2. By Branden Kay

3.  2.2 million U.S. soldiers served in Iraq and Afghanistan.  6,600 deaths and 48,000 injuries.  30% of veterans suffer from PTSD (APA, 2007).

4.  High death/suicide rate  PTSD treatments not working  Military health services are failing (Barrett, 2013)

5.  Unequipped for younger veterans.  Not enough workers.  Long appointment waits (Williamson & Mulhall, 2007).

6.  Waiting time to receive money is long.  Funds used inappropriately (Shinn, Moore & Rich, 2013).

7.  Unaggressive at seeking veterans for help.  Veterans afraid reputation will be hurt.  Have a more personal touch (APA, 2007).

8.  Substance abuse  Homelessness  Suicide

9.  Support group for veterans and their families.  24/7 hour crisis phone.  Hosts programs (Ruiz, 2012).

10.  Veterans train therapy dogs.  Helps experience positive interactions with community.  Reduces PTSD symptoms.

11.  White House acknowledges the critical situation (Jordan, 2013)  Families are knowledgeable  Keep veterans busy with activities  Establish strong communication

12.  Government and veterans need work better  More personal touch  Veterans need to seek help  New programs can help

13.  American Psychological Association Presidential Task Force on Military Deployment Services for Youth, Families and Service Members (2007). Psychological Needs of Military Personnel and Their Families Are Increasing. Military Deployment Services TF Report.  Barrett, K. (2013, April 3). Why do so many veterans kill themselves?. Veterans Today. Retrieved on March 3, 2014  Jordan, B. (2013, August 12). Obama introduces new PTSD and education programs. Military.com.  Ruiz, R. (2012 May 26). Survivors of military suicide victims come together to grieve. NBC.com  Shinn, M., Moore, D. & Rich, S., (2013, August 25). Despite backlogs, VA disability claims processors get bonuses. The Washington Post.  Williamson, V. & Muhall, E. (2009). Invisible Wounds Psychological and Neurological Injuries Confront a New Generation of Veterans. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.  Wounded Warrior Canine Program (n.d.). Our Program: WCC’s Service Dog Training Program. Warrior Canine Connection.