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Subscribe to RSSIt began with an Army veteran’s exasperated affirmation and a purposely casual question, just 22 keystrokes.
Then, a gush of feelings, dammed up for years by the attached stigma, cascaded from Rob Ulrey’s mind through his fingers to his computer screen; 770 words, a personal purge, a plea for understanding: “I am tormented in my dreams ... I am functional in society ... I am medicated ... I am always on the lookout for danger ... I have no regrets ... I am just as normal as you."
His opening line: “I have PTSD ... So what?”
Last February, that post on Ulrey’s military website — penned partly to set “the media” straight, partly as an online life buoy for men and women like him — resonated with hundreds of current and former service members who posted comments to echo and empathize with the former Army gunner’s frustrations and fears. The reactions haven’t stopped coming: “I am living this with you,” wrote Mike R. on Aug. 27, and “Thanks for these words,” typed Greg H., also on Aug. 27. Talk of the column has spread far and wide among American military ranks.
"The comments it got, and that it's getting, are really kind of inspiring. It seemed like it touched a lot of people. A lot of it was guys and girls who just seemed real lonely out there, real isolated," Ulrey told NBC News. "And they just seemed real relieved there was somebody out there like them."
Ulrey now looks at his essay as — if not the first embers of a true movement — maybe the early moments of a fundamental shift in the public discourse on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a series of anxiety-based symptoms afflicting up to an estimated 500,000 U.S. troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He wrote the article, he said, at roughly the same time he finally sought treatment, 15 years after an IED in Bosnia shattered his wrist, blew out his eardrums and began chronically haunting his slumber.
“It just came out of me, just kind of flowed from the heart,” Ulrey told NBC News. “I guess my higher calling is to make sure other veterans get this message, get the help they need. But If I can make people understand we’re not the big, evil demons that some people make us out to be, so much the better.”
Indeed, the piece was meant to be aimed largely at "mainstream" media outlets, Ulrey said. Amid a litany of news reports in recent years about young veterans committing violence or suicide, he winced at how often journalists swiftly linked the acts to PTSD.
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"I, along with my cohorts, have been classified as a potential powder keg just waiting on that spark to set us off into a murderous explosion of ire. This is not the case," Ulrey wrote in his post.
That sort of breathless PTSD coverage has painted the diagnosis, and perhaps all combat veterans, with a social stain, Ulrey said. PTSD evokes concerned whispers from family members, worried glances from co-workers, and dead-ends at job interviews.
"The stigma is so negative. I’ve heard time and time again from veterans: 'I’m not getting the looks (from companies) that I should be getting. I’m not getting that second interview.' I know some guys who are leaving stuff off their resumes or downplaying what they did during their time in the service so that it doesn’t trigger those kinds of questions (about mental health).
"You’re automatically tainted just because of your service, even if you don’t have PTSD at all," Ulrey said.
But it's not just corporate America that, in Ulrey's view, misunderstands PTSD. Even inside the military, the disorder, and certainlythe act of service members seeking help for it, is often viewed as a personal flaw, or as a lack of mental muscle, he added.
"They’ve been suffering with it and they’ve been afraid to say anything about it, because they were afraid of the ramifications," Ulrey said. "In the military, if you need to go to mental health, then you’re weak. And we don’t have weak in the military. We’re warriors, we’re not supposed to feel this way. But it will take out the baddest dude or the littlest, wimpiest dude. It doesn’t discriminate."
At the top of the U.S. military pyramid, however, leaders say they are toiling to change that old thinking.
"Seeking help is a sign of strength not weakness," said Cynthia O. Smith, a spokeswoman for the Defense Department. "No, military careers aren't at risk for seeking help."
As proof, Smith e-mailed NBC News a memo, signed May 10 by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, that read: "Leaders throughout the chain of command must actively promote a constructive command climate that ... encourages individuals to reach out for help when needed."
And on the topic of Ulrey's matter-of-fact pitch for America to stop demonizing PTSD and those diagnosed with it, Smith said: "Mental health disorders, like most medical conditions, are treatable. Many service members with symptoms of PTSD recover with appropriate medication and/or psychotherapy within a few months."
Ulrey's medication includes prescribed blood-pressure drugs that prevent the flashback nightmares he once suffered. Those dreams used to wake him with a jolt four to five times a night and caused him to sweat so profusely that his sheets often were drenched by dawn.
"I have never physically assaulted anyone out of anger or rage," he typed last February. "I have never committed violence in the workplace, just like the vast majority of those who suffer with me. My co-workers know I spent time in the military but they do not know of my daily struggles, and they won’t."
But like any good writer, Ulrey has picked up on the irony in his larger quest to convince the world to simply see soldiers and veterans as regular folks who are dealing with battlefield stress on their own terms. In his current job as a law enforcement officer — he asked to keep his city of residence out of this article to protect his family — Ulrey earlier this month faced a pointed question from his boss.
"He saw the article and asked me: 'Do I need to know anything about this? Do I need to be worried?’ I said, ‘No not at all.'
"It had been bugging him and, I guess, bugging the other supervisors I work with for a couple of months. That was the whole purpose of the article. So that people don’t get that question from co-workers or supervisors," Ulrey said. "Even if we have PTSD, we’re OK. I am not going to freak out on you."
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Give Obama another four years and Obama will DUMP BIDEN after the elections and appoint Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah as V.P. Soon, this country will be transformed into a great Muslim country for all of us to enjoy for years to come!! It just sends chills of excitement up our spines!
Troll.
You're a great example of why I'll never vote republicon. You represent the extremist, Nazi-like element in America- in other words-everything that is wrong with this Nation starting with your twisted version of history. You're late for your annual goose-stepping extravaganza..I can hear your Obersturmbannfuhrer calling you now...
That's the problem with most Liberals like yourself. You people like to dish the @!$%# out but when it comes to facing the truth you can't take it. WAH, WAH!!!
What truth, Romney Truth?
romney truth?? you can't put those two words together without the suffix: lol.
So what??? I've seen some pretty nasty cases of PTSD's from military members. My personal experience (noted because it is a limiting factor) is that there are some serious issues that need to be considered before hiring these individuals. The big one is the rating of 'compentency'. As long as they maintain that rating, they should be reasonable in today's society. If they are demeed incompetent (as they cannot maintain firearms and control their own finances), they probably are more likely to be a powder keg.
Skeptial
You gave yourself away.
You know little or nothing about combat PTSD. How do I know this ??? Because I live with it each and every day for over forty years . Not being able to handle money is anxiety problems ( panic attacks ). As for weapons . A combat vet will more often than not take them-self out first . Suicide caused by major depression . Most of us prefer to work by ourselves or in a very small group ( 4 to 6 people max ). Crowds bother us big time and loud sudden noises makes us jump out of our skins or underneath anything close by. We also ( this is one of my big ones ) are hyper-vigilant ( all eyes and ears all the time ). But on the plus side . We are mission oriented. We stick with a job until it is finished and done right the first time. Sure it is true that we have our problems ( mostly around anniversary times ). But now look at the rest of the ( normal ) population as they aren't wrapped to tight either. Matter of fact they go off the deep end more often than we do. Most of the people who have gone postal at work are so called normal people. We with PTSD just go about our own business and prefer to be left alone to do our jobs.
bob
Bob1/28
Amen, my brother, Amen!!! You said it all and best for all of us. My bride of these past 25 years (my third wife) asked me whether, in my opinion as a doctor, will it ever go away... to which I replied: " When I die and join my friends... until then, we will deal with it together!"
excellent post Bob.
Not sure of how I "gave myself away"...
I am a veteran and have worked in contracted and government positions. I have also been a security manager for the DoD. So, I do know troops and I do know their lives outside of the military.
My point was not how it affects you, but how it affects others. If the VA has rated someone as not-competent, there is a serious issue at play with their PTSD's. This issue cannot simply be waved away as all people with PTSD's are upstanding, task-oriented workers.
Skeptical, that is the biggest load of crap I've read today. Do you work for DHS? You know, napolitano and crew? You know, the one's who stated that our Veterans should be deemed a credible threat to our nation's security? If so, you're a dumbass. If not, your still a dumbass. I'm with you bob1/28, I don't have the night sweats, or nightmares nearly as often, but I still deal with it each and everyday. And Mr. "Bob", thank you for your service to our great nation. After I returned from Desert Storm, I felt completely alone, despite the fact that I had my family and friends around me all of the time. And for all you folks who want to politicize this, you can all go to hell. This has nothing to do with political alignment, and EVERYTHING to do with suffering from an "invisible" disease. Mr. Ulray said it best, "...we don’t have weak in the military. We’re warriors, we’re not supposed to feel this way. But it will take out the baddest dude or the littlest, wimpiest dude. It doesn’t discriminate." Very well put sir. It doesn't discriminate, but apparently there are some short sighted, dimwitted civilians who do. The very people who live under the protection that we once provided, and our younger "brothers and sisters" still provide to this day. And "bob" brought up a very valid point. You don't get PTSD from being "in the rear with the gear". You get this God awful trauma from COMBAT. And for those of you who have never experienced combat, thank whatever God you follow because I promise you that you simply ARE NOT THE SAME afterwards. And this effects some people more than others, and some it doesn't effect at all, that their families and friends are aware of. To Mr. Ulray, KUDOS!!! And thank you for simply "venting", and doing so in an intellegent, and coherant manner. And also, thank you for your service to our Great Nation. My personal take, if you haven't been in direct combat, or are related to someone who has, then STFU. That is all.
Skeptial,
Really! These people...Well I am one of those people and have been one for over 30 years, three contingencies and three wars under my belt. I've loss friends and held one dying friend in my arms. Yes, the demons of my experiences haunt me and I have many sleepless nights. My wife is no longer afraid to sleep next to next. I have PTSD and yes I am medicated, I am functional, and I work a full-time job. VA treated me like crap and I don't believe the government owes me anything, and I know people like you can't ever understand what goes on in my mind, and the struggles I have day in and day out just to be normal. I hate crowds and attending my son's HS football games with the banging drums drives me nuts. I rehearse scenarios that I might encounter in the public so my response to a given situation does not lead to regret and I endure living with PTSD. If you aren’t living PTSD don’t speculate on it’s affects.
All the alleged Please Take Some Disability Cases are doing just Fine as long as those 2K disability checks make it to my bank account. When I'm Riding my 2012 30K Harley Davidson it's hard to remember what I'm getting all this Money for OOps I forgot ptsd or something like that.
I am bringing a valid counterpoint to this one sided story. There is a method of determining the severity of a veteran's PTSD's. There can be intelligent discourse on when PTSD's are going to be too much for the common employer (or one trying to get a security clearance).
As far as the insults, NPCDan, you'll get none in return. I fully expect any statement that doesn't have a "support the troops no matter what" (which I was one / 70% disabled), would be railed on.
Good stuff NPCDan. If you haven't been there and done that, you just don't understand. For a lot of us even dealing with the problem was hard to face and admit personally. I refused to admit it to myself that just because I couldn't sleep, had night sweats, absolutely hated being in a crowd and wandering aimlessly at night and not knowing why, that there may be a problem. Even after talking with fellow vets I still didn't want to say I had problems out loud or someone would think I was whining. Being in combat does strange things to a person-plainly stated-it SUCKS. And now the stigma that people want to attach to it makes it even worse. I spent 26 years defending this great country and now I'm called a 'potential homeland terrorist'. That said, I would not do anything different. Well, not much anyway. I might ask for help quicker when I go into the anger mode over nothing. Anyway, go Air Force! I was proud to serve with some of the finest people I have ever met.
Thank you for your kind words "afvet"! And thank you for your service and dedication to our Great Nation. And you're 100% correct, combat does some very strange things to a person. Some take it all in stride, and some simply cannot. I've been blessed with a loving family, and some very good friends, who didn't have me "committed", despite the fact that I've at times, acted like a complete ass in the past. And I'm with you "bud"! The VA treated me like a dog, and I will not go back ever. I'm sorry that you had to go through the old, "okay, you may not be in the military anymore, but you are still beholden to what we say, and when we say, and how we say to do it" mentality that is rampant in the VA system. And thank you for your service to our great country Bud!
Bob,Excellent post.My father dealt with his by being an alcoholic.He was a high level functioning alcoholic.He died at 67 and I miss him everyday.I always wonder how long he would have lived if not for World War II.Many of the greatest generation who served and was in combat self medicated themselves with alcohol.Nobody recognized PTSD in those days but the government had to have known that being in combat is going to effect many people in a variety of negative ways.They did nothing about it then but I'm glad that it is being recognized now. Thank you for sharing you experience with us.I'm sorry that you have had to suffered even one day from this affliction.
Wow "skeptical", I didn't realize I was addressing an expert on all things ptsd. My apologies. I know it's non of my business, but is your 70% disability combat related? If so, I humbly apologize, and do realize that there are varying degrees of ptsd that have to be addressed. As for the "railing", your pompous and denigrating statements had everything to do with that. Note for thought, when you "talk" to people, don't talk down to them. It has a tendancy of making you look arrogant.
Mmm... I don't think I need to take any "notes for thought" from you. You seem extremely volitile and quick to unleash insults and slanderous statements.
Regardless of your postings, hopefully some folks gained the knowledge that the VA can qualify levels of PTSD. Certain levels will deem them as "non-competent". These are folks who will need help in additional ways. Many vets with PTSD's will likely not have this Federal rating attached to them. They will be the task-oriented workers you could depend on.
Ok, out of this thread.
-S
cleaning lady
I'm sorry to learn about your dad. Both my father and uncle were in WW-11 . Truth be told they were both affected by their experiences . As for me I still am an over consumer of beer.
The things I forgot to talk about in my above posting is this. To this day I can not walk in the woods. I start hunting again ( two legged game, NO not women either). Also the toughest lesson I had to learn was this. They are only memories and memories can never hurt you. The downside of that is time marches on and you can not go back. My worst night Mayer's were always me going back and trying to change the outcome.
bob
PS: NPC
Skepitical got a bronze star for saving the generals type writer and a purple heart for a paper cut. Stinking base camp war hero.
PTSD is not just a military condition. There are many people in the USA who grew up in abusive homes who have it...and for many of them it resulted from mental abuse rather than physical abuse -or even both.
--------------------------
"The Greatest Generation's" kids suffered under their fathers' untreated PTSD...but that is never mentioned as it was not mentioned back then either!
I have a friend who is a three time purple heart recipient. On a trip to Prague a couple of years ago he always wanted me to go out with him, day or night. I thought how odd it was that this combat veteran felt safer with me, never in the military, by his side. And then I began to understand why he hated going into the subway, was always on watch for danger, and would walk across the street if he saw an unattended backpack or other package. I can't feel it, but I can understand it. He's doing quite well in a great marriage with three young kids. He doesn't have to work because of his family having money, but he doesn't sit around and do nothing. He's operating a service for veterans to help them heal and takes classes at a local college just to learn things and interact with people. I hold him, and all of our warriors, in the highest regard.
People need to realize that it is not necessary to experience combat for a person to have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD. Many veterans who never served in combat, have military connected PTSD. In addition, many civilians have PTSD.
Having PTSD does not mean you are crazy. It simply means that you need some help with an unresolved, subconscious, mental health issue. No one is going to hog tie you and drag you off to the nearest mental hospital.
Instead, PTSD is a very natural reaction to whatever YOUR brain perceives as a traumatic or stressful situation. In order to deal with this, and in some cases survive, many people repress all their feelings, thoughts, fears, or memories about their past stressful or traumatic experiences. Yet with some veterans, the repression of certain events is subconscious, and the veteran is not aware that it is happening.
Typically, the signs of PTSD vary from person to person, because everyone handles situations differently. What is traumatic or stressful to me, might not be to you.
However, here are some of, but not all, the signs of PTSD: Difficulty sleeping - Easy to anger - Being depressed Experiencing survivor guilt - Having fits of rage - Experiencing anxiety - Memory impairment - Alcohol or drug use and abuse, as a form of self medicating - Flashbacks to the incident or incidents - Negative self image Loss of interest in work or regular recreational activities - Suicidal thoughts and or feelings - Difficulty with authority figures, particularly the police - Problems with intimate relationships - Fantasies of retaliation and destruction - Emotional distancing from others - Unable to talk about war or other stressful experiences - Reacting with survival tactics - Distrust or cynicism of the government, particularly the VA - Avoiding certain activities because they bring back memories of the stressful or traumatic events.
If you do recognize some of the above, you owe it to yourself to consider getting a mental health evaluation, to rule out PTSD, and to learn whether or not you have some issues needing help. If things have not been working out by doing it on your own, maybe that’s a sign you need someone to show you how to do it. Remember, IT IS OK TO ASK FOR SOME HELP!
I am a non–combat veteran who has service connected PTSD. I know about PTSD from personal experience. The things I hate most about PTSD is nightmares, and, hyper startle response to sudden noise, movement or pain. There is no effective treatment for PTSD, so I have just learned to live with it.
Anybody with A mental disorder is mostly thrown under the bus. It is en-grained into our societies way of thinking. For our Vets to have to deal with others misconceived notions of what a mental disability can do and cant do is plain disheartening. I loved the part of the article that stated that asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness.A person with a disorder like PTSD Is no more likely to commit an act of violence than a so called normal person.
Its a great article that may bring some relief to our Service members that put it all on the line for US. I for one would like to thank them all. All employers should HIRE vets first. I never served they earned that RIGHT in my book.
I seem to have all the classic symptoms of PTSD, but I am somewhat functional in society, I am quick to anger, the adrenaline dump has been a problem for a long time, blowing up on people, lost a couple of jobs that way, numerous physical altercations, substance abuse, money problems even though I make a pretty good salary, a lot of impulse buys, and I don't understand what compels me to do that . How late is to late for claiming disability from VA on this? Is it another one of those screw you things with VA, I just sort of turned my back on VA after the total screwing I got on several situations involving health care and education.
I'm glad that Skeptical is getting outnumbered here. It's obvious that his "knowledge" regarding PTSD is that of someone looking in from the outside; I'm very skeptical that he's ever been in a legitimate combat situation. Like so many, he takes the easy way out, choosing stereotypes instead of learning from the abundance of research-based information out there.
This is a man who clearly believes that PTSD barely exists, if at all. I didn't get the impression that he much cares if these same "nasty cases" get treatment. My father, a decorated WWII veteran, never fully recovered emotionally from the conflict. Unfortunately, there are far too many like skeptical who wrongly believe PTSD isn't real.
Bob in post 2.2 wrote in part;
"Skeptial
You gave yourself away.
You know little or nothing about combat PTSD. How do I know this ??? Because I live with it each and every day for over forty years . Not being able to handle money is anxiety problems ( panic attacks ). As for weapons . A combat vet will more often than not take them-self out first . Suicide caused by major depression . Most of us prefer to work by ourselves or in a very small group ( 4 to 6 people max ). Crowds bother us big time and loud sudden noises makes us jump out of our skins or underneath anything close by. We also ( this is one of my big ones ) are hyper-vigilant ( all eyes and ears all the time ). But on the plus side . We are mission oriented. We stick with a job until it is finished and done right the first time."
I know a Vietnam era sniper who's indicated the hyper-vigilance and has an ever changing escape route in mind. Not surprising, I would think, as it kept the person alive. Such would, in effect, be 'burned in", not something which would vanish.
"Sure it is true that we have our problems ( mostly around anniversary times ). But now look at the rest of the ( normal ) population as they aren't wrapped to tight either. Matter of fact they go off the deep end more often than we do. Most of the people who have gone postal at work are so called normal people. We with PTSD just go about our own business and prefer to be left alone to do our jobs."
Exactly. :)
just a cleaning lady
wrote in post 2.12;
Bob,Excellent post.My father dealt with his by being an alcoholic.He was a high level functioning alcoholic.He died at 67 and I miss him everyday.I always wonder how long he would have lived if not for World War II.Many of the greatest generation who served and was in combat self medicated themselves with alcohol.Nobody recognized PTSD in those days but the government had to have known that being in combat is going to effect many people in a variety of negative ways.They did nothing about it then but I'm glad that it is being recognized now. Thank you for sharing you experience with us.I'm sorry that you have had to suffered even one day from this affliction."
The negative repercussions were known. WW1 called it 'Shell Shock". WW2 called it "Combat Fatigue". Famously, Gen. George Patton slapped a soldier in the hospital with this condition and called the man a coward. I believe the latter name held through the Vietnam War.
They didn't have a good understanding of what was going on. They also didn't have the drugs or the mental health treatments to assist the afflicted.
Like any mental health issue, it's not whether or not you have PTSD, rather it's how you deal with it. If you acknowledge that you're having problems, get treatment and professional help dealing with it, chances are you'll be fine. If you are afraid of the stigma, push it down and refuse to deal with it, then yeah - other issues are likely to follow, depression, self medicating with drugs or alcohol, reckless behaviors, suicide, etc.
Steve C-526943
wrote in 2.20;
I seem to have all the classic symptoms of PTSD, but I am somewhat functional in society, I am quick to anger, the adrenaline dump has been a problem for a long time, blowing up on people, lost a couple of jobs that way, numerous physical altercations, substance abuse, money problems even though I make a pretty good salary, a lot of impulse buys, and I don't understand what compels me to do that . How late is to late for claiming disability from VA on this? Is it another one of those screw you things with VA, I just sort of turned my back on VA after the total screwing I got on several situations involving health care and education."
There isn't a time limit, go to the VA on this. Its sad a vet has to watch their back when dealing with a (sadly political) organization which is supposed to assist veterans.
I'm with Bob and many of the other posters. I hate to quote Huey Lewis (my age is showing), "but you are never the same after you have been under fire." I respect all vets, such as myself with PTSD. While women were often overlooked, we faced RPG's and incoming fire too in war trying to help and often unarmed ourselves. I also don't want to overlook ALL VETS past and present. Too often articles forget those from "forgotten" wars, all war has done damage. I am still glad I served.
For ALL THOSE with PTSD I would like to say, hang in there. And to Xina, while you have some good advice, the term, "you'll be fine," isn't really helpful. I will NEVER be "FINE." However, I and my family are coping, day by day, sometimes minute by minute.
Over 30 years later (yeah really aging myself now) I am still getting better. To all the "new guys" (I'll leave off the "F" because I RESPECT YOU SO MUCH), PLEASE find someone who can help you. It does, it REALLY DOES get better. There were times I didn't believe that, but now I do see the light at the end of the tunnel much more often and much more clearly. I owe my life to the Vet Center, and two great in-country Vets.
My best to all of you. Glad this brave soldier wrote the article. Always remember you may feel alone, but you are really NEVER ALONE there are too many of us out here. There are people who GET IT!
Skeptial - first there is a difference between a vet and a combat-vet. Second I have worked with many people with severe PTSD who have been held back because of attitudes like yours...once given a chance they are turning their lives around. I thank the Lord everyday that someone gave me that chance all those years ago and because of it I can take those that people like you reject, spit on, step on, and put down and help them to rise above the position in life that you would continue to push them down to.
Really? I've got a news flash for you--many victims of severe childhood abuse suffer silently with it their entire lives. They are TRUE victims, in that unlike military, they didn't choose to harm others.
At least if you are honest and objective, you know two things. One, you brought this on yourself by being willing to murder innocent people, and two, you aren't suffering anything that the people you attacked don't suffer--and most of them did nothing to deserve it, unlike you.
You're not special. You were sick and twisted before you went, and you're more sick and twisted now. Surprise, surprise.
Live with it. You earned it.
First patter....members of the military for the vast majority CHOOSE to protect your sad existence, and yes in some cases that choice resulted in their having to harm someone else, and they made that choice because there are too many like you who are not adult enough to stand up and do it for your self but choose to hide behind the wall that they maintain for you. Second....oh forget it, you have proven not to have the capability to understand anyway.....
Thanks Bob. You said what needed saying and said it well.
Bot2012,
Interesting that in an article that mentions the value of medication for PTSD and other emotional disabilities; you've chosen to advertise the sad fact that you've gone off yours.
I thought that HIPPA laws prevented an employer from asking about medical conditions. My employer requires a full physical as a condition of employment but never in any interviews that i have performed have i asked a personal medical question such as this. That fact makes me leery of how any supervisor would know this about him to ask such a question. A supervisor does not have the right to ask medical information from an employee.
HIPPA is a the law that says your medical records are private.The news reported the other night that there are those in the medical field who have been selling people's medical record information.
For any veteran that suffers form PTSD there is a charity group called PpaWWs that is dedicated to help any returning vet with PTSD. You can find the information at www.PpaWWs.org Their motto?
My son has this condition when he returned from Iraq from the first war. He tried to ignore it but he became more and more angry and irrational. He had a hard time with all the people on the road and his rode rage would make him so crazy he told me he just wanted to run over ppl, cars anything to relieve his brain of this anger. Thankfully I convinced him to go to the VA and now he is on meds and see a physciatrist to help him with his anxiety and anger issues. I am glad they take this serious in the VA because if they did not this country would have so many good vets the would just self medicate themselves like they did when they returned from Vietnam because no one would believe that they had mental issues and not just plain crazy!!
Thank you for your service.
I will thank the thankless when they realize the our troops in Afghanistan need to be brought back home right now, not in 2014, not next year. Right now. Our troops in Afghanistan do not need to be in there. Period. Afghans can take care of themselves. They do not need us. We have drones to take care of Pakis and the Paki talibans.
I don't take drugs, I do not think they are the solution. I have and always have had a very solid and stable mind. But after this war, anytime I enter a room or situation, I seek out the threats and consider the first person I should kill if something goes South. I feel very sorry for the person who decides to attack me at a bar or some public place out of drunkenness because most likely I'd snap his neck without a second thought about it until it was done. I avoid those situations because I know myself and I don't go to such institutions where people imbibe heavily in drink. But many soldiers don't because they are trying to forget some pain. Our country embraces us, but they also forget us once we are back. That's only the simple truth!
I've calmed myself through gardening and cooking. But the military and our government doesn't give you enough money after 20 years of service to afford a Justin Bieber size estate that he can afford at the age of 17. So life can be rough!
Khan
Maybe someone will put you out of your misery before you murder another innocent victim.
And there's the troll^^^ I do that everywhere I go after an unfortunate incident involving a drunk and a knife a few years ago....does that mean I have PTSD? I don't think so.
Actually, Randy, it kind of does.
Well said, Christina. PTSD is not only the result of serving in a war. PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and it can be caused by any number of traumatic events and what Randy describes is actually quite classic.
Free money and drugs. What a combo.
FREE... are you serious??? Do you know what these young men and women have gone thru...or course not or you wouldn't have posted such a @!$%#ty remark.
mother of a Combat Soldier
God Bless our troops, may they all come home soon!!!
F-U klondiko=freedom aint free A-HOLE!its guys like me and other vets that preserve YOUR and our rights to be free.and th GI bill of rights guarentees that if we are injured while serving OUR COUNTRY the VA system will do WHATEVER they need to do to help us out. WHAT have you ever done for OUR COUNTRY? or are you just another freeloader that thinks the U.S> GOVT. owes you a living?I am a 100% service connected permanently disabled VET.SO go wave your flag and support your troops=BUT when we return home with problems you dont give s h i t.YA you wave your flag so lond as we are over there risking our lives for A-HOLES such as you!Robert Farrell=Nogales,AZ
Mr. Farrell, thank you for your service. Don't be too harsh on klondiko--or any of these other jokers for that matter. They think that the only value is monetary, and the only cost is also monetary. Service means little or nothing to those kinds of folks. Indeed, as Mitt Romney stated directly when asked if any of his sons served in the military: my sons serve their country by working to get me elected--i.e. if it benefits me, that is service.
The "cost" that our volunteer military exacts upon said volunteers is not even close to what we provide, but to so many small minded people--money is the only bottom line.
WOOOHOOOO!!! Isn't it GREAT how this dude can't own a gun anymore because of the PTSD diagnosis he's so proud of???
* MORE YEARS!!! GOOOOBAMA! ...because when Americans are soooooooo utterly retarded that they actually believe goods and services they receive from the government are "free" they deserve to watch their children starve!
Klondiko obviously has never served and never will, or he wouldn't make such ignorant statements.
I suffer from PTSD myself, but mine isn't from combat, mine is from witnessing a friend blow his head completely off with a shotgun at close range, I understand what these people are going through. The nightmares, the jumping at every loud or unexpected sound, feeling like your heart is going to explode, not wanting to be around people because you don't know what they are going to do, having panic attacks in the grocery store so debilitating that you have to run to your vehicle or face blacking out. I go through that on a daily basis, I gave up driving for the most part, I gave up going to crowded places, I can't watch certain movies or if I do and they have headshot scenes it gives me a panic attack, I don't have fun anymore.
Klondiko, things have a way of coming back on people, that's all I'm going to say, just hope you never have to find out why PTSD isn't "free drugs and money".
I have served, and you all have it wrong. We are the best this country has to offer. And you can take anyone who has served honorably and the will out perform anyone in the work force today!
Word! You won't find a group that is more dedicated to country and family. And thank you for your service to our Great Nation!
Come back to earth.
Not necessarily so. Had recent employee here that was a recent vet and Westpoint Grad. He could not/would not work withing the framework of our business. Wanted to change things to his taste on the very first day. Didn't stay 6 months. Vets are like everyone else. Some good, some bad.
I served in the 60's and all I can say is,if you don't want to get PTSD don't join.The Nam war, Irag and Afgan. are all political wars and nothing more. As long as there is money to be made there will always be wars.
TOM-355574 your are RIGHT ON THE MONEY BRO=thank you so very very much
While the incidence of PTSD is very high in combat soldiers, there are many other life events that can cause PTSD. Symptom masking medications will eventually be ineffective or counter effective. People with PTSD need to feel like they belong and be surrounded by people with compassion. PTSD doesn't really make people "explode" - that is more generally caused by pent up anger.
I was retired from the Army in 2006 for PTSD, but you don't have to go to a war to have it. My wife and I were in an auto accident, she was killed I was trapped in the car with her for close to an hour. I was later diagnosed with PTSD that had resulted from that accident.
4 years of hazing, harassment, sleep deprivation and prolonged periods of heightened stress at West Point put me in the PTSD category...pretty messed up.
Sit up and pull your chin in beanball!
Not the same thing @!$%#head..did you get your degree while you were partying it up at West Point??? got a commission as well huh???
Brett, in college we called it "joining a fraternity". Grow a pair, and if your still in the service, go get some.
Wow, what a bunch of insensitive, ignorant a-holes. Come out from behind the keyboard and say it to Brett's face. And then while you're at it, learn what PTSD actually is and what causes it before spouting off.
Thanks msannomalley, that's how you stand up to a bully. It matters. It really makes a difference.
Until you have been there, you don't know.
If enough people stand up for you or acknowledge you in little ways that you didn't know mattered, you begin to start finding your way back. It takes a huge effort, but tune in to that. I found it by accident. We really can help heal each other if we want to.
Brett, I'm sure that you had it rough at West Point, and I respect you for trying to take a leadership role in our armed forces. But, getting yelled at by instructors, doing push ups, staying up late, and not eating a normal diet will cause mild anxiety, not PTSD.
I was in quite a few situations overseas that I feared for my life. I have been through things that are so grizzly in nature, that I choose not to talk about them with anyone. Sometimes, I will wake up in a sweat and start crying for no apparent reason. I have been diagnosed with PTSD many years ago before it was considered a big problem amongst service members. I felt it was necessary to hide my PTSD.
My biggest problem is with controlling my temper. If someone says (or does) something that I don't like, I flip out on them. This is really scary! Because, I usually don't remember getting violent. It happened about a month ago. I woke up with blood all over my arms, and had no idea what had happened, until my neighbor told me I tried to kill someone the night before.
So, I can understand how Veterans get a bad rap. That is why I kept my PTSD to myself. If I scare myself, I know that I can be scary to other people too.
And Brett, I doubt that you have any problems like I have developed, just from going to West Point. Sorry if you have a lot of stress and anxiety. I hope that you never have to experience PTSD.
first let me say to Mr.Ulrey thank you for article, it speaks loud, to one's that attack bret please don't that, you don't how it felt with the hazing or how it left him feeling, so ptsd could be a part of his life. I suffer from the disorder as well, I have never been to war. I was threten for two years by co-workers with physical harm, made every complaint I could until I finally broke. I refuse to believe at that time that I PTSD. despite the nightmares, sucidal thoughts, shaking, sweats, lack of focus, I could go on, but My point is this every person is different and we don't know how they react to every situation. I have never been to war but I battle with an Illness everyday that I have learn how rebuild my life around it. so lets focus on encourging each other not tear down anyone else. we have enough people out there doing that for us already.
Godschild12, well said. You are right that everyone is different. Even if NPCDan has a pair, which is fine and great, glad he has some, but we or anyone else is not him. We all react differently to different situations and I think that we should all give each other encouragement instead of bringing each other down more. This tend to lead to more stress, depression and suicidal ideations. So NPCDan, glad you are doing well on your own, but don't judge others and don't tell them what they need to do because you are not them. Thank you. :)
I wasn't trying to put this person down. If he/she did indeed attend West Point, and went through the obligatory hazing, and that is what this person is basing their ptsd claim on, then I'm sorry that I have no sympathy whatsoever for them. I obtained mine in direct combat while serving in the U.S. Army. And yes, there are traumatizing events that can happen to anyone that would cause them to suffer from this, my wife is one of them. What I read out of this person's post was sarcasm, pure and simple. Hazing? Seriously? Then everyone who went to Jr. High School, played sports in High School, joined a Fraternity/Sorority in college, etc. should be suffering from this in some form or another. And please be careful when dismounting your high horses...
NPCDan I am afraid that you are basically stating that everyone is the same. However everyone reacts differently to things. I will admit that I do not have PTSD. However you are not being very sensitive to the fact that some things such as hazing can cause it to some while not affecting others. I have sever anxiety which I developed during middle school. Its nothing compared to PTSD. I know that for certain. But just think maybe he does have it. For example a girl who has always been pretty and could get away with anything with her looks gets older and ages. As she ages and gets older people react less. She can't get away with everything. to her that may be traumatic. However to someone else that may not be the same case. therefor the woman who has that sudden trauma could develope PTSD. I give thanks to everyone who served. my husband served and thankfully never developed PTSD.
Meh. I and 95% of you could probably say we have PTSD for something that happened in our life (I have no idea what). People go through life and some have traumatic experiences. Moreso if you've been in a war zone. Things affect people in different ways. If something is bothering you, and you're not sure how to deal with it, go talk to someone. Doesn't mean you're any less of a person/worker/soldier because of it.
People who have been in the service have some unique training and skill sets that a lot of employers want. But just because you've been in the service doesn't mean you're exemplary and should be hired without question.
Damn Tubal22, you are a good guy I am impressed with how smoothly you encouraged then intelligently gave some advise that can be hard to hear. I am going to try it myself.
I would like to thank all veterans, both past and present! I respect all of you! While PTSD is predominately associated with veterans and current service personnel, I agree with Tubal22 that any tramatic event can trigger PTSD. Being from a millitary family, yet never having made it overseas or in combat, I have seen evidence of PTSD. Both my Grandfathers were in WWI, Dad at Normandy during invasion, 2 Uncles in WWII,another Uncle in the Korean Conflict, Older brother in Veit Nam,Younger brother in Korea during peacetime, Brother-in-law in Desert Storm, Step-son with 3 tours Afghanistan, Nephew with 2 tours Iraq and preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. I also agree with Bill Briggs, the author of the article, that having PTSD does not make one a powderkeg. Being raised in a liberal society to beleive actions have no consequence is the igniter of the powderkeg, and PTSD is errantly blamed. I hope everyone who needs help gets it, but remember, strenght comes from within. Gob Bless all of you!
@ Sam Allen, very well said sir.
Obamabot2012; Shut the hell up. This is a Chrisgian nation and always will be. I would love tp send a chill up your A$%. You must be one of those syupid idiot muslins that don't know any thing. the only education you get is goat herding and your not any good at that. So if you are in The United States of America I invite you to pack your bags and get the hell out of my country......
So many nice christian sentiments coming from the above poster....makes me all warm and fuzzy inside...
And apparently he can't figure out that Obamabot was a right wing troll spouting the usual lies and paranoid distortions.
"this is a Chrisgian nation..."; "you must be one of those syupid idiot muslins..."; "the only education you get is goat herding and your [sic] not ..."
As opposed to the value of your own home-schooled edumacation, right? At least misspelling christian or stupid can be attributed to "fat fingers", but Muslins? thats a fabric; or your instead of you're--those are in the kindly words of my high school teacher--gross ignorances.
Maybe that's what all of you should do since you all think that the @!$%#-sucking president that we have in office is such a great leader. It is apparent all the current crisis going on in the Middle East is just Obama's smoke screen that he blows into all of you naive people who take it all in with every lie he spews. The same you still think it's Bush's fault for the failures of this country in the past 4 1/2 yrs, when your brainless leader has caused the problems in this country ALL by himself. It's still Bush's fault for the high unemployment, higher fuel prices, higher medical costs, higher national debt, higher welfare recipients...all of this according to your ideals, you can't face the facts that Obama is the biggest screw up EVER to be elected in this country.
Obamabot,
Compared to George W., Obama should be enshrined on Mt. Rushmore.
WOW, and YOU can't tell the truth.
Obama/Biden 2012!
Well, being an American that served, I can say that no religion is perfect. And, every religion has radical elements. Although a handful of Muslim radicals are responsible for a majority of terrorist acts, it would be wrong to assume all Muslims are involved.
And, for the record, I am not a Democrat or a Republican. I am Non-Affiliated and vote for the best candidate. And, I am not a big fan of Obama. I was in much better shape financially four years ago, and if Obama is re-elected, I may end up filing for Bankruptcy. I won't hate anyone that votes for Obama, but he is not my choice.
My first actual contact with generation X was when I was brought back on active duty after almost 20 years as a non-combatant to advise and train troops During Desert storm. I was very impressed at their intelligence, resilience, courage and integrity. It was not long after we returned that I realized those troops, men and women, were in fact the elite of their generation, because those I met back in the States that did/have not served are some of the most spoiled, selfish, and self-centered low life examples of humanity I have ever known. And as I reflect, so it was also with my own generation as I remember being spat on at Sea-Tac airport when I got home from Nam. There is no way any one can relate, empathize, appreciate, or come close to understanding what these young men and women are dealing with unless you pick up a gun, get shot at and live to tell about it. So those of you that may feel a little resentful about that, join up, Obama has an AK47 toting Islamic just waiting for you. Good luck for you have no leader.
TTR, ok, so your place in life is victim, right?? Just keep repeating, "we were spit on, we were spit on, we were spit on, we were spit on, we were spit on, we were spit on, we were spit on......"
Drive on dude.
totherepublic, while I agree with you to an extent, I find it disingenuous to say that all who have not served are not capable of empathizing, appreciating, or have an idea what these people have gone through. While I myself have not enlisted for various reason truly appreciate the sacrifices that our soilders have made. While it is not where it should be, there is a rise in understanding of PTSD. Lets not forget that its not only combat vets who suffer. I know some members of the military, who I respect for their sacrifice, are not exactly good citizens when coming home. They have no disorder to speak of but act like the world is owed to them. Now this very well could be the minority and I aknowledge that. I just want to try and steer from overgeneralizations. I am sure you can understand how dangerous that can be as people who suffer from PTSD have been painted with a broad brush and it isnt right.
I was blown out of the turret of our Humvee by an IED before they were uparmored in am ambush. I came crashing down on the hood in full battle rattle, bounced off and landed on the hardball. While I was curled up in a ball in lower back pain I could hear the snap and ricochet of rounds all around our convoy. I struggled to my feet and checked the status of the others in the cab. No one inside could hear what I was saying and I wasnt sure if I was talking or yelling.
Since I cannot put this on my application nor make people understand why I take medication that I get regularly from the VA for pain and sleep maybe only 3-4 consecutive hours a night its hard to convince employers Im worth a damn. Eventually not being able to earn more than minimum wage I started contracting for the DOD and eventually companies like Blackwater that actually pay a soldier for what we are worth and allow us to feed our families and buy a home that's worth more than 50k. Ill probably catch a bunch of @!$%# for this but when the local business would rather hire someone who doesnt have a combat MOS on an application I have to earn a living somehow.
I hear you, loud and clear bro!
And what I said about, "resilience, courage and integrity" double that for you riley!
Riley, I assume you were taught the same thing I was..the Mission comes first. If you truly can't be depended on by your fellow soldiers, er, mercs, or whatever, what business do you have riding shotgun in a hot zone?? If you have TBI or PTSD, and you reup to be in a potential gunfight, you do realize you may be a liability, right?? Is that really a choice to be respected by others??
Is it possible potential employers may question your judgement??
Riley, I hear you my brother! Having PTSD myself, I am sometimes scared that I'll do something that will effect someone in a negative way. I keep my illness hidden, and for the most part, it has worked for me. If I would have been straight forward about it, I may not have been as successful as I have been. Now that PTSD is more at the forefront than it was in the past, I may have made my illness known.
"Landed on the hardball". A hardball is what, a winch?
@Riley I just wanna say that I am sorry what happened to you happened. I am sorry that all our troops have to see the things they do see or go through what they go through.
Two years in Viet Nam left me with some "issues" that I just had to learn to live with, whether or not these "issues" had a fancy title. During WWII these problems were known as "shell shock", or "battle fatigue". I wondered when these problems would go away, and then one night I am watching some TV show about fighter pilots who escorted bombers to their targets over Germany. The man being interviewed was recalling a flight returning from a mission that was jumped by German fighters and before he could get his fighter configured for battle(guns turned on, props and RPM adjusted, etc.), a German plane shot down one of the B-17's that he was responsible for protecting. As he related the story about the 10 American who died in the B-17 he became emotional. Watching an 80 year old man cry about an event that happened over a half century made me realize that these issues don't go away, you just have to learn to live with them. Later in life I had a great sales trainer who taught me that "You can only think about one thing at a time", and so I began to practice that, and would think about good things instead of the dark things that kept me awake at 2 AM. Try it, it is a very powerful release, and remember, you are dealing with this because you willingly and freely joined the United States military which is the entitiy that has provided more freedom and hope to the world than anybody else in the history of mankind.
Problem is the career he chose. If at some later date some one accuses him of misuse of force or he has to shoot someone a lawyer could use his openess against him.
Even if he was in the right some shyster could probably twist it to make him look like a pshycho.
Never met a lawyer that did not deserve get shot just a little bit. But that is of course my opinion and I have earned it.
Wow, hard to believe these comments, with the exception of The younger-generation, came from the same article I read. Our vetrans have been tramatized. The solution is conseling and re-integration within our society. They don't just need society to give them an opportunity to return to being a productive member, that is where healing will take root. And yes, we owe them that and so much more. Allowing any trama victim to be or feel isolated is not productive, it is reckless. PTDS is not their fault, it is our responsibilty to help them work through it.
:)
I too deal with the effects of my wartime service on an everyday basis. People who haven't served have no clue as to what it's like. I asked a Nam vet about a year after I retired when the nightmares would go away. He smiled that knowing smile and told me they never would, you just learn to live with them. I thank God for the VA and the counseling I've received there, I don't feel alone or isolate myself any longer.
Circa 1990 I was refuelling a vehicle in eastern Oregon-disabled plates and such. Another gent saw the plates and enquired where I served in 'Nam'. I gave a bit of a sad smile and had to tell him I was 'Nam era.
He turned and walked away muttering; "You'd never understand". He's right. The sad smile was because I knew what he needed and I knew I couldn't help.
"The times they are a-changin'"-Bob Dylan.
Sidenote: It was three years ago I found out a cousin was a medic in 'Nam. Combat Medic, I think.
Service during the Korean "conflict" was no different, even if you never saw combat. The strong possibility of sudden death does something to the psyche that changes your outlook on life permanently. Most people never go through that experience and there is no way to describe it. Try to imagine living life with the idea of someone constantly following you with a .45 automatic pointed at your back and never knowing when its going to go off. Get the idea?
steelermomma o you guys have a TEAM NOW? LOL=LMFAO
how about some FEEDBACK on my comment(OPINION)?
Funny Robert...you forget we have 6 Super Bowl rings and we are going for #7 this year, thanks for your service.
Air Force Veteran
Remember I said.......it........the revenge of 1979....the Cowboys will meet the Steelers in the SuperBowl XLVI.....in 2013 and win....31-14.....compliments of Mr Warmth.
I wake up in the middle of the night, sometines in a cold sweat, sometimes screaming, sometimes shaking in fear, sometimes defiant and angry. Every day I relive my ordeal due to the relentless television accounts of the war dead, sometimes I cry, but I'm a nine year old child and it's 1966, nobody understands what PTSD is, so I suffer in silence...War has many victims.
I was in a VA for over six months in a pshyc ward for bi-polar, major depression, and PTSD. I believe the PTSD caused everything else. I lost my job, lost my place that I called home, and I lost my truck. I got out of the VA hospital with hardly no money. I have a really hard time living around other people and working around them. My doctor, who is fantastic, told me I could try but don't freak out if you can't work. I have not been able to hold a job now since '93. I have been married three times. I tried self-medicating but that only worked for short periods of time. I'm not unusual among Vets with the above mentioned problems. All I can really say is hang in there, keep taking your meds. I know it's lonely and it's hard to go shopping even for food. Hang in there, bro.
Thank all of you guys for your service.... You are what America is all about... Too bad it's not every citizen...
DON your very very welcome BRO
DON please remember to thank all the women(FEMALE vets too)again ty and your very welcome
My thanks and appreciation goes to all of the veterans and active service people, too. I hope that things get better for anyone who's having a tough time now due to serving in the military and I'm sorry that the sacrifice goes on long after you get home. Sincere best wishes to you all.
The main difference between you and the average military veteran is that many people who were in the military, make no mistake, were trained to kill...to tap into that killer instinct in a snap, even from a dead slumber, as it could mean the difference between life, death, victory, or defeat. Defending America is not so easy, you see. These men and women are molded into doing unspeakable horrors...and that kind of thing never completely leaves a person. However, these individuals are no more capable of violence than the person you consider to be the most stable person. Just like that stable person, it requires a catalyst...in fact it takes more for the military veteran to "snap" since they know what they are capable of; their catalyst is often an acute medical one that forces the individual into a fight or flight response....drugs and/or alcohol WILL NOT trigger PTSD.
I hear the frustration of a veteran who is sick and tired of a society that shows absolutely no respect for the freedoms he helped uphold...a society always looking for the easiest way out....that if he ever gets into legal trouble, they WILL NOT look for any hard science reason for his erratic behavior...no, he just has PTSD. I think the argument is that the same catalyst would drive you off the mental cliff too...but the difference is that people will try to cover your butt (must be nice)...on the other hand, they leave the veteran in the ditch.
Yeah, say it again. Thank me for my service. Yeah, whatever.
Editori
But you know what? We share some things that most never will: honor, loyalty, integrity, a sense a duty beyond ones own life, willingness to sacrifice ones self with out hesitation for a brother...and that most of all...knowing what it is to be a part of that Band because for us it never was a movie...it is our life. We may have our demons but we are truly the blessed......
amen brother, got some bad memory's, but a lot of good memory's and met a lot of great people. Went through 2 marriages but I feel better off then many people I see when I look around. I still sleep light and keep my eyes open for what ever comes. They live in a fog or take drugs and drink to forget. Do not feel sorry for us we do not need it or ask for it. I am a Vet and am proud of it, along with all of my brothers and sisters, living and dead. God bless them all, always.
A non vet will never know our pride
There it is Geno....god bless.
GENO: When people say things like: "you never know what you will do when..." I laugh at them. I know what I will do because I HAVE BEEN THERE. I have done it. 3 tours. When I came back I became an EMT, like many do, more service work, talk about adding to the PTSD. But I could handle the stress where others couldn't. So yes, I have demons, but I have pride and skills that one can only learn by being "there."
I know what I can handle, and what I can't. It isn't lip service. I am proud of all people who have been there and done that... whether they came home or went home. You are not alone.
You've past a bunch of hard test the rest of us might fail . . . it doesn't mean you've seen it all.
You may have been there, but you haven't been everywhere. You really don't know what you will do if you have two children but you can only save one. How do you decide, while your wife is still unconscious and there isn't much time to decide, whether to let them take both her legs or just one of her legs and hope she survives long enough to decide whether she wants to keep her one remaining leg. Do you let them take that one too. There's not much chance either way will save her life, but there is a chance. Or do you decide all by yourself to let them take both her legs and hope she lives. And if she lives, how will she forgive you for deciding which of her children you didn't let live. How do you forgive yourself?
Life can't train us for everything that happens to us. We can just hope it doesn't happen to anyone else.
Andy: You have very good points. Life can't train us for everything, and you can't be everywhere or know everything. But I know what I have seen and haven't seen. I know what I have survived. I know when it comes down to it, I have made those kinds of choices. Horrible choices I will never forget. And I know that unlike those with lip service I do not easily panic because of what I have done and seen.
Life has also trained me to have compassion. You are absolutely correct. I do not know HOW you feel, but I do feel with all my heart for those who are making those choices. And when choices like that come I know all I can do is what I can do. I have come to terms with that through those choices and what I have seen.
I truly do hope that it doesn't happen to anyone else. I always try to be there for those that are hurting. What I can't deal with is a poser who is talking smack and who hasn't made those choices except in a video game and thinks they know it all. It isn't a game.
I am in no way implying that you or anyone else here are the ones playing the games. It is people in the world who say flip things without knowing what they are saying. It just gets to me. Sorry if I have offended you.
Critical times hard to deal with, will be here.
They will learn war no more.
For two centuries I have kept our nation safe, purchasing freedom with my blood. To tyrants, I am the day of reckoning; to the oppressed, the hope for the future. Where the fighting is thick, there am I...I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
I was there from the beginning, meeting the enemy face to face, will to will. My bleeding feet stained the snow at Valley Forge; my frozen hands pulled Washington across the Deleware. At Yorktown, the sunlight glinted from the sword and I, begrimed...saw a nation born. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
Hardship...and glory I have known. At New Orleans I fought beyond the hostile hour, showed the fury of my long rifle...and came of age. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
Westward I pushed with the waggon trains...moved an empire across the plains...extended freedom's borders and tamed the wild frontier. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
I was with Scott and Vera Cruz...hunted the guerrilla in the mountain passes...and scaled the high plate. The fighting was done when I ended my march many miles from the old Alamo. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
From Bull Run to Appomattox, I fought and bled. Both Blue and Grey were my colors then. Two masters I served and united them strong...proved this nation could right a wrong...and long endure. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
I led the charge up San Juan Hill...scaled the walls of old Tientsin...and stalked the Moro in the steaming jungle still...always the vanguard. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
At Chateau-Thierry, first over the top, then I stood like a rock on the Marne. It was I who cracked the Hindenburg Line in the Argonne, I broke the Kaiser's spine...and didn't come home till it was over, over there. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
A generation older at Bataan, I briefly bowed, but then I vowed to return. Assaulted the African shore...learned my lesson the hard way in the desert sands...pressed my buttons into the beach an Anzio...and marched into Rome with determination and resolve. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
The English Channel, stout beach defenses and the hedgerows could not hold me...I broke out at Saint Lo, unbent the Bulge...vaulted the Rhine...and swarmed the Heartland. Hitler's dream and the Third Reich were dead. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
In the Pacific, from island to island...hit the beaches and chopped through swamp and jungle...I set the Rising Sun. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
In Korea, I gathered my strength around Pusan...swept across the frozen Han...outflanked the Reds at Inchon...and marched to the Yalu. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
In Vietnam, while others turned aside, I fought the longest fight. From the Central Highlands to the South China Sea I patrolled the jungle, the paddies and the sky in the bitter test that belongs to the Infantry. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
Around the world I stand...ever forward. Over Lebanon's sands, my rifle steady aimed...and calm returned. At Berlin's gates I scorned the wall of shame. I spanned the Caribbean in freedom's cause, answered humanity's call. I trod the streets of Santo Domingo to protect the innocent. In Grenada I jumped at Salinas and proclaimed freedom for all. My arms set a Panamanian dictator to flight and once more raised democracy's flag. In the Persian Gulf I drew the line in the sand, called the tyrant's bluff, and restored right and freedom in 100 hours. Duty called, I answered. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
My bayonet...on the wings of power...keeps the peace worldwide. And despots, falsely garbed in freedom's mantle, falter...hide. My ally in the paddies and forest...I teach, I aid, I lead. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
Where brave men fight...there I fight. In freedom's cause...I live...I die. From Concord Bridge to Heartbreak Ridge, from the Arctic, to the Mekong, to the Caribbean. Always ready...then, now, and forever. I am the Infantry! Follow Me!
I did not write it, but I lived it.
C Co. 2/16 inf, 1st. Id.
Blah Blah Blah......zzz
Thank You Monad, from some of the posts here, like Dave, you can tell the cowards and draft-dodgers who never served. I had to give up surgery after Nam, because it brought back too many bad memories, so I switched into pathology... but, the nightmares are always there, even after 50 years, but, like most of us from that forgotten war, I go on... with the help of my nurse, now my wife of 25 years.
For those of you out there who make fun of those with PTSD and put them down.... you are a waste of skin and only good as an organ donor (minus the brain - which is too small and underdeveloped to be of any value). And BTW, I know a lot of nurses from Nam who were so traumatized by that war that they can't function as nurses anymore..... so, for all you uneducated pukes who put down those who served because you were too afraid.... up yours!!! I know that isn't very fancy, coming from a doctor, but I made it simple for your simple mind.
Doc: Quite simply, thank you for your service to this country. I remember those years and people even saw it nightly on television. Nowadays people shut their eyes and they should be opening their ears.
Thank you Antgne.... this old guy appreciates it, very much. The number behind my name above was my age when I started posting here a couple years ago. I am semi-retired, still helping out at a medical school with the "youngsters"--- most of whom are a hell of a lot smarter than me... but the gray hair and wrinkles has them fooled..:) Thanks again, not only to you but every one else here who has thanked a vet.
I agree w/the Doctor 72!!! ANnnnnnnnnnnd DAVE just sign out if this isn't a topic that you can understand or relate to... our service people are in REAL need of help here just like the help they gave to our country!! To KhanKubla...I hear you and you sound exactly like my late husband...my friends used to say that I had my own personal body guard.....he was always on duty.....even after being out for ten years!!
My husband first tried the beer medication.....that didn't work..... and he wouldnt talk so I didn't know what was going on......by the time he would try the medication from docs...he was so far down that I think he just couldn't come back......he took his life in 2006.
Our son was seven years old .....it's still hard to explain things to him...but some of your post here explain it to a T.
Thanks to ALL of you that have served!!! Please get help now!!!!! Let them give you a hand....just as you gave your country a hand!!!!!!!!
Love to ALL.....
You got PTSD from Bosnia really.............. It is sad so many soliders are claiming this. They think it is the perfect excuse for beating their wife and kids. The others talk about it like this," Hey if you want more in disability claim PTSD I got an extra 40%." that is what really happens in the military. I spent some time investigating these so called Warrior Transition Units and what I found is over half are faking their injuries. This really screws over the people that are really injured. How they get less disability, less time with doctors. Let those that are actually hurt and can't function or have limited function receive their benefits. That is why after losing my leg I will never claim any any type of disability. There are people out there that served who are far worse off than me. I am not nor will I ever be looking for the Army's version of a welfare check. To the fakers I will say this to you stop crying over your so called PTSD that you got from skype your fat spouse who spent all your money when you were deployed and from eating chow 4 times a day living in a trailer with a bed and running water. Stop crying over your 1 herniated disk walking with a cane when there is a soldier who just put on his prostetics for the first time and he is walking without a cane. It is sad soliders walking with a cane getting a free paycheck for a year and permanent disability but when you see them at the mall or out on the lake they do not have their cane they are now doing backflips wakeboarding. But come monday they can't work for more than 4 hours a day because of their injuries.