In Wake of 60 Minutes Segment Featuring Montana Military Family, Daines Sends Letter to Veterans Affairs Asking for Details on Help for PTSD
By Denise Rivette
U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs requesting details on the services the department provides to help families dealing with PTSD. A 60 Minutes segment on Sunday, April 28, focused on the effects PTSD has on families, particularly those with children and featured a family from Montana.
“I write today in response to a heartbreaking 60 Minutes segment from April 28 that highlighted the struggles experienced by family members of U.S. Servicemembers returning from overseas deployments. The segment focused specifically on the pain and burden that children of members of our armed forces, including a family in Montana, endure as they help care for their returning family members suffering from PTSD. Sadly, this story is all too familiar for military families across the United States. Every day, as we commend those who return home from fighting for American democracy and freedom, we must also remember their spouses and children who must help pick up the pieces caused by the trauma of war.
“While several private and charitable organizations have stepped up to meet the needs of these families, I think it is imperative for the American people to learn directly from their government about what dependence-focused mental health options the VA offers through the Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).
“Additionally, too often, I hear from veterans and their families who wish to learn about the programs and resources available to them. To that end, please provide a list of resources provided by not just the VA, but also organizations like the Dole Foundation, Independence Fund or any other relevant non-profits in this area and what plans you may have for the future to strengthen these programs?
“Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to a thorough and prompt response.”
Daines’ letter was sent on May 3 and, as of the morning of May 8, he has not received a response.
Read the entire letter HERE.