Issues dealing with the growing numbers of sexual harassment and assault cases in the military are seldom acknowledged by the media, and rarely relayed to the American people. The experience of a sexual assault (ranging from unwanted sexual contact to rape) is also a widespread problem in the military (often referred to as military sexual trauma or MST). Further studies conducted by the RAND Corporation indicate that around 23% to 33% of female veterans report experiencing MST during their military career. One study found that approximately 42% of women who had experienced MST, also had acquired PTSD as a result. VA studies have found that MST is more likely to lead to PTSD than other military traumatic events. However, the VA's lack of funding means most of these woman will not receive aid or counseling.

The VA has conducted studies which estimate that an estimated 8,000 female veterans are homeless in the US today, and that number that is expected to increase as more women return from the war in Iraq. VA services to help these women stay off the streets are lagging behind. Out of the 260 programs in the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans' network that give counseling, shelter, and other services to homeless veterans, only eight have special programs for women.

In 1776 Thomas Paine wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." This significant historical figure in our nations history was referring to what he calls the Winter Soldier: those who give up their rights and freedoms to defend our nation, so that most citizens never have to. The quote's inspiring rhetoric provides a profound outlook on the trials and tribulations of our nation's patriots. IVAW, which stands for Iraq Veterans Against the War, held a demonstration in Washington this past March to bring to light the eye-witness accounts of those who served overseas. The trials and tribulations of our nation's patriots are best represented not through the media, but through the voices of the men and women who served. IVAW, as well as countless others, are advocacy groups whose purpose is to inform the American public of the realities of the war in Iraq, relay the wide ranging scope of issues stemming from this war, and to advocate the need for change. It's time for the American people to listen to groups such as the IVAW and recognize the health issues affecting the returning veterans. I am a college student, Navy Veteran, and member of the IVAW. I fully support the organization's efforts to inform, and relay these issues to the American public in the hopes of advocating change. The Department of Veterans Affairs, along with other veterans organizations, are critically and chronically under-funded by the government. This is severely impacting veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan war, and crippling the ability for troops to re-adjust to society. Debilitating health issues, unemployment, homelessness, and suicide rates are all examples of the multiple issues affecting our nation's returning veterans. The VA's insufficient funding has lead to insufficient staff, and in-turn is causing the severity of these issues to statistically grow everyday. If America continues to allow our government to ignore veterans issues, the economical impacts on society will prove substantial in years to come. Not only will veterans suffer, but society as a whole will suffer from the damage these issues will cause if they are allowed to continue growing at the current rate. Through the efforts of advocacy groups such as IVAW and countless others, Americans can gain the knowledge, adequately supporting the VA. Not only for the good of veterans, but for the good of our nation's future.

The war in Iraq has put a severe burden on our country's military forces. Those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan during this war have acquired multiple physical and mental health conditions, with PTSD being the leading mental health concern of the Department of Veterans Affair. However, these health conditions are not being addressed, for most, prior to being released from active duty military. When military personnel re-enter society as veterans, their affairs become the concern of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA simply cannot deal with the growing numbers, and as a result veterans are forced into: homelessness, suicide, alcohol and drug dependency, unemployment, and an overall inability to re-adjust to society. This is becoming a major issue in our American society, because the numbers of veterans returning home drastically increases every year. The numbers increase, and yet the VA cannot afford to take care of the countless numbers of veterans already in need of attention. So what happens when those numbers increase? The Department of Veterans Affairs will be forced to turn people away, close their doors, and turn their backs on the men and women who defended our countries freedom.

Unfortunately, the United States government is not sufficiently funding the VA totake care of the growing numbers of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans returning to society. Nearly 20 percent of military service members who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, report symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder or major depression. That equals about 300,000 troops, yet only slightly more than half have sought treatment, according to a RAND Corporation study. RAND stands for research and development, and is a non-profit corporation which was founded by our government during WW II. "There is a major health crisis facing those men and women who have served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Terri Tanielian, a researcher at RAND. Tanielian continues by stating that, "Unless they receive appropriate and effective care for these mental health conditions, there will be long-term consequences for them and for the nation." Unfortunately, we found there are many barriers preventing them from getting the high-quality treatment they need."

PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and is the replacement terminology for what society once called "shell shock" syndrome that was associated with dysfunctional veterans returning home from the Vietnam War. Combat and sexual assault are the leading causes for developing PTSD in the military, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Symptoms include flashbacks, recurring nightmares, avoidance of places/people and experiences that remind the person of the trauma, and a general numbing of emotional responsiveness. Stress disorders along with other combat-related mental illnesses can lead to suicide, homelessness, and physical health problems. Studies conducted by the RAND Corporation conclude that these conditions can impairrelationships, disrupt marriages, aggravate the difficulties of parenting, and cause problems in children that may extend the consequences of combat trauma across generations. "If PTSD and depression go untreated or are under treated, there is a cascading set of consequences," stated Jaycox, a researcher at RAND. Jaycox goes on to say, "Drug use, suicide, marital problems, and unemployment are some of the consequences. There will be a bigger societal impact if these service members go untreated. The consequences are not good for the individuals or society in general." A study published by the Rand Corporation shows that out of the 300,000 troops affected by mental disorders of depression or PTSD less than half have been treated. Among veterans who are recognized before exiting the military as having a mental disorder, only 23 to 40 percent sought mental health care, and the Department of Defense cannot provide assurance that veterans who have been diagnosed will ever receive proper care.

The government has forced the VA to turn their backs on veterans, and so veterans feel unable to receive help and in-turn forced to turn their backs on the VA. An article written by Gregg Zaroya, this past October , was published by the USA Today and highlights the response of the VA to the rising numbers of mental health cases developing in Iraq veterans. The article states that the numbers of mental health cases grew by 58% from 63,767 on June 30, 2006, to 100,580 on June 30, 2007, VA records show. Mental health issues include PTSD, drug and alcohol dependency, and depression. They involve troops who left the military, and sought health care from the veterans department. Mental health is the second-largest area of illness for which Iraq and Afghanistan veterans seek treatment at VA hospitals and clinics. It follows orthopedic problems and is increasing at a faster rate, according to the VA. The reality of troubled veterans is finally hitting the department, stated Sen. Jack Reed, a former soldier and member of the Senate subcommittee that oversees VA spending. "They're trying to catch up with a moving train because before … they weren't getting the resources they needed," Reed stated. "The VA began responding in 2005 to war-related needs, gradually increasing by 4,000 to nearly 11,000 the number of mental health specialists," stated spokeswoman for the VA, Alison Aikele, for the CBS article. "We are seeing the increase (in mental health cases), and we are preparing to deal with it," stated Antonette Zeiss, the VA's deputy chief of mental health services. "The VA's challenge is to provide PTSD care, which is complicated and expensive, where veterans need it," Zoroya cited from an interview with Joy Ilem, a Disabled American Veterans health specialist. "Delays in treatment put veterans at risk for drug or alcohol abuse or even suicide." The numbers do not include thousands treated at storefront Vet Centers operated by the department across the country, nor do they include active-duty personnel diagnosed mental health disorders, or former service members who have not sought VA treatment.

Other important issues currently causing concern on a national level are: the rising statistical evidence of unemployment rates among young veterans ages 20-24, and the rising percentages of homeless veterans living on the streets. I a recent study conducted by RAND, outlining rising veterans unemployment rates on behalf of the federal government, the following was stated regarding conclusion of their research, "It was of great concern to these federal agencies, and others interested in the well being of veterans when official unemployment statistics reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed a sharp increase in the unemployment rate of veteran youth (ages 20–24) between 2003 and 2005. The official unemployment rate of veteran youth in calendar 2005 was 15.6 percent, the highest recorded rate in more than two decades. The increase in unemployment among veteran youth was particularly worrisome since, between those same years, the overall youth unemployment rate declined." "It is difficult to believe that economic conditions in general could have such widely differing impacts on the civilian labor market outcomes of veterans and non-veterans. It also seems unlikely that the availability of transition-assistance programs for veterans could account for this large relative decline in unemployment." stated RAND, the National Defense Research Institute (17). The RAND study was conducted, sponsored by, and prepared for the office of the secretary of defense. On the same note, a recent CBS News investigation concluded that an estimated 120 homeless veterans commit suicide every week. The VA has conducted studies which estimate that nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night., and nearly 400,000 experience homelessness over the course of a year. An estimated 8,000 female veterans are homeless in the US today, and that number that is expected to increase as more women return from the war in Iraq. VA services to help these women stay off the streets are lagging behind. Out of the 260 programs in the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans' network that give counseling, shelter, and other services to homeless veterans, only eight have special programs for women.

Another serious issue causing concern for veterans, and negative publicity for the national government are the rising numbers of VA suicides. A recent article involving the VA covering up suicide rates brings light to the severity of the issue. The article, by MSNBC, was written regarding claims that VA officials are masking veterans suicide statistics. The article outlines a VA official who wrote e-mails stating one figure for veterans suicide statistics, while providing Congress with a figure 1/15^th of that stated in the e-mail. A lawsuit, that went to trial in San Francisco, disclosed this e-mail message from Katz sending Congress into an uproar. A number of Democratic senators said they were appalled at e-mails showing Katz, and other VA officials apparently trying to conceal the number of suicides by veterans. Democrats demanded that Katz be fired immediately. On one hand, the VA is not responsible for the lack of services, but on the other there are instances such as the article where it would seem as though the VA is just as responsible as the government. Why would the VA lie about these statistics? The e-mail posing guilt on the VA reads, "Shh!" 12,000 veterans a year attempt suicide while under department treatment. "Is this something we should (carefully) address ourselves in some sort of release before someone stumbles on it?" stated Dr. Ira Katz, VA Mental Health Director. The reasoning for the VA to hush their statistical findings, can be answered by looking back to the underlying issue of the governments under-funding and lack of supplying sufficient resources. The government is manipulating these internal issues, caused by under-funding, and making it publicly look as though the VA is the incompetent counterpart. When in all reality, it's the government at fault.

How accurately does the media portray the troops or the war in in Iraq? Whydoesn't the public have a general understanding of the money problems facing the military and VA healthcare systems? Newspaper, TV and radio editors know there is one word that is guaranteed to cost them their readers, viewers or listeners: Budget! So, who would read or view or listen? More importantly, who would care? In the slang of the press, budget stories aren't "sexy" and don't "have legs" and don't "bleed." But, veterans do bleed. And, veterans die. Every day.

The under-funding of the VA has, and will continue to cause veterans to be ignored and their cry's for help to go unanswered. VA statistics and studies prove that veterans die while on waiting lists for healthcare at VA facilities. Veteran's deaths are not caused by the deliberate deeds of evil people or the VA itself. The deaths occur because the VA is critically, and chronically under-funded. These are the deeds of people who speak of "fiscal restraint" and "balanced budgets." These are the deeds of people who refuse to fully-fund the VA while adamantly declaring their dedication to veterans. These are the deeds of Representatives and Senators such as those on the campaign trails during the 2008 elections.

The U. S. government spends countless dollars on research centered around the issues affecting veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The RAND National Defense Research Institute, is a highly respected Corporation who conducts research on behalf of the government, and for the greater good of the nation. The recent report conducted by the RAND Corporation project, "Understanding Recent Trends in Veteran Unemployment," seeks to understand the causes, and consequences of unemployment among recently separated active duty service. The report's research was conducted, sponsored by, and prepared for the office of the secretary of defense. The governments purpose is gain the knowledge needed to propose, and if needed carry through, a resolve to the issues currently affecting the nations returning veterans. The hope, is that the scope of the broader project will be of interest to policymakers as well as others concerned about the post-service labor market experience of military personnel.

Our politicians claim to support veterans issues and the need for an increased budget for the VA. Representative Ron Paul recently stated, during a campaign speech which aired on national television, that he spends one third of his time dealing with veterans affairs. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Senator Obama's staff recently wrote a stern letter to congress regarding veterans mental health issues. At the same time, Hillary Clinton continuously claims to publicly support veteran funding through both media and commercials relating directly to her campaign. The VA Secretary, Jim Nicholson along with President Bush have both stated on national television, that the VA budget has increased from 77% to 87% in the last six years. On the surface, the Department of Veterans Affairs admits that is true.

What you won't hear a politician say is that when general inflation, inflation in the healthcare sector, and government employee pay hikes are factored in the increases disappear. When you calculate the increased number of qualified veterans seeking VA Healthcare, into the amount of money needed to treat them, those budget figures rapidly turn into negatives. Members of the VA have stated that in recent times the organization's budget is actually going backward. This is a clear-cut case of political maneuvering, bureaucratic blundering and budget-rigging at its finest. VA under-funding leads to understaffing which leads to the denial of necessary services. Veterans wait. Veterans die. Will this change? It seems doubtful, considering the President and Congress are hiding these facts from the American people. On the same note, politicians involved in the upcoming elections are so concerned about gaining votes from the American people that they spend more money creating commercials saying they support veterans affairs, than they do actually supporting them. President Bush, VA Secretary Jim Nicholson, Representative Ron Paul, Senator Obama, Hillary Clinton have each publicly supported America's returning veterans. However, public appreciation and concern are not going to help the lack of sufficient health care, rising numbers of homeless and suicides, and the toll these issues will take on society in the years to come.

The trials and tribulations of our nation's patriots are best represented not through the media, but through the voices of the men and women who served. IVAW, as well as countless others, are advocacy groups whose purpose is to inform the American public of the realities of the war in Iraq, relay the wide ranging scope of issues stemming from this war, and to advocate the need for change. It's time for the American people to listen to groups such as the IVAW and recognize the health issues affecting the returning veterans. Together, we can make a difference in Washington and in turn provide a more secure future for the generations to come. As a Navy veteran, I have personally seen the effects, of government under-funding towards the VA, through my own personnel accounts as well as the accounts of other veterans. I can assure you that these issues, and statistics are relaying the truth. The Department of Veterans Affairs, along with other veterans organizations, are critically and chronically under-funded. The VA simply cannot deal with the growing numbers, and as a result veterans are forced into: homelessness, suicide, alcohol and drug dependency, unemployment, inability to acquire an education, and an overall inability to re-adjust to society. The VA's insufficient funding has lead to insufficient staff, and in-turn is causing the severity of these issues to statistically grow everyday. Government sponsored under-funding has, and will continue to cause veterans to be ignored and their cry's for help to go unanswered. It's time for the American public to our nations returning patriots, and take action towards the government's fallacy's.

In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote of the trials a tribulations endowed on our nations patriots. Paine's use of rhetoric described many of the same issues that returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are facing today, "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of  their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." The men and women who serve in our nations military, defend and preserve the rights and freedoms of all Americans. Its time America, its time to honor the patriots who all-to-often give their life, and freedom to honor yours.

1.) Bogdan Savych, Jacob Alex Klerman, David S. Loughran. "Recent Trends in Veteran Unemployment as Measured in the Current Population Survey     and the American Community Survey." Technical Report: Office of the Secretary of  Defense. RAND Corporation, 2008.

2.) Iraq Veterans Against the War. The Action Mill. June 13, 2008. http://ivaw.org

3.) Thomas Paine, "The Crisis, No. I.: Common Sense." London. 1776 (2)4.) United States Department of Veterans Affairs. July o8, 2008.

http://www.va.org//

5.) "VA Official Accused of Covering Up Suicide Rates: Democrats Call for Mental Health Chief to Quit After E-mails Contradict Reports." MSNBC.COM: A Fuller Spectrum of News. The Associated Press. 2008.

http://www.msnbc.com/id/24302814/

6.) Zaroya, Gregg. "Veterans Stress Cases Up Sharply." USA TODAY. 18 Oct. 2007.

http://usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-10-18-veterans-stress