First lady: More research on medical care for veterans

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - First lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday told military members and veterans that more medical schools are teaming up to boost training and research on brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Obama told an audience at Virginia Commonwealth University that 105 U.S. medical schools and 25 schools of osteopathic medicine are bolstering their efforts.

Medical schools participating in New England are Yale University in New Haven; the University of Massachusetts and Harvard, Boston and Tufts universities; and the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine.

The initiative is part of the Joining Forces campaign, an effort by the first lady and Vice President Joe Biden's wife, Jill, to focus on issues that affect veterans and their families.

Obama cited some examples of things already underway at universities to help veterans.

University of Pittsburgh researchers are developing a new imaging tool that allows physicians to see high-definition views of the brain's wiring, which can help with diagnosing a traumatic brain injury, she said. And the University of South Florida is working with the VA and Department of Defense to create a Center for Veterans Reintegration - a research, treatment and education center for veterans and families.

"This country is counting on you," she said to the medical students. "No pressure."

Obama thanked the troops for their service, and noted that anyone experiencing mental health difficulties shouldn't be ashamed.

"Seek help, don't bury it," she said. "Asking for help is a sign of strength."

The Defense Department estimates that nearly 213,000 military personnel have suffered traumatic brain injuries since 2000.

An estimated 300,000 veterans of both conflicts suffered post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression, according to a Rand Corp. report.

Obama said fewer than half had sought treatment for PTSD over the preceding year and nearly 60 percent of those reporting a probable brain injury didn't seek evaluation by a physician.

There is no new funding associated with the initiative, and medical schools will make their own decisions about how to integrate more training and research into PTSD and traumatic brain injury into their curricula.

Before the appearance, Obama headlined a fundraiser for her husband's re-election campaign and visited a local Veterans Administration hospital. She had another fundraiser in Charlottesville after her VCU stop.

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Calling the roll

Following is a list of local veterans whose obituaries appeared in the Gazette Jan. 5 through 18. The information given here about their service is what was provided in each obituary.

Edward Jasinski, 86, Northampton, d. Jan. 15; World War II; U.S. Army, 464th Paratroopers Battalion, saw action as a gunner in Rhineland, the Ardennes in France and Germany. He received the Army of Occupation Medal, the Victory Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Medal.

Harry Lauder, 83, Amherst, d. Jan. 14; World War II; U.S. Army.

Norman I. LaValley, 80, Easthampton, d. Jan. 14; Korean War; U.S. Army.

Harry J. Waskewicz, 93, Easthampton, d. Jan. 14; World War II; U.S. Navy, USS Birmingham CL62.

John Skowronek, 73, Florence, d. Jan. 10; U.S. Army, 1958-1961.

John J. Cronin, 92, South Hadley, d. Jan. 8; U.S. Navy, gunner's mate; World War II, Pacific theater.

Francis W. Chamberlain, 65, Leeds, d. Jan. 7; Vietnam War; U.S. Air Force.

Deborah Jane Wendolowski, 57, Deerfield, d. Jan. 5, 2012; U.S. Army, served with a medical detachment from Sept. 4, 1973, until her honorable discharge Dec. 27, 1974.

Veterans Voice appears on the first and third Saturday of the month. Readers are encouraged to submit questions, story ideas, announcements, military photos with captions and other materials of interest to veterans. Send submissions to Veterans Voice, c/o James Lowe, Daily Hampshire Gazette, Box 299, Northampton, MA 01061; or email jlowe@gazettenet.com.