Jay Rockefeller: “on this important day, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder--PTSD--Awareness Day, we must pause to reflect on the…”

“on this important day, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder--PTSD--Awareness Day, we must pause to reflect on the contributions of our Nation's veterans and recommit ourselves to a sacred promise that should never be forgotten: that they served this country, and this country will always care for them no matter the challenge. This year, for the first time, based on a resolution that I cosponsored, the Senate has recognized June as PTSD awareness month. This is a good step in our effort to raise awareness of the invisible wounds our returning servicemembers far too often face. But today in particular, we must recognize that there is so much more to be done to fully heal those wounds, support families, and truly save lives. I recently had a meeting, one I will never forget, with a number of immensely brave West Virginia veterans and their families who were willing to publicly share the struggles they face every day as a result of PTSD. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense were there for our discussion in West Virginia, and I am glad they were. We heard from wives who stand firmly by their husbands' sides as the horrors of war manifest at home in frightening ways. We heard from a father who hurts every day knowing the inner turmoil his son faces.…”