ptsd is not just a stigma in terms of what general corelli address. in doing a service to our service members in terms of telling the about ptsd, would also create a stigma in the employer community where people are not hiring because they are afraid they will get a people p withtsd. there are many who are fully functioning and the need to educate human-resources management about that. the last thing we are doing is we're creating a network for the local chambers so the local chambers of commerce across the country can be connected with other chambers when a wounded warrior is getting ready to leave so that when we test these pilots that weakens kill them and a significant way once we look at what works and we will skillet to the 1700 chambers of commerce we have across the country. the chamber is not going to stand and be happy with what we do in the first year. we will create a private sector , a veteran employee advisory council comprised of the 25 biggest companies in america -- and othersm, tri-west are involved. they will drive this issue in the

he was diagnosed with ptsd. he's in transitional housing with no idea what comes next.g to get back on his feet. >> i had to steal food at one point because i had too much pride to ask anyone. i still have that kind of pride. >> reporter: for vets like robert, the aclu filed suit to try and force the v.a. to build housing on 400 acres of land that it was given back in 1888. at first we called the head of the v.a. and they said we can't comment on pending litigation. we called the department of justice and they said they can't talk either. the v.a. called us back and said their chief of staff wants to sit down and talk to me to tell us what they're doing to help homeless vets. >> we've added 700 transitional housing beds, they have medical programs, substance abuse programs. >> reporter: they also have rent vouchers. >> which enable to us put veterans in permanent housing. >> reporter: in los angeles each voucher just for veterans is worth more than $1,100 a month. this year dr. norman says the los angeles v.a. has given out 2,000. of course that's 2,000 vouchers for mor

we have an incredible show about veterans and ptsd. never seen a show like the one we did. we really, i saw the manifestation of ptsd in these veterans. and it was so devastating to watch. but i also saw the same veterans get their spirits back. call their spirits back. it was an incredible retreat. >> are they getting the help they need? >> the administration is certainly aware. but as these wars continue, as the conflicts continue, there will be increasing numbers of veterans coming back with ptsd. and i believe we're facing a tremendous, tremendous crisis that we can't really -- we're not aware of yet. >> lisa ling, thank you very much. >> we look all alike. >> she is doing well, though, right? >> she's doing great. >> "modern polygamy" airs october 23rd on the own network. >>> josh, you're outside. >> george, it's time, now, for "your week in three words." it's one of the great things we do here at "good morning america." it's the power of words and the power of signs. this is someone who worked hard on this sign. what's your name?

my kid, has severe ptsd. unless we can heal the wounds. it's not just on the streets of sunnydale. >> yes. the family, what makes up a family, parents children. ultimately, we have to also deal with our families who have their children who are placed with these acronyms over their head that follows them all through their lives. when working with the child. not only are we working with the families and their friends and the places they go before they get home. so the ultimate thing is building that family unit. i was going to run to that. life goes on. we all have a duty not just to the child. but to the family. because the child comes from a family and most the children that we're working with. the families are broken. the homes are broken. so they lived through this years and years. the parents have lived through broken families. >> i do want to say, we have to start with the kids. the kids are actually bring the parents. when the programs are working, then when you put on an event, the kid says, you have to go to this. if you don't come,

. >> i know that with my ptsd, i'm never going to get rid of it.el like i'm on the way to controlling it and on the way to living with it and managing it. and i feel 100 times better than i have. now i can play with him and he calls me daddy. >> dada. >> he kisses me. you know, he'll run up and hug me. and i can enjoy every second i have with him. it's a blast. now, i can harness all those emotions and can feel things. and that's worth everything that i went through. >> at 48 minutes past the hour now on this cnn sunday morning, the world is watching what denmark is doing. taxing their citizens for all those fatty and delicious foods. could it work to fight obesity? we'll find out soon. >>> also, till death do us part. is that reasonable? you don't have to worry about that maybe in mexico. until of till death do us part, we'll reassess in a few years. [ tires screech ] ♪ oh, it was the first time i fell in love ♪ ♪ the first time i felt my heart ♪ [ man ] people say i'm forgetful. [ horn honking ] ♪ ...all through the night [ man ] maybe that's why

at 27 san toast lost his battle with ptsd, committing suicide. parker says even off the battlefield the war continues in a soldier's mind. >> there are plenty of reasons out there. >> san toes' parents soak up every stroke. he's now a soaring hawk, flying peacefully into the spirit world. >> i think this project is very important to bring an awareness of the struggles the veterans have when they come home. >> i wish we were painting a different subject matter. i wish he was here to keep me company. >> he says this is the first that must be told. >> they want to be able to tell their story. then we will paint the story for him. >> coming up, thumbs flying in new york. what it takes to become a national texting champion. governor jerry brown wants major changes to the state's pension programs. what he's proposing that has unions outraged. >> and westbound 580. hey, your high speed internet here, at home... ...and on the go... ...with some really big news. it's b-i-g -- big. high speed internet from at&t at home... ...includes wi-fi access on the go

i was hospitalized, and they diagnosed me with ptsd. >> smith: pantzke's story was first reported byen in bloomberg news. pantzke had been drawn to the for-profit school art institutes. >> creativity is a powerful thing. >> smith: art institutes has over 5,000 vets currently enrolled. pantzke says he s atacteby all the possibilities, but was worried he wouldn't cut it. >> one of the very first things, i told them that i had ptsd. and she said, "oh, you'll do fine. we'll take care of you. you're... no... not a problem." you know, "you're good. don't worry about it. we'll take care of you." i looked at what they had. they had a really good online photography course. it was a bachelor of science. so, i said, "degree, photography, okay." and about a day later, i get a phone call-- "you're approved. you're in scol." it's like, "okay." >> smith: the school would collect over $70,000 of pantzke's gi bill money and other federal funds, but he was struggling to keep up with his coursework. >> after getting into the class, there wasn't a whole lot of help. even though he would email them it wo

but santos lost his battle with ptsd, committing suicide. >> there's plenty out there. but it's true. >> reporter: santos' parents soak up every stroke. santos is now a soaring hawk, flying peacefully into the spirit world. a comforting image for a mother who knows her son suffered. >> i think the project is very important to bring an awareness of the struggles that veterans have when they come home. >> reporter: for parker, it's a bittersweet tribute. >> i wish ruben was here to keep me company. in a way he is. >> reporter: gregory says this is the first of many stories of war that must be told. they want to tell their story. and we will paint that story with them. >>> let's head closer towards the weekend. we like to punctuate the wednesday. we're halfway there. >> we'll talk about the weekend. but can you feel the cold air in the studio tonight? >> we can. >> i think somebody left the door open. we're going to talk about the cold temperatures coming up in a little bit. otherwise, we have the red flag fire warning in effect for gusty winds in the east and north bay hi

. >> that is a huge issue in ptsd. >> reporter: burgess admits it is more convenient to tie up the beard so lock now. this is a rare public appearance of john burgess' award winning beard. >> a lot of work and a lot of patience. we still have plenty ahead. weather, traffic and all of your top stories. fox 5 morning news starts now. >>> it is 4:30 on this thursday. happy friday eve, everyone. guess what. it will be a foggy thursday out there for you. just keep that in mind. i'm sarah simmons. welcome to fox 5 morning news. let's say good morning to tucker barnes who has the latest on the weather for us. i'm tired of this rain, i got to tell you. is it going to go away? >> fields like halloween -- feels like halloween out there. >> does it usually usual usual -- usually rain on halloween? >> yes. we have a lot of drizzle around the area. lots of fog too. 56 at reagan national. ocean city, 66 degrees. sentinel radar showing you the rain showers actively hitting the ground. this not showing the fog and there is a lot of fog and drizzle across the area. we do have the steady band of showers s

as possible about a full range of psychological conditions in terms of depression, anxiety, beyond ptsdet cetera. john, final thoughts? we have some work to do, but we're well on our way, let's put it that way. there's a lot of people out there, i mean, they say that 17 percent of the population are people with disabilities. that's a large number. and the incidence of alcohol and drug problems among people with disabilities is higher than the general population. so we have a lot of work to do, we're well on our way, but let's keep going. ed, final thoughts. communication and awareness. i found, it's amazing to me how many people are just not aware of-of what's going on with disabled folks. they just don't have a clue. very good. barbara. well, substance abuse may not be the highest priority among the disability world because the disability community has so many needs, this one-it really has to come into the forefront because it has an impact on every other one. if you have a substance abuse problem, you're not going to be employed, you're not going to get good health care, you're not go

the honor to meet with our nation's veterans who are now faced with the challenges of coping with ptsd and physical disabilities resulting from their service in iraq an afghanistan. their stories are not for the weak of heart. they're truly moving. with these personal accounts of their recovery, both physical and mental, and the important role therapy and service dogs played that inspired this legislation. the veterans dog training therapy act would require the department of veterans affairs to conduct a pilot program in v.a. medical centers assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-development mental health and ptsd through the therapeutic medium of training service dogs for veterans with disabilities. these trained service dogs are then given to physically disabled veterans to help them with their daily activities. simply put, this program treats veterans suffering from ptsd while at the same time aiding those suffering from physical disabilities. since it was introduced, this legislation has gained the bipartisan support of 96 co-sponsors. with veteran suicide rates at all-time

. >> most of us after going through ptsd and aggravated pain can't work. >> i joined lorraine on a mother'smarch with other grieving mothers. she told me about ways her group helps other autos we go to court with our families. we meet with d.a.to find out what is going on with the case. >> she's moved out of a dark depression into a bright energetic support system for mothers like alfredda. >> people aren't always comfortable with you talking about your loss. if they haven't experienced it. and so the support group is perfect for that. >> in spite of the loss these mothers are reaching out to gang members. the son asks daughters of other parents. >> if you need to be a part of a gang, join us. work with mothers. come work with a thousand mothers to prevent violence. >> we'll give you something to do. we can love on you and be your friend. >> they mean that. the chief plans to meet with the group every month and a police investigator tries to meet with them once a month as well. for a link just go to abc 7 news.com and look under see it on tv. >> and powerful group of women. >> and still com

and the ptsd set in like -- my roommate got killed before i came home.fe quite literally. kevlar, helmet, whatever, comedy saved my life. >> now, a brotherhood of tears and laughter. >> we're beyond friends. we're brothers. >> barbara starr, cnn, los angeles. [ man ] natural gas vehicles are used somewhere... but not in my neighborhood. ♪ [ female announcer ] we're throwing away misperceptions about natural gas vehicles. more of the vehicles that fuel our lives use clean american natural gas today. it costs about 40 percent less than gasoline, so why aren't we using it even more? start a conversation about using more natural gas vehicles in your community. ♪ [ male announcer ] with 50 horsepower, dual overhead cams and fierce acceleration, the gator xuv 825i will shatter your expectations. ♪ and so no one gets left behind, check out our all-new, affordable xuv 550s at johndeere.com/gator. aspercreme breaks the grip, with maximum-strength medicine and no embarrassing odor. break the grip of pain with aspercreme. >>> texas governor rick perry is making the

from iraq or afghanistan suffers from traumatic brain injury, severe depression, substance abuse, or ptsd i was dealing with other people that weren't so nice and -- >> is that weird for you to hear. >> yeah, that's uncomfortable actually. >> what happens when you hear a noise like that? >> it startles me a little bit but i know it's a truck. >> you see it everywhere you look. ex-soldiers like robert are desperate for steady care and for stable housing. so i was stunned to hear about a piece of property in west los angeles set aside for this very purpose. for veterans, for long-term housing, and it's literally across the street from the va hospital. the story here actually dates back all the way to the 1880s. back then the government wanted to treat facilities for aging veterans of the civil war. so former senator john p. jones and his friend who was a glamorous hairess decided to donate all of this land. back then, it was mostly ranch land. but today, just a few miles from the pacific ocean, it is some of the most valuable real estate in all of north america. >> it was solely an act of g

>> reporter: according to court documents the 42-year-old was suffering from ptsd or post traumatic stressing a tugboat accident in 2007 when one of his coworkers was apparently killed. the documents also paint a violent picture. he pleaded guilty to assaulting his own step father several years ago. also threatened suicide. his home in neighboring huntington beach, california, has been sealed off as police search for clues. authorities refusing to release any of the names of the eight victims here. >> shepard: tough on that small community. >> reporter: yeah, absolutely. a candle light vigil planned for tonight and really for the better part of a day we have seen a lot of people streaming through the shopping plaza parking lot dropping off flowers and signs and cards in front of the salon meritage. only about 25,000 people in this community. >> i saw someone on the news say yesterday that everyone is going to know someone that was in there and that is true. it's a family community. everyone does know everyone here. and a great loss. great loss to the community. >> reporter: by the way, thi

talked about the wars in vietnam and korea and how we are only hearing about traumatic brain injury and ptsd with this war, but i would like to remind everyone that our military has the most effective body armor and weapons systems available. that is why more of our spouses and family members are surviving these types of horrible incidences' is because the army, air force, marines are trying to take good care of them on the battlefield. we appreciate that. i am painful that my husband is alive, but when he comes back home and he has these wounds, i need him to be taken care of at home as well. >> i appreciate that. i am sorry for what you have had to go through, but i hear these stories time after time after time again. i honestly believe it relates back to the stigma issue. the medical community is as much stigmatized by these injuries as anybody. you make it sound like somebody really had this affliction before. i do not believe that. i believe that post-traumatic stress is a no-kidding injury. but if you got 10 psychiatrist in here, you have six or seven who agreed with me and the others

. >> reporter: in the trials, ptsd patients are given the drug over several months and also given therapy, the theory being that the ecstasy effects will enhance the talk therapy, allowing the patients to make better progress. >> our whole culture has gone wrong by focusing quality on substances, when the actual determination is due to the relationship you have with the drug. >> reporter: certainly not everyone agrees. >> hemingway once said isn't it pretty to think so. it is pretty to think so. >> reporter: ucs dr. victor ruiz says it has physical properties, raised blood pressure. he is hesitant to take at face value the claim of 80% success rate for the study. >> it's a claim that should be viewed with some skepticism, very seldom turn out to be true. in this particular case, that claim is based on a very small number of subjects, eight subjects who were exposed to the drug, compared to 82 who weren't. >> reporter: even maps admits it was almost impossible to keep the patients from knowing whether they had been given true ecstasy. after all, the effects are unique. >> how close are we

coming back from either vietnam or afghanistan or iraq with ptsd. people don't understand because they're not exposed who what we've placed our warriors in. i would argue that our military leaders are most conservative in going to war, because they understand what the costs can be, as you've seen with that tragic misadventure in iraq. and so this issue of having more families, more of our general population understanding our military and being part of probably sharing that or some other form of national service, i think, would make us -- would potentially make wiser decisions in what we're pursuing. >> i really appreciate your exploring of those two data points with us, the 92% number in terms of the funding in our congress and obviously the participation levels. i suspect you voice the concerns of truly millions of americans and do so very eloquently, and i'm grateful for your own courage to come out and have this conversation in public. i hope that we'll have a lot of this conversation over the next year, admiral, and thank you. >> thanks for havi

if i can do this, i can beat the ptsd and everybody that told me i couldn't, they told me things weren't: the crowd, along the finish line, seem to understand they were cheering for both triumphant endings. >> hey, great ride. thank you for your service. >> thank you, sir, thank you. >> reporter: and hopeful beginnings. >> i love you guys, man. >> we love you more. >> i'm just so happy to have myself back. i used to be really full of energy and you couldn't stop me and i could just do anything. and i lost that. i lost a lot of things. i feel like i have everything back. like i'm myself again. >> reporter: john blackstone, cbs news. >> tough not to be inspired by that. >> absolutely. >> good stuff. >>> let's take a look at the fashion world. fashion and maybe age. ever thought about what you were doing when you were 15? chances are you weren't on the front row of a paris fashion show but that is the life, part of the life of tavi gevinson, a young blogger who is turning some very fashionable heads. ♪ >> reporter: lights, camera, tween blogger? high, readers. it's tavi. yea! hi. >> thank y

concerned with is the issue of the kids who come back that never get reestablish organ with high levels of ptsd. and there in the obituary section in the back of the paper. there are not parades and there's no banners and there's not huge services and community recognition. one of the issues i think is dealing this blow to these kids is the extreme and prolonged levels of stress that they have in multiple tours. and in being able to deal with us, not on as combat troops but also trying to do with the stress afterwards. someone to call to your attention a program called the fitness training program that was established by a woman named liz stanley in georgetown. it is beginning to show both in trials within the army and in the brains. there's an article article in the marine corps times a couple weeks ago called bulletproofing your brain. it basically helps these folks deal with the stress levels that did it was in combat. and you see what high levels of stress belong, you have to mission in your cognitive abilities, diminish in your situational awareness, your ability to focus and cause a lot o

and including the point every other year for 10 years, or giving up her life, or coming back with ptsd and tbi, and not on your life but your families life is going to be changed forever. those are the kinds of things as congressman west said, that we believe have to be counted as a contribution. that's what people really pay in a career of service and sacrifice. >> thank you. i certainly appreciate what you're saying. i think we all do. appreciate that. if there are things that you can offer to us, that's always hopeful. mr. davis, i don't know if you want to comment further. i had one other question. >> i just wanted, you know, the second is information but also to remember when looking at the retirement system, i think it's important to remember that our armed services are there to fight wars. and war is a young man or woman profession. and i look back at some of the stuff i did when i was in the marines, caring artillery shells and all that, the kind of activity that you do. i probably couldn't be able to do it today. so, you know, when you think about it, it's a young man's or wom