JOHNSON: The sound of silence

Published 11:30 am Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Those from my generation will remember the classic “The Sound of Silence” composed by Paul Simon and made a popular hit by Simon and Garfunkel. The ‘60s was a time of social turmoil as it is today, but for different reasons. A characteristic of today’s turmoil is that an estimated 350,000 combat veterans are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They are suffering, largely alone, in silence. And there are casualties among them. The VA estimates that at least 17 combat veterans commit suicide every day. Some say the number is more than double that number. Importantly, help for veterans contemplating suicide is available at the Veterans Crisis Help Line, 800-273-8255, press 1.

In the same vein, we are waiting – silently – for the opening of the Sub-Acute Therapy Unit at the Georgia War Veterans Home to address Georgia combat veterans most in need of treatment for PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury or multiple amputations. Its opening date has been postponed time and again. A major reason given for the delay is the inability to recruit medical staff. This circumstance is not unique to Milledgeville or to Georgia.  It is a nationwide shortage brought about by the COVID pandemic. It will be resolved as time goes by but it might be months or years. Meanwhile, we are expected to be patient.  Patience is easier for us than it is for those who are suffering the damage of combat injuries or for the families and caregivers meeting the needs of their loved ones as best they can.

I invite you to join me in praying for these combat veterans and their families and asking Gov. Kemp and our state legislators to do whatever they can to facilitate the opening of the much needed new service at the Georgia War Veterans Home as soon as staffing can be arranged.

Jerry Johnson

Col. Gerald A.Johnson, USAF (Ret.)

Executive Director, Georgia MOAA Foundation

President, Old Capitol Area Chapter, MOAA

Milledgeville