Reader comments
Soldier lives with wounds from outside the war zone
23 comments | Read story
Lee | 8:06 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008
You were serving your country, in what ever form you were asked. I am saddened
that there is no financial recourse for your injuries. There SHOULD be! And
hopefully someone will step forward in your behalf to see that you and your
family are taken care of.
Thanks for your service. Lee
Thanks for your service. Lee
John M Teske | 8:10 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008
Russ,
I'm 70 and I've learned that whatever comes my way I have to just deal with it. My heart goes out to you, big time!! Pray to God for help. Possibly he gave you this to suffer with and earn a closer spot to Him in Heaven. What about morphine? In the coming years there may be new technology to fix you. I will remember you!! Keep writing letters or emails when you see an article you think might help you. Looks like you have all you need, a loving son, pictured and an adoring wife. We all love, respect, and thank you for your service to our Country.
God Bless and help you,
John Teske Waukesha, WI 53186
I'm 70 and I've learned that whatever comes my way I have to just deal with it. My heart goes out to you, big time!! Pray to God for help. Possibly he gave you this to suffer with and earn a closer spot to Him in Heaven. What about morphine? In the coming years there may be new technology to fix you. I will remember you!! Keep writing letters or emails when you see an article you think might help you. Looks like you have all you need, a loving son, pictured and an adoring wife. We all love, respect, and thank you for your service to our Country.
God Bless and help you,
John Teske Waukesha, WI 53186
Comments continue below
Charli | 8:23 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008
My eyes teared up knowing the pain, the needless sorrow you must be going
through. May the Lord strenghten you and help you and your family thru this
trying time. We spent 30 years with the military and know some of the hassles
you have to deal with. Good luck to you!
We will pray for you and hope there is a miracle here somewhere.
We will pray for you and hope there is a miracle here somewhere.
Some Help For You | 10:03 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008
Contact the Disabiled American Veterans. You should easily qualify for 100% VA
benefits for Individual Unemployability. That will also qualify you for Social
Security disability benefits. 80% is a complete lowball and it will not qualify
you for Social Security disability. 100% will automatically qualify you. This
should help you. From a friend and fellow soldier.
orion | 10:28 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008
The military machine chews up our young people and throws them away.
They expect young idealists to do perform heinous acts and then do not take care of the psyches of our sons and daughter when they come back from that hell-hole.
My daughter committed suicide after returning from Iraq.
I will never forgive them for putting less value on an incredible young woman's life than she did for her country.
Shame on them.
They expect young idealists to do perform heinous acts and then do not take care of the psyches of our sons and daughter when they come back from that hell-hole.
My daughter committed suicide after returning from Iraq.
I will never forgive them for putting less value on an incredible young woman's life than she did for her country.
Shame on them.
Veteran | 10:43 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008
Thank you for your service to our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with
you, and all other troops who have sacrificed to keep us free.
Being in the military is a dangerous business, and training accidents do result in a number of deaths and serous injuries every year. The sacrifices of these men and women is just as great as those who are battlefield casualties.
For Orion above, we appreciate your daughter's service and mourn her loss with you. The loss of anyone by suicide is tragic and regrettable. However, it is not peculiar to the military. While I can understand the desire to shift the blame elsewhere, it is the result of action of the individual which is almost impossible to prevent. Perhaps if better mental health care was available that would prevent many suicides, but no one really knows. For years, the military has sincerely tried to figure out suicide prevention programs that would help, as have civilian counterparts struggling to prevent suicides in the same civilian demographic group. Nonetheless, your loss is real, and understandable.
The families of our wounded and deceased warriors also make huge sacrifices, and they are appreciated as well.
Being in the military is a dangerous business, and training accidents do result in a number of deaths and serous injuries every year. The sacrifices of these men and women is just as great as those who are battlefield casualties.
For Orion above, we appreciate your daughter's service and mourn her loss with you. The loss of anyone by suicide is tragic and regrettable. However, it is not peculiar to the military. While I can understand the desire to shift the blame elsewhere, it is the result of action of the individual which is almost impossible to prevent. Perhaps if better mental health care was available that would prevent many suicides, but no one really knows. For years, the military has sincerely tried to figure out suicide prevention programs that would help, as have civilian counterparts struggling to prevent suicides in the same civilian demographic group. Nonetheless, your loss is real, and understandable.
The families of our wounded and deceased warriors also make huge sacrifices, and they are appreciated as well.
orion | 11:18 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008
To veteran:
My daughter did not get the help she needed because it would have appeared in her "jacket." She would have been viewed as a "weak link" on top of being female.
Of course my daughter is responsible for her actions; as a soldier, she would want it no other way. However, it also was the military's responsibility to make sure all returning veterans be extensively screened for PTSD, and other syndromes, which they do/did not do. Return screenings are cursory at best, especially when considering the heinous mental images young people bring back.
But they do manage to shove soldiers into hellish situations quite effectively.
I did not sacrifice my wonderful and incredible daughter for this country. George Bush did.
My daughter did not get the help she needed because it would have appeared in her "jacket." She would have been viewed as a "weak link" on top of being female.
Of course my daughter is responsible for her actions; as a soldier, she would want it no other way. However, it also was the military's responsibility to make sure all returning veterans be extensively screened for PTSD, and other syndromes, which they do/did not do. Return screenings are cursory at best, especially when considering the heinous mental images young people bring back.
But they do manage to shove soldiers into hellish situations quite effectively.
I did not sacrifice my wonderful and incredible daughter for this country. George Bush did.
Russ and Roxanne Bridges | 11:21 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008
Thank you all for your support. It helps to get this story out in hopes that
hopefully someone else doesn't have to go threw this or that they are
informed of resources out there to help them. Again thank you all.
Not Only 100% | 1:00 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008
This young man should get the maximum payment resulting from 100% disability,
allowable by the government.
THEN he should have a notice placed in his record that that he is being given this 100% BECAUSE OF medical malpracitce by a military surgeon.
THEN, he should be given a job in government somewhere, so that he can make adequate money to support his family, including the medical insurance for the dependents of government employees. SURE he some disability, but I bet he would be the last one to want to just sit around his whole life. He has arms, eyes ears and brain, and he could work for the VA as an advocate/facilitator for other injured vets (tragically there is no shortage of them)--or if he's had enough of the VA, there are many other agencies he could work for, something that matches his interests.
We wish him the best.
THEN he should have a notice placed in his record that that he is being given this 100% BECAUSE OF medical malpracitce by a military surgeon.
THEN, he should be given a job in government somewhere, so that he can make adequate money to support his family, including the medical insurance for the dependents of government employees. SURE he some disability, but I bet he would be the last one to want to just sit around his whole life. He has arms, eyes ears and brain, and he could work for the VA as an advocate/facilitator for other injured vets (tragically there is no shortage of them)--or if he's had enough of the VA, there are many other agencies he could work for, something that matches his interests.
We wish him the best.
PTSD claims. | 1:49 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008
To bad this soldier can not claim PTSD. He would be at 100%- no questions
asked. I took care of a veteran at the VA- I have worked at the VA for over 30
years. The combat veteran was shot in the shoulder. He has had 8 surgeries on
his shoulder and has had numerous problems. He receives 70%. I have talked to SO
MANY veterans and heard their Garbage stories about their PTSD claims
(expecially the non-combat claims)it does make me laugh! It's funny till
you realize they are receiving 100%, $26,000 tax free a year. It makes you
wonder who is handing out all this money like a candy store. I would have
Russell claim PTSD-he'll get his 100% easy! Nobody at the VA will even
question him.
Anonymous | 2:12 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008
I love all the sentimental crap! "Out thoughts and prayers are with
you"...
Who cares? When you can't walk anymore, what good do your thoughts and prayers do? When your daughter has killed herself, what good do your sentiments do?
They make YOU feel better, but they do nothing for US!
We give our lives because the Government YOU elected sends us to do their dirty work, and all you can do is deprive us of proper medical care and make yourselves feel more spiritual by lame platitudes and meaningless expressions.
For once, why don't you do someting that will REALLY make a difference?
Who cares? When you can't walk anymore, what good do your thoughts and prayers do? When your daughter has killed herself, what good do your sentiments do?
They make YOU feel better, but they do nothing for US!
We give our lives because the Government YOU elected sends us to do their dirty work, and all you can do is deprive us of proper medical care and make yourselves feel more spiritual by lame platitudes and meaningless expressions.
For once, why don't you do someting that will REALLY make a difference?
awsomeron | 2:33 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008
All who put on the Uniform Have Served. It really goes through my buttons when
people say� well you served to" all job had to be
filled and done. My 8 years where well spent.
He was on active duty, and injured in the line of duty and from the Article he should receive 100% disability. Which would qualify him for Social Security Disability. He should also be able to get Food Stamps, WIC and what ever else he needs.
His kids would also be covered for their schooling, and Health Care. Also his Wife.
As a 40% Disabled Vet. I have had to fight for everything that I have received from the VA sort of, sort of Not. I get good service, some money, and the Voc Rehab Cost Them a Small Fortune. Fortunately my condition is preemptive. You where in Vietnam and you get what I have its from Agent Orange No Argument you get 30%. The other 10% comes from a related problem. I am still fighting my PTSD Claim, they say I was not in Combat Enough.
I think it is more about what he can still do. Not what he can't do.
He was on active duty, and injured in the line of duty and from the Article he should receive 100% disability. Which would qualify him for Social Security Disability. He should also be able to get Food Stamps, WIC and what ever else he needs.
His kids would also be covered for their schooling, and Health Care. Also his Wife.
As a 40% Disabled Vet. I have had to fight for everything that I have received from the VA sort of, sort of Not. I get good service, some money, and the Voc Rehab Cost Them a Small Fortune. Fortunately my condition is preemptive. You where in Vietnam and you get what I have its from Agent Orange No Argument you get 30%. The other 10% comes from a related problem. I am still fighting my PTSD Claim, they say I was not in Combat Enough.
I think it is more about what he can still do. Not what he can't do.
Angela (Bridges) Reece | 2:45 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008
I am proud that Russ and Roxanne had the courage to make their story known.
Heartfelt thanks to the Deseret news for writing such an accurate portrayal of my brother and his family's fight.
Political ideology aside...we are all Americans and should support every member of the armed forces in whatever task they are given.
Heartfelt thanks to the Deseret news for writing such an accurate portrayal of my brother and his family's fight.
Political ideology aside...we are all Americans and should support every member of the armed forces in whatever task they are given.
Anon 808 | 2:52 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008
He can get VA Voc Rehab, and they will pay to put him through school, Books,
Tuition and Money for him, Wife and kids.
When that is done he get 5 Points for being a Vet and 5 points for being Disabled. He can get a job with the VA. All kinds of support type jobs with the VA are held by Disabled Vets. You do not need to Walk to do Counseling or Customer Service.
There are a Lot of people who are a lot more disabled then he will ever be.
The Pain Management is a Huge Issues and has to be controlled.
America has the Best Cared for and Compensated Vets in the World. Do they get enough No. However it is far better then most.
The Law they mentioned that does not allow Vets to sue is there for a reason and for the most part is a good Law. It does not Apply to Dependents or Civilian Employees.
What he is allowed to do is continue his claim to prove he is 100% Disabled.
I also think that any VET with any amount of Disability should be able to have Commissary and Post Exchange Privileges.
When that is done he get 5 Points for being a Vet and 5 points for being Disabled. He can get a job with the VA. All kinds of support type jobs with the VA are held by Disabled Vets. You do not need to Walk to do Counseling or Customer Service.
There are a Lot of people who are a lot more disabled then he will ever be.
The Pain Management is a Huge Issues and has to be controlled.
America has the Best Cared for and Compensated Vets in the World. Do they get enough No. However it is far better then most.
The Law they mentioned that does not allow Vets to sue is there for a reason and for the most part is a good Law. It does not Apply to Dependents or Civilian Employees.
What he is allowed to do is continue his claim to prove he is 100% Disabled.
I also think that any VET with any amount of Disability should be able to have Commissary and Post Exchange Privileges.
starburstinalaska | 3:38 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008
It's unfortunate that the United States government can't be
accountable like they require others to be and take care of these amazing men
and women who choose to serve. I'm totally ashamed of them.
As hard as it is to do, pray for physical and mental strength. Bless you beautiful wife who loving takes care of you and your family. When she took her vows upon becoming your wife it's refreshing to hear that she actually took the words she spoke to heart.
I pray that Heavenly Father will bless you with the ability to get to a point where you can have a real play date with your children. I pray too that you will eventually have some peace of mind and less physical pain.
Your story is both heartwarming and intensely frustrating to all of us who read what you are being put through. My heartfelt prayers are with all of you. Please keep you chin up in spite of what you have to endure. Love to you and your family from the State of Alaska.
As hard as it is to do, pray for physical and mental strength. Bless you beautiful wife who loving takes care of you and your family. When she took her vows upon becoming your wife it's refreshing to hear that she actually took the words she spoke to heart.
I pray that Heavenly Father will bless you with the ability to get to a point where you can have a real play date with your children. I pray too that you will eventually have some peace of mind and less physical pain.
Your story is both heartwarming and intensely frustrating to all of us who read what you are being put through. My heartfelt prayers are with all of you. Please keep you chin up in spite of what you have to endure. Love to you and your family from the State of Alaska.
Lee | 4:04 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008
Anon at 2:12. I hope some day you will put your bitterness aside. People express
their love because they care. Christ taught us to love one another. Being Christ
like makes a difference in this ugly world.
Anonymous 2 | 6:10 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008
To Lee:
Only if they put their "Christ-likeness" in action. Words are nothing but air.
Only if they put their "Christ-likeness" in action. Words are nothing but air.
Anon 808 | 6:50 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008
When People get large Sums of Money in Settlements and the Money is supposed to
last the Rest of Their Lives, which can be long, and painful. The Money often
does not last.
For Every Person who gets a Large Settlement their are a Thousand People with Sceames and Scams ready to take the Money away from them.
Some closer then you might suspect.
A lot there and a little bit here, and in a few years its gone. Business, Investments, and Ideas gone bad. Broken Marriages etc.
Much better for the VET and the Tax Payer to leave things the way they are. Not perfect but better.
What does the Cost of a Life Time of Disability come to anyhow. Operations, Rehab, Voc Rehab, Cost for this, Cost for that. Most likely more then 1 Million Dollars. Better that these services and money go to the VET then to others.
The Law that Governs this does not apply to Dependents, Civilians, and Goverment Employees.
American VET care may have its short comings, but it is the Best Care and Compensation in The World.
The VA and VA services are vastly better then they used to be.
For Every Person who gets a Large Settlement their are a Thousand People with Sceames and Scams ready to take the Money away from them.
Some closer then you might suspect.
A lot there and a little bit here, and in a few years its gone. Business, Investments, and Ideas gone bad. Broken Marriages etc.
Much better for the VET and the Tax Payer to leave things the way they are. Not perfect but better.
What does the Cost of a Life Time of Disability come to anyhow. Operations, Rehab, Voc Rehab, Cost for this, Cost for that. Most likely more then 1 Million Dollars. Better that these services and money go to the VET then to others.
The Law that Governs this does not apply to Dependents, Civilians, and Goverment Employees.
American VET care may have its short comings, but it is the Best Care and Compensation in The World.
The VA and VA services are vastly better then they used to be.
Scott, Iowa | 11:12 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008
If the hospital and its employees are immune from suits, where is the harm in
admitting mistakes and apologizing to the family? Even for conscience'
sake?
Ed Fremer | 4:50 a.m. Dec. 22, 2008
The feres doctrine needs to be overturned. My son Michael Fremer was killed at
Fort Polk, La on 2/13/08 after Training was completed. The Army has admitted his
death was due to Army Negligence. But the Army is exempt from Liability due to
the Feres doctrine. I have been in contact with others parents of soldiers who
have sad similar stories. It seems the Army does not care and views the soldiers
as expendable. The Army needs to be held Accountable for Negligence! Please
overturn the Feres Doctrine!
Thanks,
Ed Fremer
Thanks,
Ed Fremer
Kirsten | 1:13 p.m. Dec. 22, 2008
Russell (Tommy) Bridges is a relative of mine. He's a hero in that he
actually made every attempt to protect the freedom that we enjoy. He deserves
more help than he's obviously getting.
Anon @ 2:10 | 2:23 p.m. Jan. 2, 2009
"Christ likeness". Don't make me barf,you're one to talk
about Christlikeness. Thoughts and prayers are definitely whats needed. But for
military, cop or civilian we need better healt CARE or Tommy woudn't be in
this mess now would he??
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- Top cartel kingpin killed in shootout 1:24 a.m.
- Utah Grizzlies fall to Steelheads 1:19 a.m.
- Watching over the Sacred Grove 1:16 a.m.
- The sites and lights of Christmas 1:15 a.m.
- China detains U.S. engineer 1:14 a.m.
- Church: You know what's on menu 1:14 a.m.
- Temple, family trees at heart of site 1:14 a.m.
- Written history of nursery 1:14 a.m.
- The gospel in words: 'Lowly' 1:14 a.m.
- What's new: 'Treasure in Heaven' 1:13 a.m.
- Josh Powell gives DNA
- Will Chambers keep his promise?
- Josh Powell meets with WVC police
- Conan mocks Orrin Hatch, Mormons
- Star on field, in community
- BYU singers compete in 'Sing Off'
- Boozer plays at an All-Star level
- David Archuleta's different mission
- Jazz miss Harpring's toughness
- Frances Monson recovering well
- Jazz stunned by Timberwolves
114 - Stay the course with our president112
- Letters: 'Liberal conceit'111
- Josh Powell meets with WVC police109
- TV mom gives birth to 19th child106
- Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney100
- Letters: Explaining Palin100
- Tethering of pets could spur charges94
- Conan mocks Orrin Hatch, Mormons87
- Cougar seniors see a new Bronco84
These days, more than half of adults actually want gift cards, those...
Some forms of beauty are fleeting, fragile as life itself, gone in a...
David Rankin, one of Utah's youngest and ablest astrophotographers has...
Latest comments
That would be five. Wyoming, AF, UofU, BYU, TCU.
The way I understand it, the Braithwaite name and gallery will transfer to...
USE COMMON SENSE Your Dog doesnt need to be out on a chain. Ask a Vet why...
WOW........
Defeat it, Mr Bennett! And then, go write a song like Mr. Hatch. Stay tall.
Who cares since few think healthcare is a right anyway in this State of Utah
Why must there always be someone else to blame for our problems? "If the...
Max lost to Utah once. Beat them twice. Your clever "joke" only worked last...
There is not near the competitions is wrestling for everyone that whats to...
20+ years in insurance finance and I can guarantee the "market" won't solve...
Advertisements
Thank you for your service to our country. And yes my dear young man you served. Don't ever feel that you didn't.
God Bless,
Ruth