The Broken Soldier

It’s 3:40 a.m.  I haven’t been sleeping a lot lately.  I don’t have much energy normally, but even less lately.  There’s a lot to write about.  The world had the audacity to keep turning even during my on-the-fly vacation.  (That was a joke.)  I’ll try to be brief, for your sake and mine.

It’s official.  The Archbishop is filing a writ of mandamus in federal court on my behalf.  I’m very happy to have Bruce and the Old Catholic Church on my side.  Bruce has been a good friend and advocate in this struggle.  We promised to do this if no action were taken by the Guard or the Army to give me the medical care I need or the various moneys to which I’m entitled.  No action was taken.  We’re filing writ of mandamus, as promised.

Archbp. Simpson has also become involved with Jennifer Granholm’s office.  With the Archbp.’s involvement I’ve also managed to secure the assistance of a Michigan based civil rights organization.  Govenor Granholm’s staff promised to investigate the matter.  However, I don’t place much stock in government investigations, especially those that involve the head investigating the hand, so to speak.  But I do sense the seriousness of this matter isn’t lost on them, and I am certain they are aware of the consequences of inaction.

Carl Levin wrote the Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard another letter asking for an update.  The AG’s office responded by telling Senator Levin that an Army colonel had been assigned to monitor my case.  That’s not really an answer to Senator Levin’s question.  In his next letter, decidedly more sternly voiced, he asked the Guard to be specific with what they have done to get me the care and benefits to which I’m entitled.  As they haven’t done anything to help me get either of those things, I’m waiting on bated breath for their response.  I’ve developed an affection and affinity for fiction (that’s a joke too, made to keep me from crying).

I found out that National Guardsmen and Reservists do not have prescription benefits, even for the treatment of line of duty injuries.  Guardsmen and Reservists are to pay for their prescriptions upfront, and submit forms and receipts for reimbursement from TriCare.  The problems with this are obvious to those of us who’ve used this system.  Prescriptions can be very expensive.  What if one can’t afford the upfront costs?  I’m guessing the government would say such a person has a choice: opt for a treatment you can afford (even if that treatment isn’t sufficient) or go untreated.  As well, submitting a request for reimbursement doesn’t guarantee reimbursement.  TriCare will deny requests for reimbursement justified by whole host of reasons, most as silly or sillier than those found in the worst insurance companies.  The point of this is twofold. 1) When a person enlists in the Guard or Reserves they’re told they have medical coverage if injured in the line of duty.  While one could make a legal argument this is true, de facto for those requiring prescription medicine to treat their injuries that statement isn’t true.  This should be explained to those enlisting so as to allow them to make an informed decision based on their rights and responsibilities and those of the service in which they’re enlisting.  2) This is a matter the federal government should address.  Our elected officials and the majority of their constituents in unison claim the troops deserve the best in medical coverage and treatment.  The will of our government and of the people and the realities of coverage and treatment are at best disparate.

Well shoot.  It’s 3:52.  I have to pick Sarah up from the airport at 6:55.  I guess I’ll just stay up.  (That’s me pretending I have a reason to be awake at this gross hour.  A reason other than pain and a heavy dose of opioids.)