Paul Rieckhoff
Paul Rieckhoff
Paul Rieckhoff is an American writer, social entrepreneur, advocate, activist and veteran of the United States Army and the Iraq War. He is the Founder and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. He served as an Army First Lieutenant and infantry rifle platoon leader in Iraq from 2003 through 2004. Rieckhoff was released from the Army National Guard in 2007...
among facing health heard iraq issues last members mental stress study
The study confirms what we've heard from our members for the last two years -- that mental health issues and (post-traumatic stress disorder) are among the No. 1 issues facing Iraq veterans.
ability came communication connected dealing difficult disorder entirely group last offers people population relate spread stay stress talk unique veterans
When I started the veterans group last year, other vets contacted me and most of the communication came through the Internet. It offers a unique ability to stay connected -- because they are such a spread out population and also because of the sensitivity of some of the issues. If you are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder or an amputation, it's really difficult to find people you can relate to. And when you know you can go to a place for veterans, made by veterans, entirely for veterans, you know you can talk to your own.
attention paying people tip
People should be paying attention to it, because I think it really could be the tip of the iceberg.
friends-or-friendship health mental people unstable worried
People don't feel comfortable getting mental health care, necessarily, because they're worried that their friends are going to think they're unstable or they're crazy.
push seek
Everything's on the vet. It's on you to come forward, you to push the paper, you to seek the treatment.
coming definitely guys looking wave
We're definitely looking at a wave of guys coming back who will want to run.
bush country george health issues leadership mental priority recognize talk threat veterans washington
We need some leadership in Washington to recognize the pending threat of PTSD to veterans and our country as a whole. George Bush doesn't talk about mental health and he doesn't talk about veterans. Veterans' issues are not a big priority for him.
admission easy expect free leaders problems serious situation solution
I don't expect an easy solution to the situation in Iraq. I do expect an admission that there are serious problems that need serious solutions. I don't expect our leaders to be free of mistakes, I expect our leaders to own up to them.
brings policy rest
policy that brings in the rest of the world and relieves their burden.
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men and women of extraordinary courage and incredible capability. But it's time we had leadership in Washington to match that courage and match that capability.
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We saw firsthand the terrible suffering that they had endured. We protected a hospital and kept a school safe from sniper fire. We saw hope in the faces of Iraqi children who may have the chance to grow up as free as our own.
help iraq iraqi secure
to secure Iraq and help the Iraqi people.
bill call infantry ok walk
I wanted to be able to call bullshit on some of these guys. OK, Bill O'Reilly, OK Al Franken: 'What do you really know about infantry tactics? 'Have you ever had to walk through bodies?
accepted became culture guard money national spend
It just became an accepted part of the culture. If you were National Guard or Reserve, or NCOs, noncommissioned officers, you were going to spend a lot of money out of your pocket.