How stupid are some people?
At 30 ears of age you do not grow out of/get over spina bifida, cleft palate, etc, neither do the following generations!
Wake up!

Leave the ghosts . . . .

You did what you were told
It wasn’t your war to fight
Followed some else’s orders
And cried alone at night

Your innocence gone
In the blink of an eye
You lived with death every day
The thought alone makes me cry

You came home to a world changed
To a country that rejected you
To the love of many
But the understanding of few

To dreams and nightmares
Memories better left untold
To hard work and toil
To rejection from the fold

You carried on and tried to cope
You pushed the past aside
But asleep at night
There was nowhere you could hide

Stand up tall and strong
Be proud of what you gave
Admit who you are, where you’ve been
Leave the ghosts to their grave.

I always thought everything would be ok when I knew 'why'. It took me a long time to realise and accept that things will never be ok. No child of a Vietnam Veteran would ever say that we are the only ones that are experiencing or ever will experience problems but we are the ones that need help now. Helping us now will help those in the future.

I do not have anything to do with my father but that is my choice. I do not wallow in self pity. I still have a cry every so often but for those that take the little things for granted, such as being able to wear a watch or being able to sleep without seeing nightmares that are not your own, such as not watching your own skin flake off, they should get a little more information before commenting.

See poiner8rar you folks just read into things how you want to. I at no point said grow up or out of it what i said is be open to the next lot following. But not seeing the trees for the forest seems to be a bit of an issue. You lot arnt the only ones with problems and you will not be the last.

After reading Siren's comments, I can feel the rage inside. Obviously this person has not read the comments posted, and has not understood the enormity of this situation. Yes, we do need to look at the children of V.V. By doing so, will it not enable us to be better prepared for future generations. You say that we are wearing blinkers, are you not by not seeing the plight that the children go through each and every day. One that does not end just because we reach a certain age. Maybe you should think of others before being so judgemental.

Sadly, very sadly the above are the sorts of comments that the Minister will look for so that she may be able to pigeon hole yet another study.
The major ESO's have a lot to answer for assisting in this regard, individuals fight to get a study done, in this case the COVVHS group, then the ESO's appoint a FIGJAM representative who does't even read the scientific reports and then kicks up a stink at the next consultative forum, you know "I have been doing this for xxxxx years, I know what I'm talking about", they don't! and even more dangerous it that they don't know that they don't know.
http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/carryon/web/COVVHSindex.htm

I pity those whose lives are dedicated to selfish purpose only. Yes there are alot of areas in society today that need research and improvement. That is not in question. Weather children of Vets is a worthy cause to be researched is. Personally I believe War, weather 50 years ago or present has severe effect on all that served.And therefore on those whose lives are touched by those who served. Anything we can do to help those who are effected live peacfully is a worthy cause in my books. And let me tell you why.

My biological father was not a Vet, so physically I am not effected like alot of you out there are. But my step father is.

If you can imagin a 6 year old little girl. Innocent, bubbly, full of opinion and a thirst for life thrown into a world centered on a war that happened many years ago. Woken in the middle of the night by screaming and crying pulled from her bed and told that her room was not clean enough she must do it again. Marched through her childhood walking on egg shells for fear of yet another wild outburst. Her home run like a military camp. The bruises healed and the years passed but I will never forget the little girl I used to be. Not now in my mid 20's or ever.

My half brother who is 12 is his biological son. He has ADHD. A string of behavioral problems and no chance of surviving in this society as a child of a V.V.if there isnt recognition of his very real problems.

This isnt about weather this cause is more important or more worthy. Its about finding hope for those past, present and future that must endure the effects of such a horrific thing like war!