As I pen this letter, I find myself in an unexpected position: agreeing with you on a particular issue.
During your recent forum in Springfield, you addressed a group of veterans and discussed the urgent need for improved support for those grappling with PTSD and other mental health conditions. I concur with your assessment that the Department of Veterans Affairs is in dire need of reform and that our veterans deserve better assistance. However, that is where our agreement ends, as your subsequent comments were both misguided and troubling.
You mentioned that upon returning from combat, some soldiers exhibit strength while others do not, implying that those who struggle with PTSD lack resilience. This statement not only reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of mental illness but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that the mental health community has tirelessly worked to dismantle.
As a veteran who has faced my own battles with mental health, I can assure you that the challenges posed by PTSD, anxiety, and depression are not indicators of weakness. These conditions distort reality and can create an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. The brave men and women in our armed forces, many of whom have endured nearly two decades of relentless deployment since 9/11, deserve our utmost respect and support, not further stigmatization.
Shockingly, statistics reveal that about 30% of active-duty personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan—approximately 730,000 individuals—suffer from mental health issues that require treatment. Yet, less than half of those who need help actually receive it, according to MentalHealthFirstAid.org. This alarming reality highlights the importance of addressing mental health concerns within our military community.
Unfortunately, your rhetoric throughout this campaign has often belittled the sacrifices of our veterans rather than honoring them. You have made disparaging remarks about esteemed individuals such as John McCain, mocked families of fallen soldiers, and trivialized the valor associated with military honors like the Purple Heart. Furthermore, your claims of understanding military operations while lacking any service experience raises serious concerns about your qualifications to lead those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country.
While I agree that our veterans require enhanced support and that the VA system must be improved, I fear that your approach only serves to alienate the very individuals you claim to want to assist. The men and women of our military are extraordinarily resilient; they should not have to endure a leader who undermines their experiences.
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In summary, while I appreciate your acknowledgment of the need for better support for veterans, I urge you to reconsider how your words and actions affect those who have served. The strength of our military personnel lies not only in their physical endurance but also in their emotional resilience, which deserves respect and understanding.