Veterans Issue Area: National Guard and Reserves
What are the issues?
Approximately 30% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are National Guard and Reserve. Throughout our Nation’s history, National Guard members have been called upon to respond to domestic duties under the jurisdiction of their individual states; the Reserve Forces serve their Nation when called upon, but are know as “weekend warriors,” not accustomed to serving continuously with active duty.
Veterans Issue Area: PTSD
What is PTSD?
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a natural reaction to the extreme trauma and chaotic circumstances of war. For Iraq and Afghanistan veterans this can include trauma from combat, sexual assault, repeated deployments, and urban warfare. Symptoms may include: hypervigalence, loss of sleep, disassociation, flashbacks, numbing, and avoidance. Symptoms of PTSD may be onset or not appear for months or years after the traumatic event(s).
