For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Heidi Greer
Phone: 757-271-2289
Email: Heidi@MercyMedicalAirlift.org Website:AirCompassionforVeterans.org

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA –Finally there is significant recognition and a name for the most insidious and invisible combat injury, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Air Compassion for Veterans is aware of the alarming epidemic number of cases and covers the cost of air transportation to special treatment and/or counseling centers for injured servicemen and women, veterans and their affected family members if the government is not able to assist.
Major General Robert F. Dees, USA (Ret.) explains it so well.

“The reality of war is that everyone gets wounded. Some wounds heal rapidly, but some last for a lifetime. Some wounds can be seen. Some wounds are invisible….inside the heart, mind, soul and spirit of the warrior. These unseen wounds are often the most difficult to heal – they must heal from the inside out.” “Each service member is the “exoderm” – the outer skin – of our country. They protect the internal organs; you insure the freedoms and way of life which makes us America. At best, life in the military is a significant challenge: hardship, separation and selfless service around the world. As a warrior for our nation, you often get bruised, cut…you bleed…and yes, many of your comrades in arms pay the ultimate sacrifice. Your family and loved ones also sacrifice greatly. Whether you are a veteran who has lived in the lonely isolation of combat memories for decades, or are a young warrior just returning from the horrors of combat, one of your primary objectives in life right now is to establish some stability, peace and strength in your life again.”
One of the main objectives of Air Compassion for Veterans is to make sure every wounded warrior gets air transportation to the best specialized medical facility and counseling center available to achieve that stability, peace and strength General Dees speaks of. ACV works hand in hand with the military by covering the transportation when they cannot assist.

Since the inception of the program last November over 6,000 flights have been logged, transporting veterans and families of all branches of the armed forces. ACV is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and the largest charitable air transportation system in the country serving our wounded warriors. I May 469 missions were flown and these missions are steadily increasing.
One of the reasons for this increase in our flights is due to the epidemic of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) affecting our brave men and women returning from combat. Approximately 85% of combat troops experience some degree of PTSD, especially with so many troops making two or more combat tours. ACV is committed to providing free transportation until the need no longer exists. The medical world is also seeing the extreme impact that PTSD and TBI is having on the families and the community at large. These conditions are causing a huge increase in the numbers of suicides, divorces, homelessness and crime among veterans. Treatment can take from 6 weeks to an undetermined amount of time, possibly years.

To expound on some of the PTSD and TBI effects, experts are recognizing that the average combat soldier identifies with his gun and rifle as his or her main source of protection (other than fellow warriors) and is sometimes referred to as “his best friend”. When that combat serviceman or woman returns to his civilian roots, his family and community have no concept of the horror and experiences their warrior has had. Fellow warriors and leaders that served as their support system are gone. Without a structure of understanding and identity, depending on the degree of PTSD or TBI, a series of negative responses and reactions take over. The result can lead to confusion and frustration which can produces anger and un-natural behavior.

This is obviously a problem that not only the servicemen and women face but also their families, friends and people in contact with them. Society as a whole also is affected and infected with these possibly violent and radical behaviors. But there is hope.

There are specialized medical facilities that deal with these conditions. They are designed to support and comfort the individual and their family members as well as demonstrate coping and positive methods to return to society as productive and positive citizens.

ACV knows many of these treatments, rehabilitation and R&R centers throughout our country and we will make sure each affected individual gets free air transportation to and from these facilities. Our air transportation is provided at no cost to the injured, but this in turn requires steady financial support for ACV from pro-active, conscientious and responsible corporations, businesses and individuals.