Welcome Home, Indeed

YOU ARE VISITING THE OLD MALKIN(S)WATCH. THAT'S FANTASTIC. PLEASE VISIT THE NEW MALKIN(S)WATCH WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE.

The 27-year-old Watevliet High School graduate said the reception he received upon his return was overwhelming and makes risking his life for his country all the more worthwhile.

"When you step off that plane and people are waving the American Flag, it makes the hard times, bad food and cold showers in Iraq all worth it," said Lane, who has spent 5 1/2 years in the military. "It's the greatest feeling in the world."

Malkin thanks Capt. Patrick Lane for his service - a sentiment which we share. Sadly, we are also aware of the reception which may just await him beyond the tarmac.

U.S. veterans from the war in Iraq are beginning to show up at homeless shelters around the country, and advocates fear they are the leading edge of a new generation of homeless vets not seen since the Vietnam era...
Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs shows that as of last July, nearly 28,000 veterans from Iraq sought health care from the VA. One out of every five was diagnosed with a mental disorder, according to the VA. An Army study in the New England Journal of Medicine in July showed that 17 percent of service members returning from Iraq met screening criteria for major depression, generalized anxiety disorder or PTSD.

We sincerely hope that this is not the case for Capt. Lane. And we sincerely hope that should it be, that Ms. Malkin will be just as anxious to write about you.