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For veterans who escape physical injury, however, there is the mental stress caused by combat. Like so many veterans returning home from combat duty, Anslem Ifill returned home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, according to Caribbean American News [pdf see page 6]. What was once called “shell shock” or “combat fatigue,” PTSD displays symptoms that include flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, feelings of detachment, irritability, trouble concentrating, emotional outbursts and sleeplessness. The National Center for PTSD states that PTSD is a highly prevalent lifetime disorder.

Its social and economic costs can be devastating. Civilians who suffer from the disorder miss not only work days but also the chance to lead full lives. Almost half the Vietnam veterans with PTSD have been arrested or jailed; Anslem is no different. He has committed a crime and served out his sentence. Instead of being released he was detained for several years and now faces deportation. After September 11th, the law changed and those in the military can apply for citizenship, however this is not the case for military men and women such as Anslem, who served before this time.

This country asks our troops to defend a country that will just as soon disown them, as they would embrace them. Be it civilian, retired, active duty, or veteran – they will eventually hang under an uncaring bureaucratic machine.