gHOstGuardAl
After combat, I returned from Iraq disabled. My unit refused to acknowledge what happened, and subsequently "accidentally" sent my records back to Iraq. Due to illness, including PTSD, I was placed in a limbo. Not active, but still bound by military law. My ID card was taken, as were base stickers. I was told I was not allowed at my unit or even on base. I found the VA on my own. All because I asked the chaplain for counseling. Now I've developed epilepsy. All I wanted was help.
Washington, United States
Combat disabled
Male
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Thank you for your son, and thank your son for me. I was only there once, in 2003. An experience I wish I could take back. Now, long since home, life is still a daily struggle with the guilt for what really happened, versus what we were told was going on. But through all the denial, sometimes shady VA healthcare, and the lack of available mental health in emergency situations, I'm still alive. But now, I'm mad. We're still sending troops, only the lies have changed.
This has had really nothing to do with what you commented on, but I meant to bring up the importance of family support. Had I come home with no one waiting for me, or to help me try and move back into society, I wouldn't have made it. Thank you to all you families and friends. And please remember to be patient with us - they can bring ALL the troops back home and declare the war finished, but in the words of a Viet Nam Veteran I met along the way, "Our war will never really end". Thanks for listening.
Posted 16 Nov 08 in Body Of War
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