I joined Dryhootch a month or two ago after searching for information and coming across a video link concerning Sgt. Jim Pitts who was convicted and sent to prison for the death of his wife in 2004. I was in the process of writing my master's thesis on the issue of domestic violence, and became interested in the issue of PTSD, returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, and the rising number of DV cases in the military. I, like many others across the U.S., watched the CBS news program about bringing war's violence home. I watched the interview with Jim Pitts, and was surprised he was the only "military" person that spoke out about his crime. If you are a critical thinker, you know enough to look a little deeper and not take media portrayals as the most reliable source. With this in mind, I sat down on my computer and began to dig much deeper. I also found where Jim Pitts was incarcerated and I wrote him a letter to find out more. Since that time, I have come to know him a bit more through some correspondance. He does not deny or try to soften the crime that he committed in any way. In fact, he takes full responsibility without any hesitation. He does not blame anyone.

The issue of PTSD needs to be recognized by mainstream America as a valid disorder that impacts a returning veteran's behavior and daily living routine. I admire each and every person for their service to this country-- even Jim Pitts who is now serving a sentence for murder. Where is the legal help these men and women need to make sense of their crimes? If you know, please tell me!