After a traumatic event, most people have painful memories. For many people, the effects of the event fade over time. But for others, the memories, thoughts and feelings don't go away - even months or years after the event is over.
Military PTSD is PTSD at its extreme. This severity is due to the soldier's multiple experiences in violent conflicts, both as victims, and rescuers of their fellow soldiers. Many Veterans experience highly intrusive thoughts and extreme guilt about acts committed during times of war. These thoughts can often overpower the emotional coping capacities.
According to the VA, experts estimate that up to 20 % of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans, up to 10 % of Gulf War veterans, and up to 30 % of Vietnam War veterans have experienced PTSD. In the past year alone the number of diagnosed cases in the military jumped 50% and that’s only the reported and diagnosed cases. Consequently, demand for PTSD treatment continues to grow. With the right help, early treatment and on-going support, a good number of military PTSD suicides are preventable.
The invisible injuries of service members pose complex challenges for military families, especially military children. Forty-three percent of active duty service members have children. Fallen Patriots is dedicated to serving the families of combat casualties, suicides and illness, military training accidents as well as other duty-related deaths.
Many surviving children have experienced and witnessed their parents returning home from war and have faced the responsibility to be the backbone for their grieving families. Fallen Patriots provides a shoulder to lean on when surviving children need emotional and financial support.
The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to ensure that EVERY such child receives ALL necessary college funding.