MASH in Vietnam & Emergency Mental Health Care
Host Dale Throneberry and guests:
Reuel S. Long, MD – Army surgeon in S Vietnam
Jim Dehlin – Vietnam War veteran, Dr. Long’s MASH patient
MASH in Vietnam - January 22, 2023
Real Stories from MASH Unit in South Vietnam
Reuel Long’s experiences as an MD in the emergency rooms of Flint, Michigan, prepared him for only some of what he would see in a mobile army surgical hospital – MASH.
Antiwar sentiment among the doctors in basic training at Fort Sam Houston set the tone for his tour as a general medical officer. In March 1971, the 27th MASH played a critical role treating survivors of the deadliest attack on any firebase during the Vietnam War.
Long’s vivid memoir recalls the casualties he cared for during the war, including one he crossed paths with 44 years later – who in his own words describes his rehabilitation from the loss of his legs and his protesting the war from a wheelchair.
An addendum gives an insider’s account of the U.S. military’s failure to remedy a fatal design flaw in the M16 rifle, which caused an unknown number of American casualties.
Free Emergency Healthcare
WHO QUALIFIES?
The policy applies to all veterans with any separation status except a dishonorable discharge, regardless of whether they qualify for other VA medical services.
WHAT IS COVERED?
Under the policy, VA will either waive costs for care or — in cases of visits outside the VA system — provide reimbursements for emergency mental health care. Those costs can include appointment fees, transportation costs and other related follow-up expenses.
The new plan also calls for VA to cover the costs of up to 30 days of inpatient or residential care for treatment of those mental health issues and up to 90 days of outpatient care if veterans are experiencing an acute suicidal crisis.
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee ranking member Mark Takano, D-California, authored the measure.
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