TheBanyanTree: Veterans

[Dale Parish]

Thanks, Russ.

Dale
--
Dale M. Parish
628 Parish RD
Orange TX 77632-0264
409-790-2352


> On Aug 21, 2018, at 21:07, Russ Doden <russ.doden at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> It has been a long time since I posted anything here in the Tree.  I don’t
> know if this should be classified as a “PSA”, just an opinion or what.  Be
> that as it may, here goes.  It’s long so feel free to just delete and go
> about your life.
> 
> 
> 
> If you are a Veteran, are involved with a Veteran, have a Veteran in your
> family, or are just friends with a Veteran, regardless of the era, branch
> or any of that, cutting them a little slack now and then can go a long
> way.  It doesn’t matter if they were overseas or never left CONUS
> (Continental United States). It doesn’t make any difference how far behind
> the lines, offshore, or if they were on the front.  They (we) were all were
> exposed to things that we may have brushed off at the time.  Many of these
> events were laughed about at the time, or were just considered “normal
> everyday life”.  This can range from dealing with high explosives, napalm,
> Agent Orange, spilled and ignited jet fuel, “loose” ordnance that can go
> off at any time, and the list goes on.
> 
> 
> 
> Many times, regardless of how well “adjusted” they may be 99.9% of the time
> now, there may be times when something triggers a response that seems  . .
> .  unusual, or out of character.  The trigger can be something as simple as
> seeing a picture, or reading an article.  The trigger and reaction can be
> something that anyone who has never served may never get.
> 
> 
> 
> There are many well documented cases of PTSD, but I’m willing to bet that
> there are many many more cases where something hits the Veteran out of the
> blue and catches them totally unprepared.  It can trigger many different
> responses too.  These can range from memories coming up that he or she may
> have thought were gone; feelings of “Survivors Guilt”; anger; resentment
> toward those who seem irresponsible or seemingly slovenly; and many more.
> Some Veterans were drafted, some enlisted because of the draft and some
> enlisted because they felt it was a duty.  We all had our reasons.  We all
> had our lives changed, and not always for the better.  Some were 2 years
> active duty and others made a career of the military and everything in
> between.  We were and are all Brothers and Sisters in arms though.
> 
> 
> 
> Many of us know friends that never came back; or that came back physically
> but not fully back mentally; or that came back physically “altered”; or
> that we thought were just fine, then they suddenly “for no reason” turned
> to drugs, alcohol, or just decided to end it all.  There is no logic or
> rhyme or reason why they take the option they do.  The Veteran who hears
> about it, often understands but can’t put it in words.  Sometimes it just
> triggers emotions long buried, or even emotions that they may have thought
> were long since left behind.
> 
> 
> 
> So, to my Brothers and Sisters who are fellow Veterans, there are many
> around you, often ones you don’t even know are there, that have your back,
> that will help get you back to safety, or simply sit with you if that is
> all that is needed.  You are never alone.
> 
> -- 
> Enjoy Life By Living In Joy
> 
> Well Being Consultant
> www.rldwbc.com