Purple Heart

[combatgoldfish]

I agree. too many medals already. As I said, in my experience it didn' mean a f*ckin' thing. What's next a medal for getting drunk and falling down the stairwell??

I might actually have a medal for that.

 

[atilla]

I agree. too many medals already. As I said, in my experience it didn' mean a f*ckin' thing. What's next a medal for getting drunk and falling down the stairwell??[/QUOTShit canned my medals, didn't and still doesn't mean a thing to me. And I might actually have several of those like CGF has, I deserve those.

 

[treva31]

Yea leave the medals alone, just change the treatment policies.

 

[BigBG]

I can't believe some of you guys actually think a Purple Heart should be awarded for "mental wounds?"

ALL of us have PTSD in varying forms, but NONE of us earned a Purple Heart by for PTSD by virtue of the awards citation in the traditional sense (I.e. Direct combat related wound from enemy combatants). To me this likens when Obama blanket awarded 20 something medals of honor a year ago, mainly to "minorities who were treated poorly by a racist system of awarding acts of valor." Bravo Sierra.

Just for the record, I have a Purple Heart from an IED in case my integrity is called on the table. Baghlan Province, Afghanistan, Route Pluto. Never forget.

I, along with many of us on here, have friends who were awarded Purple Hearts POSTHUMOUSLY! As in they died and gave their blood for this country. I will NOT have their sacrifice degraded so we can move up in a line at the VA? Seriously?!

C'mon guys do you really feel like a medal is needed to validate our PTSD? That's the same as the CAB/ CIB hunters who are poags who stayed on a FOB and guarded the chow hall but heard a friends, cousins, brothers, uncle'a friend was near to IDF explosions at the f*ckin Green Bean and sipping on a muther f*ckin Rip It and he deserves a combat medal?!!??
BS

I agree the system must be fixed, and quickly. PTSD has been prevalent since wars began. And it won't go away. But treatment can improve and minimize the effects. No medal can do that. If you feel it will, then you can have mine...or just buy them off Vanguard (stolen valor).

End rant

 

[Grizzly]

I didn't think anyone actually felt that a medal was necessary.

One poster mentioned the medal would grant a better service priority. And that would be nice. Especially for those who are given the run around by the VA.

I should have received a PH I guess. We took IDF in Kafji and ended up pulling glass from my CUCV window out of my arm. Still have a 5" scar to remind me. Had I know when I was 19/20 that it would have helped me get better care 20 some years later I would've pursued it more.

 

[JarHed]

Yeah, if we knew then what we know now. Can't tell you how often that plays in my head as well. If you can document your actions at the time you can still apply for one if that's something you'd like. Work with a DAV or VFW rep for some help there as well.

 

[Grizzly]

Not worth my time. I got a chest full of medals and ribbons. No idea where they are today. Like CGF said..."collecting dust".

The VA gave me some paperwork and walked me through the process to file. At this stage in my life, I see 0 benefit.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Leave it be!

Our brothers and sisters who show the physical wounds and bear that burden should not have their sacrifice compared for worth or measure. If it was to be changed I'd respectfully decline. That POS Kerry did enough damage with his *Quick 3 and an out*. Thank you!

Ba

 

[BigBG]

I didn't think anyone actually felt that a medal was necessary.

One poster mentioned the medal would grant a better service priority...

Griz,

I hear ya, cept one poster in this thread was condoning it. They said they dont think it's a bad idea from the "active duty perspective" (whatever that means) then when that person found out it gives priority at the VA they replied, ok then I think it's a good thing...

I spoke my piece. If you weren't shot, blown up and injured, shrapnel from IDF, directly from enemy combatants, no Purple Heart. Period.

America is allllll about "everyone gets a trophy" so others don't feel left out. BS

I have PTSD. I have a Purple Heart. I would NOT want a Purple Heart had I not blown my f*cking knee to shit in an IED attack. How could you walk into anywhere with people who lost limbs, who earned the SAME Purple Heart, when you receive one for "mental injuries?" It's ludicrous and I can't believe this is something being considered? I thank God each day I still have my left leg. I don't need a medal to prove I have physical combat injuries. It's just a song and dance to me

As stated before, if someone wants my Purple Heart they can have it. Or buy one on vanguard. I don't ask for priority at the VA cuz of a Purple Heart. I wait my turn in line like everyone else. That's like poag officers or NCOs who jump their joes in the chow line cuz they are hungry now and have rank

The SYSTEM needs fixing, but medals won't fix it. PTSD flags are easy to track and that should be a simple procedure to implement to ensure combat vets with diagnosed PTSD don't get the run a round

My two cents...again...

 

[Grizzly]

Griz,

I hear ya, cept one poster in this thread was condoning it. They said they dont think it's a bad idea from the "active duty perspective" (whatever that means) then when that person found out it gives priority at the VA they replied, ok then I think it's a good thing...

I spoke my piece. If you weren't shot, blown up and injured, shrapnel from IDF, directly from enemy combatants, no Purple Heart. Period.

America is allllll about "everyone gets a trophy" so others don't feel left out. BS

I have PTSD. I have a Purple Heart. I would NOT want a Purple Heart had I not blown my f*cking knee to shit in an IED attack. How could you walk into anywhere with people who lost limbs, who earned the SAME Purple Heart, when you receive one for "mental injuries?" It's ludicrous and I can't believe this is something being considered? I thank God each day I still have my left leg. I don't need a medal to prove I have physical combat injuries. It's just a song and dance to me

As stated before, if someone wants my Purple Heart they can have it. Or buy one on vanguard. I don't ask for priority at the VA cuz of a Purple Heart. I wait my turn in line like everyone else. That's like poag officers or NCOs who jump their joes in the chow line cuz they are hungry now and have rank

The SYSTEM needs fixing, but medals won't fix it. PTSD flags are easy to track and that should be a simple procedure to implement to ensure combat vets with diagnosed PTSD don't get the run a round

My two cents...again...

I get it. And I agree with you. I don't think the poster was trying to state it the way in which it sounded. I could be wrong.

I think that from a priority group standpoint it would give a vet not quicker, but med coverage in general and how you are enrolled in the VA health care system based on income. It doesn't move you ahead in line faster it simply ensures you are treated. I don't think its an issue today, but I remember it was at one time. It is a moot point now. Cause an active duty person would 1. Be awarded the medal due to PTS and then 2. Under many circumstances get a boot. Which would be a service connection automatically which would entitle the vet to be in the upper priority groups.

Here is a for instance. I was originally being charged a co pay for all of my what I considered service related medical conditions. Including PTSD therapy. In fact the VA charged more for my sessions than the private sector doc did. But they had my priority group screwed up. I was being charged because my income is above the national threshold.

Meh...it's not important at this point to explain it all. Bottom line, I don't feel entitled. But I feel if they effed me up, they need to at least eat the costs for treatment.

The system will not get better. Too many hands in the cookie jar. It needs to be torn down, demo the foundation and rebuilt from scratch.

Here is a for instance. If you have been out for the mil for 5 years and a day and make over 45K, you are not eligible for VA healthcare.

 

[james Marquis]

New
I know this isn't hot right now but it does show up every couple of months.. To solve the back and forth about the Purple Heart losing value if it is given to those who have Combat PTSD is to break it up into different classes like the Legion of Merit depending on the circumstances, or can even change its color if it something like friendly fire(purple and blue for instance). That way instead of someone getting a scratch and someone dying in combat can get the Purple Heart but now people can see which one they are a recipient of instead of a blanket medal. Plus this way more of us that need help can hopefully be seen by the VA before it is to late.

First I believe if you were in combat and you are diagnosed with PTSD yes its a mental would which does not go away you learn to control it being placed on medication ect. The brain in some form has been altered chemically so why is PTSD not given a Purple Heart...according to VA statistics 21 plus vets are committing suicide a day...due to PTSD...Unless the Gov. recognizes this a war time wound (Silent wound many Drs. call it)...these vets that hide in the shadow because the command or private employers view this as a person is broken and is weak...I was forced out due to this I was a MSgt 26 years in... If the Government recognizes this as a war related injury through Purple Heart or creation of another similar combat related award these vets will stay hidden in the shadows...If you have the documentation and served in a War zone yes you should be entitled to a war time injury award...

 

[james Marquis]

First I believe if you were in combat and you are diagnosed with PTSD yes its a mental would which does not go away you learn to control it being placed on medication ect. The brain in some form has been altered chemically so why is PTSD not given a Purple Heart...according to VA statistics 21 plus vets are committing suicide a day...due to PTSD...Unless the Gov. recognizes this a war time wound (Silent wound many Drs. call it)...these vets that hide in the shadow because the command or private employers view this as a person is broken and is weak...I was forced out due to this I was a MSgt 26 years in... If the Government recognizes this as a war related injury through Purple Heart or creation of another similar combat related award these vets will stay hidden in the shadows...If you have the documentation and served in a War zone yes you should be entitled to a war time injury award...