Warrior Connection – 03.13.16

The March 13 edition of warrior connection discussed the failure of the choice program to provide me - major doug rokke  my own medical care after choice program director had promised us the service during a previously broadcast warrior connection. His  apology is:

quote 

Below is Health Net Federal Services' statement. We hope you'll be able to
read it in its entirety on your radio program.

We regret that you have found our efforts on your behalf to be
unsatisfactory.

Developing a complex new program like Veterans Choice is a team effort, and
Health Net Federal Services is working closely with Congress, the
Department of Veterans Affairs, health care providers and many others to
improve service levels and provide veterans with the appropriate,
coordinated and convenient care they have earned for their service to our
nation.

The Choice program recently completed its first year of operation, and we –
as well as all stakeholders in the program – learned a great deal from this
early experience about what it will take to cultivate an effective
public/private partnership that efficiently connects community health care
providers with veterans who are eligible for the program.

There was good news last week when the VA announced it is eliminating
administrative burdens placed on community health care providers. We expect
this will help us eliminate the current backlog of provider claims and help
ensure timely payment of clean claims going forward.

Supporting those who serve in the military is in our DNA. Partnering with
the Department of Defense since 1988, we are the nation’s longest-tenured
contractor for the TRICARE program, which serves active duty military
personnel and their dependents.

Health Net strongly supports VA's vision for a single community care
program that is easy to understand, simple to administer and meets the
needs of veterans, community health care providers and VA staff. We will
continue working closely with VA to help make this a reality.

Brad Kieffer
Health Net, Inc.
818-676-6833 - office
818-400-7317 - mobile
www.twitter.com/hn_bradkieffer

end quote.

We then read and discussed the Defense Nuclear Agency March 1991 memo stating how dangerous depleted uranium is and then the March 1 1991 Los Alamos memo - order I was given as I started depleted uranium friendly fire clean up following ground combat during ODS to lie in all reports to avoid all liability for adverse health and environmental effects.

 http://www.traprockpeace.org/twomemos.html

We then finished of the program in memory of SSg Paul Lyons former co-host who committed suicide one year ago on how to fix the broken VA system.

Before the crash- SUICIDE AN  EMAIL FROM SSG PAUL LYONS

I have had the privilege to have co-hosted With Doug Rokke And Denise Nichols on Gary Nulls Radio Station, known as "The Progressive Radio Network", out of New York City, regarding the various exposures that occurred during Desert Storm, whether they be concerning Depleted Uranium, Biological Warfare, and Chemical exposures; not to mention experimental shots with records of them being given as well as Nerve Agent pre-Treatment pills that we were ordered to take, that occurred during Operation Desert Storm. I and well over 275K Troops are said to be on the Gulf War Registry. I have also been exposed...I have two post war Children who are also sick, including my wife. How's that for a "Welcome Home Party"? The VA and DOD Need to Restart   their Children and Spouse Health Registry and get with program! We didn't ask for this and I DAMN sure wouldn't have intentionally exposed my Wife and now my sick post Gulf War Children, had I known that the birth defects and Illnesses were transmittable...This has been a NIGHTMARE for my wife and I. Someone In The Federal Government needs To Pick up the dropped ball and GET WITH THE PROGRAM!! We Also Need New Congressional Hearing's, from somebody in Congress with the backbone and fortitude of Former US Senator Donald Riegle, (R) Who saw the problem back in the early 1990's and held hearings, trying to get to the TRUTH of Gulf WAR Illnesses and now we have possible OIF exposures as well. This Government needs to settle this most important issue once and for all....If our current CBRN, also known as NBC gear is faulty, then let's fix the problem...WE know it there are GAPS, so let's FIX IT!!

The crash suicide  

SSG Paul Lyons 101st airborne us army retired- ultimate veterans advocate and my co-host of  warrior connection on prn.fm reached the breaking point of no return and committed suicide on Sunday march 15 2015 . Paul had called national hotline for help on march 7 at about 3 am and they failed to help. Paul called Major Denise Nichols, RN for help. Denise called me, I got Chaplain Brian Manigold – Danville (Illinois) illiana VA Medical Center to call Paul about 3:30 am. Brian got to Paul but being about 400 miles away could only offer verbal help. Hot line- Va- DOD failed Paul. In our last talk only days before he left us Paul told me he had nothing left. He had outlined the problems and offered the solution in one of his last emails to me. The army (101^st AB) and va who paul once trusted had dumped him like so many others, Overt retaliation aimed at Paul because of Paul’s efforts   and on others he loved took its toll.   Paul’s abandonment and the ongoing abandonment of so many others including me cannot be allowed to continue. we must fix the va now and stop ongoing trashing of God's earth. Our nation and God just lost one of the finest we must now force va and dod to change. Please help edit or add to these recommendations. I presented these on Paul’s behalf with all talking about Paul’s loss during Danville illinois illiana va town hall meeting yesterday- March 25.

Doug Rokke

1.  ALL THE PERTINENT DOCUMENTS ARE FULLY DISTRIBUTED

2. VA- DOD LEADERS must PUBICALLY ADMIT the CORRELATION BETWEEN TOXIC EXPOSURES AND ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS as already known in internal reports.

3. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATON must be made available and completed such as initiated in the ATTACHED POWER POINT. The numerous investigative documentaries must be made available and watched to begin to comprehend and resolve the lingering problems.

4. MEDICAL CARE must be optimized.

5. PROMPTNESS

6. STOP OVERT AND HIDDEN RETALIATION

7. THOROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION to mitigate exposures

8. ADEQUATE STAFFING

9. coordinated medical care appointments

10 TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT THESE WARS.   Ethical moral dimension

11, REPORT ACTUAL CASUALTIES NOT REDUCED  NUMBERS  

12. crisis line follow up through referral
13. verify definitive treatment- recovery plan.
14. crises intervention team- chaplain, medic,
15. no police swat team intervention unless   chaplain makes call.
16. return all phone calls requests for help before end of day- even if only contact.  
17. thorough support system- action plan.
18. Coordinated family support- notification
19. thorough primary and secondary – historical survey to determine casuals relationships – DD 2796
20. coordinated best friend(s) coordination
21. do not give referral back to failed group – team

From Ray Clark:

Why are so many of our young Military personnel so messed up?

Many people think that Wounded Warrior’s are mainly comprised of those who have gone overseas to defend our Country. That is true to a great extent, but many of those who have not been deployed are also showing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress.

Why? They haven’t been in combat, or have they? Divorce rate 60%

Most young service members have come from a broken HOME / and LIFE. Their hope, dreams and future was aborted when they were children and it took a toll on their lives.

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What are signs of PTSD. Hypertension, irritability, fear, hyperventilation, hypervisual, you express anger and lack of patience. Then you ISOLATE.

Much of their family history is off the radar and the individual doesn’t talk about their family problems.

The three most destructive substance’s frequently found in broken homes… 1. Alcohol, Drugs (prescr. & illegal) and Porn. They help to create…

2. Domestic abuse and Dysfunctional families go hand in hand. - they both involve POLICE intervention , which becomes embarrassing, frustrating.
3. Spousal and Child abuse
4. 4.a lack of competent child care and nurturing
5. Little to No spiritual guidance in building morality and character growth in the child.
6. DIVORCE = where 1 will leave and 1 will have to work fulltime leaving the kids at home.

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The effects on the child are…

1. Loneliness, boredom, anger, disappointment and blame themselves.
2. A lack in social skill’s , self confidence, self worth and self esteem.
3. There also may a lack of positive role models. So they may follow anyone. Let your hero’s all be dead, because if they are alive they will disappoint you.
4. The two most important people in your life are separating/ and soon they will both be dating other people and possibly remarrying a stranger.
5. If there are other siblings at home, you may have to become the PARENT and GUARDIAN for them.
6. The Grandparents will have to help finish raising the grandchildren. 

Why are so many of our young Military personnel so messed up?

Many people think that Wounded Warrior’s are mainly comprised of those who have gone overseas to defend our Country. That is true to a great extent, but many of those who have not been deployed are also showing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress.

Why? They haven’t been in combat, or have they? Divorce rate 60%

Most young service members have come from a broken HOME / and LIFE. Their hope, dreams and future was aborted when they were children and it took a toll on their lives.

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What are signs of PTSD. Hypertension, irritability, fear, hyperventilation, hypervisual, you express anger and lack of patience. Then you ISOLATE.

Much of their family history is off the radar and the individual doesn’t talk about their family problems.

The three most destructive substance’s frequently found in broken homes… 1. Alcohol, Drugs (prescr. & illegal) and Porn. They help to create…

2. Domestic abuse and Dysfunctional families go hand in hand. - they both involve POLICE intervention , which becomes embarrassing, frustrating.
3. Spousal and Child abuse
4. .a lack of competent child care and nurturing
5. Little to No spiritual guidance in building morality and character growth in the child.
6. DIVORCE = where 1 will leave and 1 will have to work fulltime leaving the kids at home.

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The effects on the child are…

1. Loneliness, boredom, anger, disappointment and blame themselves.
2. A lack in social skill’s , self confidence, self worth and self esteem.
3. There also may a lack of positive role models. So they may follow anyone. Let your hero’s all be dead, because if they are alive they will disappoint you.
4. The two most important people in your life are separating/ and soon they will both be dating other people and possibly remarrying a stranger.
5. If there are other siblings at home, you may have to become the PARENT and GUARDIAN for them.
6. The Grandparents will have to help finish raising the grandchildren.

* The reason grandparents and grandchildren are so close is that they both have a common enemy, the parent.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The effects…

1. You begin to look to “outsiders” for guidance instead of family.
2. You isolate, mistrust relationships and avoid marriage.
3. You feel like everyone you trust and care about will end up hurting and leaving you. Don’t get too close to anyone.
4. It becomes easy to make “bad choices” in friends because self medicating seems like the right solution. IT’S NOT !

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The Military is a family…It is a close-knit world-wide community of like- minded people who willingly put their lives on hold in order to protect us at home. They risk their lives everyday to keep us free and they are connected by a common mind-set of values, exceptionalism and purpose. They are truly America’s best.

1.Since the conception of America, Young men and women have been joining our military to get away from home and start their own career. They have always come into our military family with past memories, wounds, trauma, brokenness, loneliness, disappointment and anger. They have always been running from something, but not from the amount of broken homes we are seeing today. Many are messed up when they get here.

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How do get ourselves fixed ?

1. We identify our enemy and admit we have a problem. We can’t outrun our problems. When we get to where we’re going, they will already be there.
2. We have to realize what “FEEDS” or FUELS our problems of depression, anger, irritability and hypertension. (Substance use and abuse) Where there is no wood, the fire goes out.
3. You must set you a goal and “FOCUS” on it. (SUNCHIN KATA)
4. You must make better decisions and fewer Regrets. You’ll have to live with them
5. Choose your friends wisely. You’ll probably end up just like them.
6. Don’t date anyone you wouldn’t want to marry. You might fall in love.
7. Love your spouse and be faithful to them. Your children are depending on you.
8. Be the Best Spouse, Parent, Guardian and HERO of your family(including step-children) treat them like your own.
9. Be willing to STICK it out in your marriage and work things out (maybe professional help.) Your children deserve a good family life.
10. The Best Home Improvement you can do is take your family to Church. 
    

WHY??

1. GOD lives there. It’s fun to worship HIM.
2. They usually have good food, family activities & everyone smells good.
3. There are good “role” models for both parents and children there.
4. Most are good positive people, good mentors and good Teachers to help us to grow into the Best and Happiest people we can be. We need all of the help we can get.
5. GOD is not a crutch for weak people, He is a stretcher for wounded and dying people.

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Well, The ball is now in your court---play it well !!

Thank you

Life after Trauma #26

Suicide prevention

September is Suicide Prevention month and it is a sad commentary that we have so many suicides among our Military personnel , Veterans and their families. There is a lot of discussion as to what the cause and effects suicide has on the individual and their families and I thought I‘d give you mine.

As a Marine combat veteran who has fought suicidal thoughts for more than forty years, I think I have some ideas on how to cut down on the loss of so many of our national hero’s.

1. One of the contributing factors associated with suicide is the consumption of “substance .” What is the related Substance I’m talking about? It is alcohol and drugs. Special significance must be placed on pharmaceutical drugs. Weather they come from the V.A. or purchased over the counter, mixing drugs and alcohol can be a deadly combination. Drugs are for a specific purpose and come with a prescribed usage. Abusing the directions or mixing them with other substance can have a damaging or deadly effect. Substance “abuse” may or may not be a contributing factor in the persons life, but just the mere fact that alcohol is being consumed by the depressed person is one of the major culprits that causes the person to think irrationally. They become more depressed, lonely and disconnected from society. The potential for suicide is drastically increased when you mix alcohol and drugs. When you are consuming alcohol and drugs of any amount, you begin to fall “under the influence“ of what you are consuming. You will say and do things that you would not do under normal circumstances. There is also the risk of auto accidents, tickets and increased insurance premiums causing more problems to your career, marriage and self esteem. This kind of “mixing” substance may push you over the edge as you become more depressed and detached from those around you. Suicide is undoubtedly the most selfish thing you can do to those you love, and who love you the most. It slams the door shut in the face of everyone who cares about you and leaves them with a lifetime of wondering why you left without first reaching out to someone who could help you. When Americas Foreign and Domestic enemies read about our military dropping out on the fight against terrorism, I’m sure they are pleased and smile because they will never have to worry about you again. You have actually contributed to their success by eliminating yourself from the battle.
2. 125 TNEW - If you are depressed or discouraged, please reach out for help. There are a lot of people waiting to hear from you. They want to help, but you must make the call. Many of us have wanted to drop out of the race at one time or another, but didn’t. We pushed on in spite of our pain because we knew there were a lot of young people coming behind us and they were looking for us to set a good example for them. They’re now looking at you. I was taught as a Marine to attack the attacker. When the enemy shows up and attacks you, hit him back twice as hard. It’s simply what good warrior’s do. Semper Fidelis means Always Faithful. (Always) That’s not a cute little saying, it’s a way of life. Stay faithful to God, Country and Corps.
3. Leave a legacy for someone to follow.
4. Nothing is too bad that it can’t be fixed.

To call for help…

Jacksonville Vet Center 910-577-1100

Durham V.A. 888-870-6890

Boots on the Ground 919-907-0577

Moment of Silence

Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs - Gulf War Illness Research Program
Integration Panel Meeting of May 8, 2015
David K. Winnett, Jr.

Those who suffer from the ravages of chronic illness face daily burdens that would be unimaginable to most. Many thousands of Veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War carry the burdens that come with chronic illness. Chronic illness affects not only the way we feel physically, it takes a huge toll on us emotionally, spiritually, and financially. When you don’t feel well you cannot perform physical and mental tasks the way you once did, and your personal relationships are often greatly strained. The lack of physical capacity more often than not leads to unemployment. Together, these burdens can quickly overwhelm those who are not blessed with social and financial backup systems.

Paul Lyons lived with the burdens of chronic illness for over two decades. Like most who served in the military, Paul was a warrior and not easily defeated, physically, mentally, or emotionally. But sadly, even the greatest of warriors have a breaking point. For more than two decades after being medically retired from the Army, Paul was a well-known national advocate for sick Gulf War Veterans. Paul was instrumental in forming the Desert Storm Justice Foundation. His activities included lobbying members of Congress in Washington D.C., and conducting highly intensive personal research related to Gulf War Illness as well as investigation of the rates of death in Gulf War Veterans.

I met Paul in 2010, at our Gulf War 20th Anniversary Reunion in Dallas. He was a very kind and good hearted man. Despite his physical frailties and obvious pain he never missed an opportunity for a laugh. Paul was fiercely committed to exposing what he strongly believed was a DOD-led effort to suppress information relative to our exposures to battlefield toxins and unapproved pharmaceuticals. He had gone to extraordinary lengths in order to obtain a number of very compelling documents from DOD that painted a quite unflattering picture of the DOD in its efforts to minimize Gulf War Illness where public opinion and the media were concerned.

Paul put together a very powerful presentation for one of the Dallas sessions, including a PowerPoint presentation that literally had members of the audience gasping in shock and disbelief at what Paul had managed to uncover via numerous FOIA requests submitted to DOD.

Following the Dallas reunion Paul returned home to Arkansas and continued to do battle with the bureaucracy that is the United States Government, continually trying to uncover that next piece of evidence that might one day shed a bright light on the cause of Gulf War Illness.

But sadly, over time Paul’s illness began to chip away at his mental well-being. As his personal life began to fall apart so too did Paul’s will to press on. On March 14, 2015 Paul made a conscious decision to end his suffering. He took his own life that day because he felt that he could no longer put up a valiant fight. Paul was only 56 years old.

I greatly admired Paul's tenacity and stick-to-itiveness where his research into Gulf War Illness was concerned. Although I knew him only for a brief time his death took the wind from me, and the many other Gulf War Veterans who knew him. I'm saddened that he is no longer among us, but at the same time I rejoice in knowing that his pain has finally ended. Paul will be missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Very sadly, the incidence of suicide has become an all too frequent occurrence among Gulf War Veterans. Over a long period of time many ailing Veterans grow tired of living with constant pain, fatigue, and the myriad of other life altering symptoms associated with Gulf War Illness. Not to mention the strain it puts on the family unit. My prayer is that we’ll soon see a feeling of renewed hope begin to spread across the Gulf War Veteran community as the more promising Gulf War Illness studies begin to bear fruit. Let us always remember that the lives of many thousands of our Veterans depend on the results that we are collectively seeking during these proceedings.

At this time I respectfully ask that our panel engage in a moment of silence in honor of a very special man, Paul D, Lyons, United States Army, Retired.