Purple Heart Won't Be Awarded for PTSD
The Pentagon still assures troops that it takes post-traumatic stress seriously
The Pentagon on Thursday sought to assure troops that it takes post-traumatic stress seriously despite the recent decision not to award the Purple Heart to those with the disorder.
An advisory committee concluded that troops coming home from the wars with combat stress cases collectively known as post-traumatic stress disorder will not qualify for the prestigious medal awarded to service members wounded in action.
"I don't think anybody should assume that that decision is in any way reflective on how seriously we take the problem of PTSD," Defense Department press secretary Geoff Morrell said. He noted that the military is budgeting money for research, development, treatment and preventive measures.
"Just because an awards committee believes this particular injury does not qualify for this award does not in any way reflect that we don't take this problem seriously and aren't committed to doing everything we possibly can toward preventing it, toward treating it, toward taking care of those who are suffering with it," he told a Pentagon press conference.
The Pentagon on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 has assured troops that it takes post-traumatic stress seriously despite the recent decision not to award the Purple Heart to those with the disorder.
MY OPINIO IS IT'S B.S. I CARE FOR A VET WHO IS A DOUBLE PPL HEART RECIPIENT, AND I SEE ON A DAILY BASIS WHAT THE PTSD DOES TA A PERSON.!!!
