WASHINGTON - More than one-third of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans seeking medical treatment from the Veterans Health Administration report symptoms of stress or other mental disorders - a tenfold increase in the last 18 months, according to an agency study.

The dramatic jump in cases - coming as more troops face multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan - has triggered concern among some veterans groups that the agency may not be able to meet the demand. They say veterans have had to deal with long waits for doctor appointments, staffing shortages and lack of equipment at medical centers run by the Veterans Affairs Department.

BY BILL WAGNER -- STAFF WRITER -- Sept. 24, 2006 -- Many of the veterans who stepped forward to defend their nation in wars past continue to serve their country and their comrades.

They are the volunteers who assist the professional staff at VA medical centers through the 50 states and in the veterans' homes where retired and ailing vets find a haven in their declining years.

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Sept. 21, 2006 -- Veterans Resource Central (VRC), a Harrisburg-based non-profit group, announced yesterday that "Purple Day in PA," a statewide salute to military families, is planned for Saturday, Oct. 14. The organization will observe the event, which was officially designated by a Pennsylvania Senate resolution passed this summer, with a ceremony at 10 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.