Edwards to outline plan for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

PLYMOUTH, N.H. (AP) — John Edwards is introducing a plan today to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, including those recently returned from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Under his plan, veterans could seek counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder outside the Veterans Health Administration system. The plan also calls for an increase in the number of counselors, and family members would be employed to identify cases of PTSD.

The Democratic presidential contender and former North Carolina senator is scheduled to introduce the five-point plan during a speech at New Hampshire’s Plymouth State University.

Edwards says that despite his opposition to how the war has been waged, the enlisted men and women deserve the nation’s support when they complete their service. He says when American men and women sacrifice so much to defend our freedom and secure peace around the world, we have a moral obligation to take care of them and their families.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)