[High Hopes]

Hello everyone. This is my first post. My son just returned from a year in Afghanistan. This was his 5th deployment (first 4 were with the 3rd Ranger Battalion), and he is only 25.

The day after he arrived home for a 24 day block leave, he was arrested for DUI, put in jail for the night, and turned over to the military here at Ft. Jackson where he was held until I was called by his commanding officer from Ft. Bragg. His leave was immediately cancelled, his driver's license was taken, and he was ordered back to his duty station at Ft. Bragg. Since this event, the Army has arranged some counseling and alcohol abuse sessions that he will be attending. Also, I'm certain he will be severely reprimanded.

My son has retained a very good DUI attorney to represent him. After reviewing all of the evidence, the attorney feels that we should have my son evaluated for PTSD as soon as possible. I think this should be done by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who could serve as an expert witness in any future trial. This person would also be able to recommend or provide treatment as needed.

Do any of you have experience with PTSD evaluations, resources, etc.? We live in the Columbia, SC area and my son is stationed at Ft. Bragg near Fayetteville, NC. At this point, we are thinking this evaluation should be done in the private sector and not by the VA. Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Rhiannonsmoon]

Forgive me for answering your post High Hopes I just felt impelled to. I have not yet had any formal involvement with these issues but I just wanted to let you know that PTSD is not something simple. I thought the military in every country who sent troops to fight would have learned their lessons from WW2, Korea and Vietnam.

With much respect for your sons service, his sacrifice of wellbeing and for you and your wife and families' sacrifice, and that goes for every Allied troop in the East right now and from the beginning.

I really hope that he is treated not punished, because punishment is only a kick in the backside from the officials who sent him there in the first place; I hope they see that his PTSD is real and very damaging and so treat him fairly

Loving thoughts,

Rhian