What do the NFL and the VA Have in Common?

Like the Department of Veterans Affairs ("the VA"), the NFL has eloquently side-stepped the effects of brain trauma caused my massive or repeated concussive events. In a most disturbing study, the Journal of the American Medical Association has concluded that "110 of 111 NFL players were found to have chronic ...

Opioid Abuse, Veterans and Mea Culpa

With 80 people dying each day from overdoses of opioids, it is not surprising that Federal, State and Local authorities are seeking emergency measures and money to treat opioid abuse. Less surprising is the moral outrage and lynch-mob mentality of those who seek vengeance against those they deem responsible for ...

Military News Highlights: Week Ending Jul 21, 2017

Found below are a few military news items that caught my attention this past week. I am hopeful that the titles and short commentary will encourage SFTT readers to click on the embedded links to read more on subjects that may be of interest to them. If you have subjects ...

Meet Maj. Ben Richards and Bronco, his Service Dog

I had a delightful lunch yesterday with Maj. Ben Richards and Bronco, his service dog.  Also joining us for lunch were Eilhys England, Chairperson of Stand for the Troops ("SFTT") and Dr. Yuval Neria, Director of the PTSD Research Program at Columbia Presbyterian. I hadn't seen Bronco (a labradoodle) before ...

SFTT Military News: Week Ending Jul 14, 2017

Found below are a few military news items that caught my attention this past week. I am hopeful that the titles and short commentary will encourage SFTT readers to click on the embedded links to read more on subjects that may be of interest to them. If you have subjects ...

Did the VA Hook Veterans on Opioids?

Recent information suggests that 68,000 Veterans are addicted to some form of opioid (hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone and morphine).  The VA argues that "more than 50 percent of all veterans enrolled and receiving care at the Veterans Health Administration are affected by chronic pain, which is a much higher rate than in the general ...

SFTT News: Highlights for Week Ending Jul 7, 2017

Found below are a few military news items that caught my attention this past week. I am hopeful that the titles and short commentary will encourage SFTT readers to click on the embedded links to read more on subjects that may be of interest to them. If you have subjects ...

Veterans Affairs On The Fence for Service Dogs

Almost every day one hears a moving story of how Veterans with PTSD and other debilitating injuries are provided comfort and support by service dogs. Nevertheless, the Department of Veterans Affairs ("the VA") continues to argue that there is little  scientific or clinical evidence to confirm that service dogs benefit Veterans in a ...

SFTT News: Highlights for Week Ending June 30, 2017

Found below are a few military news items that caught my attention this past week. I am hopeful that the titles and short commentary will encourage SFTT readers to click on the embedded links to read more on subjects that may be of interest to them. If you have subjects ...

What do NFL and Military Helmets Have In Common?: Not Much!

Like many, I am moved by the tributes paid to military Veterans and active service members at NFL games.  Nevertheless, both the NFL and the military have come under sharp criticism regarding the number brain injuries suffered on both the playing field and battlefield. Both the NFL and military ...

SFTT News: Week Ending June 23, 2017

Found below are a few military news items that caught my attention this past week. I am hopeful that the titles and short commentary will encourage SFTT readers to click on the embedded links to read more on subjects that may be of interest to them. If you have subjects ...

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) by Grady Birdsong

Grady Birdsong, a USMC Veteran from Vietnam, has co-authored a book with Col. Robert Fisher (USMC - Ret) that deals with hyperbaric oxygen therapy ("HBOT") entitled "The Miracle Workers of South Boulder Road:  Healing the Signature Wounds of War." The book is a 2016 Best Book Awards finalist and details ...