From March 14th to 16th 2008, Pacifica Radio provided coverage of the historic Winter Soldier 2008 gathering in Washington, DC.
National broadcast (April 22nd) on the first class action lawsuit brought by Iraq war veterans against the Department of Veterans Affairs. US vets suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are alleging a system-wide breakdown in the way the government treats injured soldiers.
When young American men and women sign up to serve in the US military, our government makes a basic promise to them: that if they are wounded in the line of duty they will get the care they need. Unfortunately, for tens of thousands of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, that's a promise that only exists on paper.
Corporal Phillipe Louis Jean: When I Got Back from Iraq, They Tried to Deport Me
Specialist Joshua Casteel: Abu Ghraib Interrogator Meets With the Pope
Lance Corporal Jeff Key: Gay Marine Comes Out on CNN
Sergeant Todd Bowers: While I Was in Iraq, My Student Loans Were Sent to Collection
Sergeant James Dean: Afghan Vet Shot by Maryland State Troopers
I am Dena Rand. The wife of
I am Dena Rand. The wife of the Brian Rand you speak of in this article. I think it's a shame that you and other reporters that have talked with April never checked any of the facts she's said.
First of all, April NEVER talked to Brian while in Iraq and he never had a relationship with her. Nor did he have one with his mother. If you listen to her, You would see how her story changes every interview she gives.
The latest she is saying to the media is that my husband thought he was a vampire and stabbed a fellow soldier in the neck while in Iraq and he was haunted by an Iraqi soldier that he killed. NONE of this is true and if you had contacted me or the military you would have known this. She has gone public speaking out (for soldiers and their families). I know for fact it's all about attention.
I have every piece of paperwork from every file of his and I HOLD THE FACTS. I also believe I have a case against the VA and Military.
You people have done nothing but help April dishonor my husband in the worse way along with all the others that have passed away in similar circumstances.
You should be ashamed of yourself
Dena Rand
April has lied to you!!!!!!
Hi I am the aunt of Brian Rand and I am furious at the way this is being carried on April is way off yes Brian did take his own life and for many reasons but not the crazy insane way she tells it every time she opens her mouth about Brian the story changes. The girl needs help! Brian is gone. He left behind a wife and child who are having to cope with life they don't need these added lies. April needs to be shown for what she is a liar. I am tired of this. the only thing she has done for the memory of Brian is to cause his wife Hurt feeling toward all the rest of the family if his own sister will lie like this i can understand why she is having a hard time trusting the rest of us. my note to April is "GET SOME HELP!!!!!"
Beautiful
My family greatly appreciates the care and strong support from you, Aaron Glantz, Military Families Speak Out, and the Iraqi Veterans Against War. (IVAW)
This article was put together with great care and with a gentle vioce that rings so true. As PTSD is rising to awareness, our troops can gain the right kind of support upon returning home. For so many of our brothers and sisters fighting in Iraq, it is not too late for Americans to listen compassionately.
Thank you for your time. Please support ivaw.org, mfso.org.
Peace and Healing
Brian Rand may be my distant cousin
I am the great grandson of Elbridge Dexter Rand, who was US Consul to Switzerland in the early twenties. When I came accross this article, I started tearing up. Brian Rand may be a distant relative. The Rand name is not all that common, he must be a distant cousin of mine. My heart goes out to the family of this wonderful individual. May his soul rest in Peace. Special place in hell for the thugs (Bush/Cheney/neocons) in power that initiated this illegal war.