In World War I it was shell shock, in World War II it was battle fatigue or gross stress reaction. In the Korean War it was battle fatigue or gross stress reaction, and since the Vietnam conflict the condition has been known as post–traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a disorder that can occur after a traumatic event involving the threat of injury or death but there is a significant difference between the PTSD of a vehicle accident survivor and that of a Combat Veteran who is threatened with injury or death day after day, week after week, for months at a time. Characterized by:
- intrusive thoughts
- painful memories
- reoccurring nightmares
- sleep loss
- hyper vigilance
- isolation
- depression
- social anxiety
- anger
Combat PTSD is exacerbated by the battle mindset. During combat a Soldier’s duty is to survive and do their best to keep their comrades alive, this can compound the normal sense of survivor guilt, most believe that they have failed their comrades who were killed or severely injured. These emotions isolate the Warrior because they cannot be shared with anyone who has not had the same traumatic experience, which explains the Combat Veteran’s belief that his/her family members or therapist will not understand because they haven’t been there. At the same time studies indicate that talking about the trauma can be the key to unlocking its debilitating grasp.
OFR has traveled this journey with our wounded Heroes for 16 years, during that time we have experienced the changes they have endured as their journey continues.
PTSD has become the invisible injury that gone untreated can take its toll on the Veteran by means of :
- alcohol and substance abuse
- criminal activities
- unemployment
- divorce
- in severe cases suicide
From our experience the financial devastation can be the last straw
It is our hope to alleviate the financial stress for the Veteran allowing them to make clear decisions about treatment without the burden of the cost it will have on the family. By receiving treatment and learning to cope with PTSD in a manageable manner we will return more Veterans to their families and communities as productive members. As the recipients of their Service and Sacrifices we have a responsibility to assure their quality of life. Operation First Response is the bridge between the Veteran and hope for a promising future, enabling them to concentrate on recovery.
The Last Mission Project scope is to alleviate the financial issue by the following procedures:
Request for an Operation First Response application must be made via a Case Worker,
Veterans Administration Representative or Chain of Command.
During the application process the following documents and information will be required:
- verifying documents from WTU, command or VA case manager confirming PTSD rating
- verifying documents of household bills that will be at risk of non-payment due to the Service Member/Veteran’s scheduled treatment program
- verifying documents of Service Member/Veteran’s enrollment in PTSD treatment program
Examples of assistance:
- Rent/mortgage
- Utilities
- Vehicle payment
- Groceries
Services are subject to funds available at the time of request. Which is why your donations are so important!
Services are available to Active Duty Service Members that have been wounded, injured or are critically-ill.
Services are available to Disabled Veterans with an awarded disability rating of 50% or higher within the Veterans Administration.
