Basic Training in the Military Can be Very Tough and Yet Very Rewarding.

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Military news…

Russian strike on Ukraine’s Odesa badly damages landmark Orthodox cathedral; 1 dead, many wounded

Four children were among those wounded in the blasts, which severely damaged 25 landmarks across the city, including the historic Transfiguration Cathedral.

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WWII veteran and legendary singer Tony Bennett dies at 96
Before Tony Bennett had an impressive singing career, he served his country in WWII.

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North Korea fires 2 short-range ballistic missiles after US submarine arrives in South Korea

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, according to South Korea’s military, adding to a recent streak in weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending major naval assets to South Korea in a show of force.

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Moscow, Crimea hit by Ukrainian drones while Russian forces bombard Ukraine’s south

Russian authorities accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow early Monday that saw one of the aircraft fall near the Defense Ministry’s main headquarters, while the Russian military unleashed new strikes on port infrastructure in southern Ukraine.

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US Sending More Warships, Marines to Gulf to Counter Iran’s Efforts to Seize Commercial Ships

The U.S. is sending additional warships and thousands of Marines to the Middle East to increase security after attempts to seize commercial ships there.

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Many of us have stories about our drill sergeants in basic training. I am no different.

I enlisted in 1959, and was sent to Ft Ord California, which is now closed. I enlisted with two buddies and we were in Basic together.

My first adventure with my drill Sgt, Sgt MacDonald was in the first week. He came barking into our barracks yelling us to attention. He was looking possessed! He stop in front of every soldier and screamed. He tore beds apart. He called guys names.

After he left we all felt dumbfounded.

That was just the beginning. He marched us and marched us for hours. He sent many guys to KP, and clean-up duty.

My personal dealing with him was brutal at first. He ordered me out of the barracks one night, and told me to dig a hole. When I was done, he threw a cigarette in it and told me to cover it up. When I was finished he told me to dig it up again.

I never got angry our upset. I knew he was just training me to be tough.

He sent me to KP more times than I can remember.

Towards the end of basic. He let up a little. Then he even named me soldier of the month. Later he nominated me for the honor guard.

I finally asked him why he was treating me so good. He said, “You never once looked upset or angry. I like that in a good soldier.”

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I am in the process of interviewing a submariner. Not just any submariner, but a nuclear submariner. Incredible interview. This should be enough to buy my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the trenches of life.

I also talked to a Vietnam veteran who is deciding if he will allow me to interview him. He has an amazing story. (He had a bayonet go through both legs in an one on one fight.

Keep coming back to find what new interviews I may be having.

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Checking in on you. How are you doing? Is everything going OK, or are you fighting back memories?

FEAR NOT!

There are over 15,219 Veterans on this site who have your back.

If you are battling mentally, but you are losing, GET HELP!!

Here is a toll free number that you can call 24/7. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will not hang up until they know you are OK.
1-800-273-8255…texting 838255.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up.

+Now there is an easier way to get help. Just dial 988, and you will have help ready for you.

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A National Guard Soldier Became a Hero During the Riots

What a wild weekend with no end in sight. Protesters are causing much damage and injury. It is senseless, because it isn’t about the death of someone any more. It is just plain anarchy.

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A story I saw today on TV was that a SUV was racing towards a crowd of protesters. The National Guard tried to get him to stop. He kept coming. They tried other methods to try to stop him. He kept coming.

A hero is born.

A Lone National Guard soldier fired three shots at the vehicle, because the driver was also heading toward some police officers who were right behind him .

All three bullets hit the SUV. The driver panicked and drove away.

That National Guardsman, saved many lives with his courage. He didn’t want to kill. He just shot at the rig and not at the windows.

You probably won’t hear much about this in the Fake news, but he is my hero.

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I thought I would share another interview with you today. This one may make you cry, or be angry:

Sgt Michael Thorin, was in charge of a group of vehicles, which was to guard the carvens that move from place to place. Their job was to fight off any agressers when they attack.

On one of the days they were ride along with a convoy, when the rig right in front of Sgt Thorn caught on fire with two men in it. Sgt Thorin jumped out of his rig and raced to the scene. It was too late. There was a massive fire immediately. He had to watch while his buddies burned to death.

He is still dealing with that today.

There is a much longer story and interview about this hero in my up coming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In an Out of the Trenches of Life.

I have many such interviews. Many very sad. Some very funny. I will try to let you see them as time goes by.

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How are you doing?

Have you lost buddies in battles? Have you been injured?

It is hard at best to face life, when things happen you can’t control.

I want you to know right here and now that I am here for you. I have your six. Please use the comment section to let me know any problems you are battling. Your comments will not be published unless you agree to let that happen.

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*If you like what you are reading, subscribe to this site by clicking on the subscribe button at the top of this page. When you do, you will receive all future posts right in your inbox. Please let others know about this site. Especially if they are veterans.

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Remember:

You are not alone.

You are not forsaken.

You are not unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!

Battling PTSD Can cause Heartache for a Family

Thanks to all of you who have been joining us here. We help bring change to lives. The response has been wonderful.  We just past 3,994 new subscribers. That was a huge increase in 2016. We only had 1,000 two years ago. In 2017 help us to make it to 4,000.

We are only six away of reaching our goal.  We will be giving a prize to the person who is our 4,000th person to subscribe. Somebody will win in the next few hours. 

Help us make it to 4,000 by subscribing today if you haven’t already. This shows you care for veterans. Just click on the icon right after the title of this post to do that, and the posts will come straight to your inbox.                            ____________________________________________________________

Doug Bolton, the founder of the blog, Signs of Hope, which is at www.dailysignsofhope.com, has written a new book, “Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.” It reaches out the many military and veterans who may be battling anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, rejections, and the many other usual suspects. There are 22 military connected suicides every day. That is almost one every hour. Doug wants to help stop those statistics.  

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This is a new social network just for veterans. I joined it and made instant friendships with veterans who want to talk about what I want to talk about. Please check it out. You will be glad you did. 

https://www.rallypoint.com/join/spc-douglas-bolton

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We have just added a fantastic product for people who are suffering from PTSD. I have looked at the video myself. It is a little long, but it is very valuable. Go to   https://sites.google.com/site/v4vweaponspackage/  to see for yourself. It will change your life if you suffer from PTSD. 

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The 4th of July is passed, and life will settle back down for us veterans, but will it really?

Many veterans have struggles all year around. They battle PTSD, TBI, depression, homelessness, war wounds, etc.

There are many brother and sister veterans who don’t have the peace they need. They feel they don’t have the support they need. They would rather hide in their bed all day.

I feel for these heroes. They served their country and should be respected, and get the treatment they need.

If you know of someone who is suffering, reach out to them. Show them they matter. It could in your own family.

The hard part is that many veterans don’t want people to know they are hurting. They hide in their little world and try to go at it alone. Some many suicides happen because of this. There are 22 veteran suicides everyday. I didn’t say every week, or even every year. This is everyday.

How do you know if a veteran is hurting?

  • Have their feelings changed about the world since they left the military? Often this is a sign of an inner battle going on inside them.
  • Do they seem distant and do not want to talk about their experiences from the military? This is a sign of PTSD.
  • Do they get angry easily? Another sign of PTSD.
  • Do they refuse to  get help? They feel they are suppose to be tough guys, and not seek help.
  • Do they break down crying and they don’t know why? The memories come rising up in their brains like a huge tidal wave.
  • Are they abusive? Domestic violence has no place in the homes, but PTSD often causes it.

So what can we do about it?

  • Love them unconditionally. Not matter how hard it gets your consistent love will overcome them eventually.
  • Make them seek help. This is one huge step to their recovery. They will probably fight this, but you might have to let them know that it is a deal breaker if they don’t get help.
  • Try to make their environment stress free as possible. If it is near the 4th of July, go for a trip away for the fireworks for a couple of days. It will be a good bonding time, and the veteran will not be jittery from the noise.
  • Listen to them! If they want to talk that is a huge break through.

I fully understand that it is hard on the whole family. You are probably close to battling depression yourself. Stay strong, you may be the only hope for a struggling veteran.

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!