None of Afghanistan War veterans who received the Purple Heart in a ceremony at the Marine Corps. Memorial on Thursday, February 16 were willing to discuss their fallen Marines.
The 4 Marines that received the Purple Heart were members of Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, under the command of Capt. Paul Trembaly, who lost 2 Marines and had to medically evacuate 16 wounded, during their 7-month tour.
Trembaly realized the difficulties his remaining crew had in dealing with the losses they witnessed during their deployment. As part of a therapeutic effort he had the remaining 170 Marines of Company B flown to Bethesda, MD to visit their fellow wounded soldiers who were undergoing recovery at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The visit was therapeutic for both the active Marines and the wounded warriors they visited. Seeing that their own were being well taken care of was a relief to those who had to see soldiers removed from duty due to serious combat injuries.
Reluctance to discuss combat trauma and the emotions they may be experiencing after deployment is an issue many veterans face, which can often lead to the development of mental conditions. Depression, anxiety, uncontrolled anger, and night terrors are just a few of the symptoms that can develop when veterans are unable to cope with their military experience.
Many of these wounded Marines may face life as a disabled veteran following their recovery. Applying for veterans’ disability benefits is a way combat-wounded veterans can obtain help with finances, medical treatment, housing, employment, and much more.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.
