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For us here at IAVA this is a huge story, as we've been attempting to make headway in reducing the stigma that both the military and civilian society places on seeking mental health care.  When 2 General Officers come forward to discuss their own struggles with PTSD and readjustment from warrior back to citizen, we should all take notice as veterans and professional servicemembers.  We applaud these brave men who are leading by example and showing junior leaders that seeking treatment for mental health conditions is a necessary and effective way to ensure the combat effectiveness of every servicemember and their unit.  Thanks to Larry Shaughnessy and Barbara Starr from CNN for posting this great story.

 

By Larry Shaughnessy and Barbara Starr
CNN

 

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Army generals aren't known for talking about their feelings.

But two high-ranking officers are doing just that, hoping that by going public they can remove the stigma that many soldiers say keeps them from getting help for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Brig. General Gary S. Patton and Gen. Carter Ham have both sought counseling for the emotional trauma of their time in the Iraq war.

"One of our soldiers in that unit, Spec. Robert Unruh, took a gunshot wound to the torso, I was involved in medevacing him off the battlefield. And in a short period of time, he died before my eyes," Patton told CNN in an exclusive interview. "That's a memory [that] will stay with me the rest of my life."

 

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