Post-Traumatic Stress a Major Issue for DoD
Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Oct. 28 called the condition "the military health issue of our era."
Admiral Mike Mullen called post-traumatic stress “the military health issue of our era” Oct. 28 as he spoke at a special screening of a new HBO documentary about the problem and its impact on soldiers and families through most of America's wars. The film, "Wartorn 1861-2010," will debut Nov. 11, Veterans Day. It is executive produced by James Gandolfini and includes interviews with veterans of World War II, the Vietnam War, and the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Post-traumatic stress syndrome spans many generations," Mullen said at the Pentagon Auditorium, according to a news account by Terri Moon Cronk of American Forces Press Service that was posted on the Defense Department website. Mullen said he is concerned veterans will be coping with stress for years after they return home to new challenges, including unemployment, financial strain, or family stress.
"We must take better care of them," he said. "We must take care of them for the rest of their lives."