Betty McCollum: Only the name has changed

Previous wars also left invisible wounds that we must tend to for a lifetime.

By BETTY MCCOLLUM

Last update: November 7, 2009 - 8:24 PM

As a young girl growing up in a military family, I learned why our nation must honor and care for its veterans. My father served in World War II and my great uncle in World War I. Their war experiences continued long after the end of combat and affected our entire family.

My great uncle, William MacNaughton, was one of the many veterans who came home from World War I with "shell shock" -- psychological trauma from the horrors of war. At first, these veterans were believed to be suffering from the direct physical effects of shell blasts or from chemical poisoning. But there was more to this affliction, which too often left its victims psychologically damaged and unable to emotionally move forward with their lives. Family members often suffered along with the veteran.

Back then, shell-shock victims had few services available and rarely revealed their trauma because of the stigma associated with mental illness. Sadly, many veterans tried to escape through alcohol and were left alone to cope with the emotional and mental health episodes, which in some cases resulted in suicide.

Today we know that these courageous veterans likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as other injuries.

My father, who was stationed in China, India and Burma during World War II, was also affected by the invisible wound of PTSD. His war experiences changed him both physically and emotionally. Before the war, he enjoyed playing the piano. When he returned from battle, having lost his hearing, he would play only when he thought no one was listening. I remember coming home from school one day to find my father had come home early. Hearing him play in solitude was bittersweet.

Too many veterans still suffer in silence. Since 2001, almost 2 million U.S. servicemen and women have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many have had multiple deployments. Reports show that as many as 20 percent have come home reporting PTSD or traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by prolonged exposure to explosions. And, of tremendous concern to me, the suicide rate among soldiers continues to rise.

All combat-related wounds, whether physical or psychological, have lasting effects. Our nation's commitment to meeting the physical and mental-health needs of our veterans is not temporary -- it must be for the rest of their lives. Our soldiers must receive the best treatment available. This requires sufficient federal resources, including funding for research, care and treatment of PTSD and TBI.

As a member of Congress and as the daughter of a veteran, it is important for me to be able to look our military men and women in the eyes and assure them and their families that our government will stand with them, on the battlefield and at home.

Betty McCollum, a Democrat, represents Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House.

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