Huey was killed in a car bomb explosion while he and the squad were setting up a roadblock. Two soldiers were sent home and Jose Barco was sent to a special burn unit in Texas.
Ater the squad returned to the U.S, things got bad. Kevin Shields, a soldier from 3rd platoon, was killed. He was killed by Louis Bressler and Bruce Bastien--they had been drinking and loss judgement due to their PTSD. They both are now serving time for the murder and Kenny Eastridge is serving 10 years for being an accessory. Jose Barco was arrested for a drive by shooting after he was kicked out of a party for violent behavior. He's serving 52 years in jail. He'll eligable for parole in 2035.
Eastridge, Barco and Ryan Krebbs (the unit's medic) all went for psychiatric treatment but received none. During their time in the army they were given medication and sent back into the fighting.
In Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, the hospital psychiatric positions are understaffed. A quarter of these postions are still open--yet they haven't been filled. This was part of inability to help returning soldiers.
I learned that we should take better care of returning soldiers. I also think funding should be put in for psychologists, psychiatry, etc.
If I was going to make a follow up film I would find and interview every soldier in 3rd platoon, ask how their life is now, plans for the future, if they're going back to the army, and how they're taking care of their PTSD. --Chris Snyder ' 11
1 comment:
I dont know who you are, but I stumbled upon this project. God bless you for doing this work and for bringing attention to our troops and the pain they struggle with during and after combat. Keep up the good work!
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