Tag: Army

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Stories From the Trenches of Life that will Shock you

+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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I am in the mold of seeing doctors a lot. Saw one today, and later today I have a CT scan done. Then it off to another doctor’s appointment on Monday and yet another one next Friday.

They all know me by my first name down at the clinic. LOL

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Today I am going to go back to telling you more about my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

I will remind you that the book is in five sections:

  1. Basic Training.
  2. Deployment to Korea.
  3. Ft Bragg.
  4. Interviews.
  5. Complete index

Each section will have some humor; some sadness, and deep some thoughts. Some of what I wrote was extremely difficult. Brought tears to my eyes as I typed sometimes.

________________________________________

Here is one of many endorsements. This one is from a CEO from a Nonprofit that I love called, Victory for Veterans:

Although ‘Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life’ wasn’t written for men only, it brings honesty and openness to veterans, military personnel and men in general about feeling ok to express fears and emotional challenges in a difficult world.  US Army Retired Veteran, Mr. Douglas Bolton brings his personal stories to life in a way we all can relate to and gives a big “you’re ok” for revealing our shortcoming and encourages us to open up and talk.  A must read for those seeking healing and forgiveness from ourselves and those wanting a fresh look on life. 

Steve Durgin, Founder & CEO with Victory For Veterans Foundation. 

Here is another one from a retired woman Colonel. She was a head flight nurse while enlisted. She is now the director of the NYC nurses.

Signs of Hope for the Military: in and Out of the Trenches of Life, is a must read book for any military, which are hurting from PTD, TBI, anxiety, depression, etc. It has extensive valuable and doable suggestions for successful cope mechanisms. I have also enjoyed Doug Bolton sharing his own stories about his time in the military. He shows that he has been there and done that. This makes him very qualified to offer his advice, guidance and support.  

I applaud Doug for his insight and wiliness to share. I know you will too.

Colonel Dona Marie Iversen

United States Air Force

NYC, New York

________________________________________

Now I will share a story from the actual book.:

I lost two great friends while deployed to South Korea. When I enlisted, I did it on the buddy plan. Two close friends and myself signed up the same day. We went to the same high school.

We went through basic training together. Many funny stories there. Then we went to Signal school at Ft. Gordon, Georgia. There we learned how to do Morse Code. We were placed in the Army Security Agency because of our good scores. All three of us. The ASA looks for security branches, like the CIA in public areas. Not as secret as the CIA, but we monitored the air waves for breaches in security. (I have another story where I had a Colonel busted for doing a breach.)

We we shipped out to Korea on the USS Mitchel. It was some rough times because of storms. One of my buddies lost 20 pounds just while we crossed the ocean.

Now for the sadness. Three of us we stationed at different places in Korea. Only two of came back home. One of my buddies caught some serious virus and died quickly. I was stunned for months after that happened.

Then I was stationed at Camp Red Cloud, near Uijeongbu. When we were stationed there in 1960 it was just a tiny village. Now is is a large city.

One night a close friend of mine got severely drunk coming home from the village. He was walking very erratically. He came by a rice field, and right by the road was a “Honey Bucket.” A honey bucket is a big hole in the ground that the farmers put human waste in of fertilizer for their rice. My friend fell into it and suffocated. Devastating news when he wasn’t there for our morning formation. The Captain had to tell us why.

__________________________________________

I have lost friends like many of you have. I know your pain.

After those two very sad stories, I need to see how you are doing. Have you lost a friend while in the Military? Has it stuck with you like it has for me? You are not alone! There are over 6.700 fellow veterans on this site that have you back.

It was pretty unbearable for me for a while. I battled big time depression, and had thoughts of ending my life. I was strong enough to overcome that, I am here writing to you to let you know I am here for you.

________________________________________

If it is just too overwhelming, GET HELP! Here is a toll free number to call 24/7. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you. They will never hang up until they know you are OK.

________________________________________

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

_________________________________________

+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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They all know me by my first name down at the clinic. LOL

________________________________________

Today I am going to go back to telling you more about my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

I will remind you that the book is in five sections:

  1. Basic Training.
  2. Deployment to Korea.
  3. Ft Bragg.
  4. Interviews.
  5. Complete index

Each section will have some humor; some sadness, and deep some thoughts. Some of what I wrote was extremely difficult. Brought tears to my eyes as I typed sometimes.

________________________________________

Here is one of many endorsements. This one is from a CEO from a Nonprofit that I love called, Victory for Veterans:

Although ‘Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life’ wasn’t written for men only, it brings honesty and openness to veterans, military personnel and men in general about feeling ok to express fears and emotional challenges in a difficult world.  US Army Retired Veteran, Mr. Douglas Bolton brings his personal stories to life in a way we all can relate to and gives a big “you’re ok” for revealing our shortcoming and encourages us to open up and talk.  A must read for those seeking healing and forgiveness from ourselves and those wanting a fresh look on life. 

Steve Durgin, Founder & CEO with Victory For Veterans Foundation. 

Here is another one from a retired woman Colonel. She was a head flight nurse while enlisted. She is now the director of the NYC nurses.

Signs of Hope for the Military: in and Out of the Trenches of Life, is a must read book for any military, which are hurting from PTD, TBI, anxiety, depression, etc. It has extensive valuable and doable suggestions for successful cope mechanisms. I have also enjoyed Doug Bolton sharing his own stories about his time in the military. He shows that he has been there and done that. This makes him very qualified to offer his advice, guidance and support.  

I applaud Doug for his insight and wiliness to share. I know you will too.

Colonel Dona Marie Iversen

United States Air Force

NYC, New York

________________________________________

Now I will share a story from the actual book.:

I lost two great friends while deployed to South Korea. When I enlisted, I did it on the buddy plan. Two close friends and myself signed up the same day. We went to the same high school.

We went through basic training together. Many funny stories there. Then we went to Signal school at Ft. Gordon, Georgia. There we learned how to do Morse Code. We were playced in the Army Security Agency because of our good scores. All three of us. The ASA us a security branch, like the CIA in public areas. Not as secret as the Cia, but we monitored the air waves for breaches in security. (I have another story where I had a Colonel busted for doing a breach.)

We we shipped out to Korea on the USS Mitchel. It was some rough times because of storms. One of my buddies lost 20 pounds just while we crossed the ocean.

Now for the sadness. Three of us we stationed at different places in Korea. Only two of came back home. One of my buddies caught some serious virus and died quickly. I was stunned for months after that happened.

Then I was stationed at Camp Red Cloud, near Uijeongbu. When we were stationed there in 1960 it was just a tiny village. Now is is a large city.

One night a close friend of mine got severely drunk coming home from the village. He was walking very erratically. He came by a rice field, and right by the road was a “Honey Bucket.” A honey bucket is a big hole in the ground that the farmers put human waste in of fertilizer for their rice. My friend fell into it and suffocated. Devastating news when he wasn’t there for our morning formation. The Captain had to tell us why.

__________________________________________

I have lost friends like many of you have. I know your pain.

After those two very sad stories, I need to see how you are doing. Have you lost a friend while in the Military? Has it stuck with you like it has for me? You are not alone! There are over 6.700 fellow veterans on this site that have you back.

It was pretty unbearable for me for a while. I battled big time depression, and had thoughts of ending my life. I was strong enough to overcome that, I am here writing to you to let you know I am here for you.

________________________________________

If it is just too overwhelming, GET HELP! Here is a toll free number to call 24/7. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you. They will never hang up until they know you are OK.

________________________________________

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

_________________________________________

+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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It is the National Suicide Month. Get Help if you Need it

I have been out because of computer problems. My last post was over ten days ago. Sorry that I wasn’t there for you during that time.

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If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

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I have told you this before, but I live near the dreaded city of Portland, Oregon. There have been over 90 straight days that rioting has taken place. Buildings are being burnt down, and many of them are owned by black people.

President Trump has again said he will send help if asked. The very weak mayor of Portland, isn’t interested. He actually admitted yesterday that the rioting must stop. He is saying that after 90+ days of terror??

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September is National Suicide Prevention month. This, of course, is dear to my heart. I have too many friends who have lost loved ones.

The suicides are extremely high in the military. Every day over 22 brothers and sisters take their own lives. That is very sad. They aren’t reaching out for help when they need it.

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We are celebrating 75 years since the end of the WWII war. There were many personale who lost their lives defending our country. Here are just a few numbers:

  1. Army- 11,727
  2. Navy- 6,266 (1,518 in one day at Pearl Harbor)
  3. Marines- 16, 025

This is just a parcial of the total. There were pilots, and other airforce groups who died.

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Here are some actual thoughts about the end of the war, of some who fought:

“I was quite happy when the war was over. I knew I would get home.”

John Stokes, Navy armed guard, SS Louis Weule, Manila, Philippines.

“I was on the scope of the deck, and we were about 200 yards off the Missouri. I watched MacArthur and all the Japanese sign the papers. I was so glad to see it was over.

W.Rex Kocher Navy fire control 2nd class, USS Wedderburn Tokyo Bay, escorting the USS Missouri.

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How are you doing my friend? Are you struggling? Have there been too many bad days?

You certainly are not alone. There are over 9,000 fellow brothers and sisters on this site who have your back. Don’t spend another minute suffering.

If it too overwhelming for you right now, GET HELP!! The majority of suicides in the military are because the person never even seeked help. Do not be one of the people. Below is a toll free number for you to call for help. There are highly trained counselors there to help you:

1-800-273-8255

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If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit for the site, please let them know about it. You may be saving a life. Your comments will not be seen by other people, just me, and I will connect with you to see if you are OK to share it.

________________________________________________________

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

Posted on

Should We Use the Military in the Riots?

It’s Monday, and most people don’t like Monday. I look at it from a different angle.

  1. I am retired.
  2. I have time to do whatever I want and when I want.
  3. I able to write to you in this site to share hope.

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I am so excited by all of the new subscribers we are getting.

We have been averaging over 25 new subscribers a day now. A month ago, we may have had that many in a week.

Why is this happening?

It is because so many veterans are trying to find hope. They are trying to keep up on the latest military news. They need to hear about anything military, and this site does that.

If you like what you are reading just go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will got directly to your inbox. Please tell others about this site as well.

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I saw that president Trump wants to send in regular Army troops to end all the rioting. The Secretary of Defense feels that is wrong. I tend to agree with him. Why should our brothers and sisters be put in harm’s way. It should be up to the mayors and governors to straighten this mess out.

Notice that where all the rioting is occurring are run by Democrats? Enough said.

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What should we do?

I would love for you to make some comments on this in the comment area at the bottom of this post. I will be excited to read them and respond.

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I am going to share another interview with you for my new book, Signs of Hope for the military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

This one may be a repeat as I have been sharing many interviews. I think that this interview is extremely important:

I was driving home and felt hungry. I saw a Carl’s Jr, (Hardy’s) and stopped. I got my order and was heading to my table. I walked by a Vietnam veteran. I knew he was a Vietnam veterans by the hat he was wearing.

He look in pain

As I watched him eat, he seemed to be in pain. He shifted many times trying to get comfortable. He finished his meal and was walking (struggling) to the garbage can. He had walk by me to get there, so I asked him if he wanted to sit down and talk.

He looked like he didn’t want to do that, but I told him I was a veterans like him. He decided to sit down.

He had much mental pain

He sat down and we chit chatted for a while. Then I started asked him some questions. I wondered what he did in Vietnam. He said he was on a ship off the coast of Vietnam. He want on to say That his ship was a helicopter ship. They were taking supplies to the troops; picking up wounded, and sending supplies to the villages that were starving.

We talk for a while long and then I asked him what was the worst moment for him in Vietnam.

He said that his best friend was a pilot of one of the helicopters. His friend was ready to take off with his co-pilot. They said it was a go, and the helicopter began to rise and head out. Immediately there was engine trouble the copter started wavering. Then it crashed into the ocean and sunk very fast. They never even tried to recover the bodies, because the water was too deep.

That was very devastating to him.

We talked a little more, and I asked him one more question:

Was there another time you felt upset and sad?

He said it was when his planed landed and the soldiers had to walk through the terminal. There were people on each side of the terminal cussing at them. They called them killers. They spit on them. He felt disgraced.

We finished talking and did a shoulder hug. He actually smiled as he walked out the door. I could see him hobbling along as he went to the near by hotel.

This tore me up badly. This man was a hero and people treated him like dirt. We owe the Vietnam veterans so much.

(I will be sharing much more about this veteran in my book. He shared with me why he was so hobbled and in pain.)

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How are YOU doing. Are you struggling like this Marine was? Do you feel rejected? Do you have war wounds? Are you battling PTSD, TBI, depression, Etc?

You are not alone. There are now 8,231 fellow veterans here with big shoulders. Many of them are Vietnam veterans like this Marine.

Never think that you shouldn’t seek help. I know, we as veterans always feel we don’t need help because we are tough guys. Forget that thought!

If you are hurting GET HELP!

Here is a place to get help 24/7. Just call 1-800-273-8255 (option # 1)

Don’t spend another day in your living hell.

_____________________________________________

Remember:

Your are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!