Active Duty

Service members who suffered moderate to severe traumatic brain injury in combat have significantly higher incidence of mental health disorders in following years as compared to warfighters who sustained other traumatic injuries, a study found.

The study, published in the current issue of the journal Military Medicine, examined almost 5,000 cases of traumatic injury experienced by Marines, soldiers, airmen and sailors during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan from February 2002 to February 2011.

Veterans Affairs officials are launching a new effort to reach out to recently separated troops to inform them about benefits and support services in an effort to ease transition issues and hopefully prevent more veteran suicides.

For me, Nov. 11 is a day of reflection, honoring those who have served our country as we continue to strive toward the aspirations of global peace that spurred the proclamation of Veterans Day. As someone whose post-service professional life affords him the privilege of working with my fellow veterans and the groups that serve them, this aspiration is a constant drumbeat.

Wounded veterans have seen improved employment opportunities and quality of life in recent years but still face serious long-term mental health and physical health challenges, according to a new survey of Wounded Warrior Project members released this week.

Among the most disturbing findings is that one-third of veterans polled for the report had suicidal thoughts in just the past two weeks.