 Anyone who wears a uniform knows the importance of this mantra. The test extends beyond deployment and the battlefield; the real test is back home when a brother or sister is physically or mentally injured. The most hurtful thing that veterans talk about is the feeling of being abandoned when they were down. This is often laid squarely on the chain of command and the system, sometimes that is the case but more often what really hurts them is that those they served alongside and those they would have given their lives for, turn their backs on them. Maybe it is because their buddies are scared by words like PTSD or depression, too caught up in their own stuff, living the golden rule of suck it up, or afraid that an OSI might be contagious. The point is that injured members often feel alone in a supposed brotherhood. Where does our responsibility to each other end? Just leaving them to the system and washing our hands is not enough. Systems are systems, no matter where they exist – they are a lonely place. I remember being on my tech course with 12 other guys when my sister-in-law was killed in a terrible car accident. My request for a one day compassionate leave to attend the funeral with my wife was denied. I remember getting the looks from the other guys - everyone knows that look that makes you feel like an ant on the floor. One guy walked up to me, gave me a big bear hug and whispered: “I know it’s a tough for you, man.” That made all the difference because I was not alone or a weirdo because I was upset that someone close to me had died. That is the difference! It can be as easy as inviting someone for a coffee, giving them a shout after work, going for a run, to a game, a movie, a meal. If they do have to go to the medical system, offer to drive them, or go with them to talk to the supervisor. They may not say it but coming forward for help is often their toughest and loneliest day. If they mean something to you, don’t just leave them to the system. Are they worth the price of a coffee?
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I picked up your book and read it. "Going Crazy in the Green Machine" is a great piece of work. You should be proud of your efforts. Not often do I read something that is as compelling. You have agreat delivery and the back half regarding treatment/the system is straight forward. I think anyone who hasn't served or doesn't know someone personally battling an OSI will fully grasp what you are bringing to light. It is difficult in some spots to relate to Billy. This dude is a super lifer and in some regards a focal point to your directives. There seems to be a correlation to your personal investment in our military and guys with the fortitude of Billy [Billy Reardon]. Saying this, you are able to span the wide spectrum of personalities and the emotional charges are a definite catharsis. I learned that one thing I wasn't and am not is the typical military guy. I just came about it by happen chance. It has left a lasting effect on me. Through this book I was able to grasp this better. It is a challenging book for a fairly straightforward read. But a welcoming challenge. Thanks for your efforts dude. You really have ventured into unchartered territory with you dilligence and hard work with all of us. [Posted with Permission - Email message]: Jon Kelleher, Airborne, Ret'd. I want to put this out there for all my fiends to have a look at. I read it a few weeks ago and have since gave some close friends copies and recommended it to many more. I think anyone with PTSD, anyone married to a soldier with PTSD or taking care of people with PTSD and those just wanting a better understanding, this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. No techno talk, no medical lingo, just a story of a soldier named Billy Reardon who in the story served with 2 RCR. The second part of the book looks at the medical system within the military and VA and how to make improvements. Give it a read. (FB post by Derrick Nearing, Retired Medic, CAF).
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John J. WhelanJohn J. Whelan, Ph.D., is the author of Going Crazy in the Green Machine, available now on FriesenPress. Archives
January 2019
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