq, the judges said. About 18 veterans commit suicide on an average day. Read Story
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What's Unique About Rebuild Hope
While there are hundreds of traditional non-profits helping military families and veterans in various ways, only Rebuild Hope aims to fully leverage the power of the personal connection made possible by the Internet to deliver financial assistance and related services. The Rebuild Hope relies on a "one-of-a-kind" service model to help veterans with service-connected disability ratings of at least 50%.
Rebuild Hope families... - share their stories,
- receive modest financial grants and no-interest loans,
- benefit from financial coaching and counseling,
- referred to specialists in legal aid, VA benefits, heath-care, financial services and employment,
- and are publicly recognized for their sacrifices.
Donors ... - know who is receiving help from Rebuild Hope,
- can elect to decide who receives their donations,
- know 100% of their gifts are used as advised.
The Rebuild Hope Team... - consists entirely of volunteers
- who are passionate about helping veterans.
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