Hey Tgt and Scott. Been thinking about what you guys said about vets.
I've been asking my Air Force brother about his service in Darmstadt in '64. And what he knew about my Vietnam vet brother since he died of cancer at the age of 42, and I never really got to know him. When he returned from the army he went back to driving a truck over the road. He was jumpy about sudden noise but he seemed to adjust pretty well. I remember one visit when we were racing AFX slot cars lol. He liked that tv show MASH. He always sent us photos. One day he was explaining a photo of a burning helicopter to me, how it ended up on the ground. I wish I could have talked more with him. He earned some medals. I remember pictures of him and his buddies-he had written "War Is Hell" on his helmut.
I think our family just has a trait of putting things behind and going on like many do. Not forgetting of course.
I wonder if these issues with vets didn't escalate with WW1. Maybe rising even in the Civil War era.
How do people deal with what they have seen in war.
And people who would cower and surrender in a heartbeat calling a vet a murderer.
I don't understand how we spend 134 BILLION dealing with illegal immigration, yet there is seemingly no program developed to absolutely make sure vets are given every chance to readjust from the minute they are discharged. Why not form "families" of vets in areas so they have support and encouragement from people who understand.
I've been meaning to write my senator and representative to explain why I will never vote for such a spineless party again. May as well ask them why the vets are being left behind.
My Friend,
A lot of Veterans do not want to talk about their service. Because it brings back what they have been trying to suppress.
Sometimes, it is beneficial for them to talk about it, but only with someone who can help them.
Not just some random fool wanting to hear, "Did you kill anyone?"
Some are sworn, by virtue of the sensitive nature of their service, to not talk about their service. EVER.
I fall in the latter category.
However, I began active duty soon after the Viet Nam War and served with many whom had been there.
I got a first hand look at how it affected them.
I was a mere 18 years old and found myself offering my time and youthful advice to them at all hours of the night or day.
I listened to their nightmares, understood, through in innate ability of compassion and offered support and Friendship.
That is all that most really want: Understanding, Friendship and support.....
Their stories, related to me for understanding, soon became images of my nightmares....
How does one help another when they themself need help?
Sleep, for many years after was not a friend of mine.
And, sometimes to this day......
I have myself, after discharge, struggled with alcohol and drug abuse.
I have found myself homeless, hungry and eating from dumpsters, struggled through life day by day and have numerous times considered suicide.
And attempted more than once.....
I believed that there was nothing left in my life.
Then, one day, a friend was despondent and called me. To say, "Goodbye."
I rushed to him, just in time to see him with a gun to his head. Crying.
Yes, he was a Vet.
I begged of him to talk to me.
I asked him, "Why?"
He said, "Why not?"
As he pulled the trigger.......
Fast forward a quarter century to about 9 years ago.
I enrolled in College and although it took me twice as long to achieve a Degree,
I earned a Degree in Psychology.
Paying my own way with Academic Scholarships awarded by virtue of my grades.
When I graduated, I owed not one cent for my Degree.
Yes, it was hard work, but, to me, I thought of my Vet Brothers and what they had been through, and I knew that I could be strong for them.
I have met several times with my Congressman concerning Veterans issues.
I am a Mentor to 3 Veterans in Veteran's Court and I KNOW that I'm making a difference in their lives.
I NEVER want to hear of or witness another Vet suicide again.
As a Vet, one IS a part of a Family.
To me, that Family is closer and stronger than my own family.
I hope I have explained a little bit that you can understand.
Be Well, my Friend.
Scott
