By Debbie Gregory.
Many Veterans often feel a loss of camaraderie after they separate from active duty. Reconnecting with battle-buddies and talking about their feats is one of the most effective methods for combating the aches of military separation. It is for this reason that so many Veterans join social clubs such as the American Legion. Veterans’ organizations are a great place for Veterans to meet and congregate with people who have shared similar experiences, both in uniform and since their separation.
Veteran social organizations, besides offering places for fellowship to occur, often address issues that are relevant to Veterans. Many Veteran clubs actively participate in campaigns to improve Veterans’ lives.
For example, during the month of February, the American Legion is asking Veterans to participate in a survey designed to improve the lives of Veterans who suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The survey is voluntary and only for those Veterans who suffer from TBI or PTSD.
The survey is being conducted to directly benefit all Veterans, especially the 2.4 million members of the American Legion. It is a continuation to a previous report that the Legion’s Committee on TBI and PTSD released on September 11, 2013. The report pointed out several shortcomings in the diagnoses and treatment of TBIs and PTSD. The results were made public and shared with the VA and medical officials within the DOD.
Questions for the survey were developed by the American Legion and the Data Recognition Corporation. Included in the confidential survey are questions that concern gender, era of service, number of deployments, diagnoses, types of treatments, as well as reported symptoms and side effects. The American Legion is hoping that their questions will provide the medical community with data provided by unique individual experiences that only Veterans can provide.
If you have suffered from TBI or PTSD, please take a few minutes to complete the American Legion’s survey online. The survey will be conducted from now through February 28, 2014, and is open to all Veterans who have suffered from either condition.