In the wake of another Ft Hood shooting, I have sat here and waited for the backlash that this will no doubt bring. The problem is is that it will not be about the true problem. As a 17 year infantry veteran, I have watched as many of my fellow service members have drown themselves into addictions or destroyed themselves and those around them. We have a real problem that our government wants to blow smoke around and thinks that by placing a band-aid on a sucking chest wound while giving some motrin and telling us to drink water that all will be fixed. (yes that was sarcastic) I will admit that there are leaders out there that truly care about the lower ranks. I have met and respected some of the finest, but between the lack of true caring by the VA to the biggest lie i have seen in headlines (General states that soldiers are ok with losing some benefits) I have came to my wits end and am beginning to see the ones who truly do not give one iota for respect for those in the mud. I give no quarter to the fact that SPC Lopez took out his problems on the one group that should have been by his side the most ( his battle buddies). This was the absolute wrong thing and a tragedy that God will judge him for. I do however place a large part of the blame on those who should have seen the signs and taken this soldier seriously when he asked for help. Their are soldiers new and old that need help in multiple ways and the fact that we are stepped on, pushed on, crapped on, and forgotten about makes me angry in so many ways. We are needed when our government wants to push an agenda and pushed aside like a bastard step-child when its wants. Our country is going downhill fast and its going to be a loud thud when it happens. Please keep your ears open for those that need the help, sometimes its just an ear, sometimes its a direction, because for as hard as we are (or think we are) soldiers are humans that have feelings too. Some just do not know how to cope. Thank you for listening.