PTSD Diagnosis: Vet Says "Serving My Country Ruined My Life"

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Donnelly Hears Testimony From Veterans Struggling With Recession

Arlington, Mass. -

On Monday, April 13, state Senator Kenneth Donnelly, D-Arlington, joined colleagues in Worcester for a hearing on how the economic downturn is affecting veterans, specifically those returning home from service.

This was the first hearing held by the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, which Donnelly serves as chairman, this legislative session.

“It was important that for our first hearing we went out of the State House and into the central part of the state to hear directly from veterans and advocacy groups,” said Donnelly. “As legislators, we have to stay connected to our constituents, and that means reaching out to those for whom it is difficult to come into Boston.”

Petty Officer Leo Pike testified about being laid off from the New Bedford Fire Department at the beginning of 2009 while he was serving in Iraq He described the hardship his girlfriend, who works full time, is a full-time student and cares for their young child, experienced receiving his lay-off notice while he was away. He recommended changing the laws so that laid-off union workers can come home to their old job for 90 or 180 days while they transition back to civilian life, and then they can start looking for a new job.

Cpl. Eric Madonna testified about the discrimination he believes he was subjected to at work because of seeking treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from serving two tours in Iraq.

He said, “Serving my country ruined my life.”

A third testified about difficulties finding work because of a PTSD diagnosis.

Donnelly said, “I was very moved hearing from the veterans who testified about their struggles. Their testimony strengthened my resolve to protect veterans and give them the support and consideration that they deserve, because they have made too many sacrifices already.”

The committee also heard testimony from the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services, Massachusetts Veterans’ Services Officers Association, and veterans’ advocates from organizations around the state. They described difficulties with some towns’ attempts to limit benefits for out-of-work veterans because of town budget constraints. Some federal stimulus money is being used for veterans’ employment training, adding to the efforts of advocates working for veteran employment.

State Senator Donnelly has a page with contact info.

The Mass Joint Committee On Veterans And Federal Affairs has the other Committee members.

If you live in Massachusetts, please contact these ELECTED Representatives and politely make your concerns known to them.

Real help for our Veterans does NOT lie in Skunk Spraying them as 'Incurably Mentally Ill' , ...... as a Payback, for Risking Their Lives in Service to their Country!