On Tuesday I wrote about one of my adventures while in the military. I will do that from time to time, but this site is for you. Today I will speak directly to you.
I assume many of you were deployed during your time in the military I was sent to South Korea. I had many adventures there which I will be sharing from time to time.
I came back a different person, like many of you, I am sure did too. I lost a buddy, and saw some things that will be hard to share. However, I will wait until later on.
Some of you may be battling PTSD, TMI, Depression, or war wounds. I feel your pain.
I would love it if you would share your story in the comment section. You do not need to share your name. Tell us your story so we can understand you more.
I have done many interviews of veterans for my book. I will share one of them with you knowing that there are many others that will be in the book.
A Sniper
I interview a veteran from Texas. I got to know him through RallyPoint. This is a social network for only veterans. I highly recommend it. You will find many fellow veterans who are the same boat with you.
The veteran from Texas was a sniper in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Here is the exchange:
I was honored to be able interview a veteran who was an Afghanistan/Iraq veteran.
Here is the rough draft for the book:
SOH
What did you do while you were in the Army?
William I was a sniper.
SOH
You are in El Paso. It can be very cold there.
William
Yes it can.
SOH
So, do you have family?
William
I am divorced, but I have three children.
SOH
When did you go into the service?
William
Right out of High school. I was seventeen.
SOH
You mentioned that you had a couple of buddies that were killed?
William
Actually, twelve of my buddies were killed.
SOH
How were you able to handle that?
William
You don’t allow yourself to think about it
SOH
Were you very close to any of them?
William
I was close to all of them.
SOH
I had close friends in Korea as well.
SOH
Why did you enlist in the first place?
William
It is a family tradition. My Brothers and my grandfather enlisted. I was honored to serve my country.
SOH
Interesting, I also had a family tradition. My three uncles served in WWII. My brother and I Served, and my son just retired as a Colonel from the Army.
SOH
If you could would you go back in again?
William
Oh ya!! I wouldn’t change anything. 22 years
SOH
If there was one thing you could change about the Army, what would that be?
William
I would spend more time with family. My job came first back then.
SOH
What would be your advice to soldiers who are struggling?
William
Don’t give up. If you are deployed, or getting ready to be deployed you don’t think about it.
SOH
Do you have PTSD?
William
Yes, and because of this I recommend that it be mandatory to get counseling when you are discharged from the military.
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This is an on going interview. I want to get back to him and ask more specifc questions about being a sniper.
What does it feel like to kill someone?
What did you think of when you have an enemy in the cross hairs?
Did you ever regret shooting someone?
There will be many other questions. Stay tuned as I get more information.
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If you are struggling get help. It is not something to be ashamed of if you need help. Got to get the tough military guy/girl out of your head and find help.
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Remember:
You are never alone.
You are never forsaken.
You are never unloved.
And…never, ever, give up!