Tag: sexual assault

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War Isn’t the Biggest Battle a Soldier Has, It is PTSD

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Military news…

Why the US can’t afford to abandon Ukraine

No army, not even one as tenacious and courageous as Ukraine’s, can overcome such a numerical overmatch. And if Ukraine loses, what then?

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Watch these soldiers regret absolutely everything during gas chamber training

The Army: putting the ‘suck’ in embrace the suck since 1775.

(Remember it well)

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The real-life Maverick who took on 7 Soviet jets in a classified Korean War dogfight

The existence of the improbable dogfight remained under wraps for decades, yet the details of what happened are the stuff of legends.

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Moving Again. And Again. My Experience as a Military Spouse.

Recruiters and their families are embedded in every single sleepy little civilian town, and that is where we found ourselves next, miles from any base reminiscent of our military community. It felt so refreshing.

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Army Drops Requirement for High School Diploma Amid Recruiting Crisis

The Army is tossing its mandate for potential recruits to have a high school diploma or GED certificate to enlist in the service, in one of the most dramatic moves yet in the escalating recruiting crisis hitting the entire Defense Department.

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Battle Over A-10: Lawmakers Seek to Break Perennial Deadlock on Retiring Aging Warplanes

The carveout would still need to be endorsed by the Senate and included in a compromise defense bill for President Joe Biden to sign.

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The Army’s top enlisted leader went to Reddit for soldiers’ ideas on fixing the service’s biggest problems

The Sergeant Major of the Army turned to Reddit to ask soldiers for their help fixing issues with Army culture. One suggestion: “Cut back on the bullshit.”

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I thought I might share another excerpt from my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life. This is the actual foreword done by Colonel Mikel Burroughs retired.

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Foreword

By Colonel Mikel J. Burroughs, Retired

I’m very honored that the Author of this book, Douglas Bolton, even approached me to write a Foreword about his amazing work with veterans; the countless interviews hehad with some of our finest veterans, and his unique writing ability. 

In order for me to me foreward on this mission there must be a good understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or (PTSD).  I’m not the expert, so I want to share with you some of the signs and symptoms of PTSD as presented by Catherine Roberts in her article the “The Signs and Symptoms of PSTD” published on ActiveBeat, March 18, 2014.  ActiveBeat provides Trending Health News and other articles about health.

Accordingly, PTSD is a mental condition resulting from a series of emotional and/or physical reactions that service members have witnesses or experienced.  PTSD is not only found in veterans or service members, but it affects many individuals not associated with the military all over the world.  This can include car accidents, physical or sexual assault, long term abuse, torture, a horrific national disaster, death of a love one, and yes the sustained operations of being in a war zone.

To better understand PTSD I’ll list some of the most common signs and symptoms that are the foundation of the author’s logical presentation for the reader most commonly associated with veterans.

Physical Pain.  PTSD often begins with a series of physical ailments, such as migraine headaches, fatigue, chest pains, difficulty with breathing, dizziness, and stomach issues to name a few.

Nightmares & Flashbacks.  It is very common for individuals suffering from PTSD to suffer flashbacks from war events and to have nightmares as they re-experience the affects of war.  These are repetitive in nature, which lead to sleep deprivation.

Depression or Anxiety.  These symptoms described above can lead to irrational and persistent fear or avoidance of certain objects or public situations, thus leaving the individual paranoid and in a state of depression.

Withdrawal.  Many of our returning veterans or those that have been assaulted that once had social interests, were outgoing, and involved in many activities suddenly lose all interest in their favorite hobbies and their friends, to include family members once they return from combat or after facing a very situation while serving on active duty.  This can also lead to drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or seeking to perform dangerous events or activities.

Avoidance.  There is an avoidance of physical or mental activities that remind them of the past traumatic events, like being around those of the opposite sex or same sex if a violent sexual assault has occurred causing their PTSD, driving on very busy roads that remind them of convoy operations, attending fire works displays, or being crowed downtown areas that remind them of traumatic encounters during urban warfare.

Repression.  Destroying memorabilia of their war time or military experience to intentionally block out the memories or immersing themselves into a project or work to distract the bad memories are signs of repression.

Emotional Numbing.  There is an attempt to numb their feelings.  This will lead to total avoidance and withdrawal from society.  Total isolation from all social circles and activities.

Hyper-arousal.  Many veterans or assault victims suffering with PTSD from Mental Sexual Trauma (MST) can suffer from jitters that won’t allow them to relax due to the fear of potential threats.  Always on edge and jumpy or easily frightened.

Irritability.  With a constant state of fear caused by PTSD this can lead to indecisiveness, lack of concentration, sleepless nights, agitated constantly making it very difficult to maintain personal relationships with friends or family members.

Guilt and Shame.  Many veterans and service members find it very hard to get past all of the negative experiences and find it hard to move forward with normal and healthy life.  They end up blaming themselves and thus resulting in the increased veteran and service member suicides that we have experienced after 15 years of prolonged deployments and combat operations during Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).  This doesn’t preclude that served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and many other operations that service members have been involved in throughout out military history.

There are no definite tests for PTSD.  Most physicians will have to take potential patients through mental and physical health exams.  PTSD Symptoms are usually present for more than 30 days.

This book provides a valuable window on information and looks into the life of real veterans through their experiences from the civilian world into the community of military culture, life, unique training experiences, and the ultimate test through combat (the good, the bad, and the ugly).

The challenges experienced by the veterans in Doug’s Interviews,are both difficult and interesting.  Doug covers their thoughts, feelings, and emotional baggage with enthusiasm, tenacity, and dedication to develop a better understanding of what America’s warriors (both male and female) are experiencing and working through in their day-to-day lives.  In this new age of global conflicts and possible future wars Doug provides state-of-the art knowledge on the frontiers and affects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  This book is a great look inside the individual aspects of those suffering or dealing with aftermath of war or service in today’s military service.  It is a great step in that direction.

Colonel Mikel Burroughs

Retired

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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.

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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.

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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 from this site, please let them know.

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There is More Concern Than the War in Ukraine. There is Iran, North Korea, China.

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My apologies for missing my Wednesday Post. I was in the hospital for blood in my stools. They found the cause and I am fine again.

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Military news…

Russia is hammering Ukraine with up to 60,000 artillery shells and rockets every day

“Instead of a concrete target, the strikes target an entire neighborhood.”

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Army Secretary on Combating Military Sexual Assault: “Every Leader at Every Level Is Focused on This”

A new study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found “reports of sexual harassment and assault in the Army continue to rise.” Soldiers reported about 1,000 sexual harassment incidents and 2,500 assaults in fiscal year 2020, according to the report.

Another Navy ship sent to Mediterranean to boost NATO in challenging Russia
USS Forrest Sherman left its homeport in Norfolk, Va., on Saturday to serve as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, the Navy said in a statement.

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Russian fuel and supply challenges in Ukraine cause Pentagon to consider at-sea delivery needs in potential US conflict with China

The Defense Department has taken Russia’s failures to keep its forces properly supplied as a reminder of the consequential nature of proper logistics, especially if conflict erupts between the U.S. and China in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Suspected rocket fire Sunday from North Korea, South’s military says

The suspected North Korean rocket artillery fire was detected between 8:07 a.m. and 11:03 a.m., Sunday, according to a message from the Joint.

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The battle of Donbas could prove decisive in Ukraine war

If Russia prevails in the battle of Donbas, it will mean that Ukraine loses not only land but perhaps the bulk of its most capable military forces, opening the way for Moscow to grab more territory and dictate its terms to Kyiv.

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South Korea says North completed prep for new nuclear test

South Korea’s top diplomat said Monday that North Korea has completed preparations for a new nuclear test and that only a political decision by the country’s top leadership can prevent it from going forward.

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It seems to me that things are getting pretty serious in other countries other than Ukraine. Iran is closing down all the tracking devices that they allowed the U.S. to install to follow their nuclear testing. They defy Biden, and thinks he is weak.

In North Korea, there are many ballistic missile testing going on, and they just completed a site to test nuclear testing.

China is pushing the limit on several fronts. Flying in spaces that are prohibited. Challenging the U.S. for defending Taiwan. Teaming up with Russia.

In my opinion all this is happening because we have a weak president. He doesn’t seem to want to do anything about all of this mess.

I pray for the president to wake up every day.

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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 15,177 Veterans on this site who have your back.

Here is what I am asking you to do…please share this site with as many other veterans as you can. It has helped so many.

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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!

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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 from this site, please let them know.

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Take This Job and Love it! Some of the Duties in the Military Weren’t Fun.

+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 from this site, please let them know.

________________________________________________________________

Military news…

Guard, Reserve Would Get 20 More C-130J Transport Aircraft Under Budget Deal

The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard are slated to get funding for 20 more C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to replace aging airframes, according to the proposed budget bill that would fund the U.S. government for the rest of the fiscal year.

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After More Than Two Weeks of War, The Russian Military Grinds Forward at a Heavy Cost

Two weeks after Russian forces moved into Ukraine, there’s growing evidence that the invasion has not gone to plan—and that Russia’s military may be struggling to deploy a force capable of quickly defeating a numerically and technologically inferior adversary.

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‘We are disposable’ — Sexual assault survivor blasts Air Force after convicted offender allowed to retire


“You just showed every predator in the DoD that it is honorable to sexually harass and assault Airmen.”

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Why the skies over Ukraine have proven so deadly for Russian pilots

“The VKS is simply never meant to fight the way Western air forces do.”

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The Pentagon is saying diddly squat about what thousands of extra US troops are doing in Europe


“It’s kind of stupid that we can’t just be honest about what we’re doing.”

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Alwyn Cashe, Audie Murphy, Mary Walker among choices to replace bases named after Confederates


The list includes the names of 87 Americans who served bravely and honorably.

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Here is another chapter from my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the military: In and Out of the trenches of Life.

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Take This Job and Love It

I went out to get the mail today and the mailman was still there sorting out his mail for the next stop. I asked him, “How are you doing?”

“I’m doing fine, but all this work I have to do now is wearing me down.”

My immediate response was that he should be glad he had a job no matter how tiresome it is. He wasn’t too excited that I said that, so I exited left and went back into the house.

I’m sure there are many people today who would love to have a job of any kind. When I was growing up, I had to make money to help support my mother, my brother, and myself. All three of us had to do some kind of job to make ends meet since my mom was divorced and was a single parent.

That was in the 1940s by the way. Times were tough at best, and we each found work to help out. They weren’t glamorous jobs in the least, but with each of us contributing, we were able to survive through the tough years. 

When you leave the military, times may be tough for a while as well. It is a shock to have a pretty good job for three years or more and then walk out into the private sector.

There are many resources in the back of this book to help you find work. It will also give you information on how to find babysitters and other practical help.

Don’t give up if there isn’t an instant job waiting for you when you separate from the military. Job hunting takes time. Job hunting is not on my list of fun things to do, and I am sure it isn’t for you either.

One thing you may have to agree to do is to accept just about any job you can at first. There are many low-level jobs that can lead to much better jobs in the same company if you stay with them and prove you are capable of much more. Yes, having to wear a nametag and taking hamburger orders may be a little degrading for a short time, but it is putting food on the table.

With the minimum wage increasing on a regular basis, a person can now almost make it on a fast-food type job.

You’re probably saying to yourself, Are you kidding me? I will not stoop so low as to take hamburger orders!”

I hear you loud and clear, but there are times when we just need to fight through the storms of life and take on things you may not want to take on. One is working wherever you can to support yourself and your family.

When I got out of the military I was very nervous. I had a family. (My first son was born four months after I got out.) I realized I had to support my family. I was still only about 22 years old, and this was the first time I knew I had to produce quickly on this planet called earth. I was going to college at the time and playing football for George Fox College. We were allowed to live on campus in some apartments. There was tuition to pay and food to put on the table. I knew I had to find a job fast.

The job I found was on a railroad “chain” gang. I call it a chain gang, because I was treated pretty roughly.

When I went to the administration office to ask about job openings, they said they only knew of one, but nobody wanted it. It was a job working on the railroad crew at the local pulp and paper company. I didn’t know why nobody wanted the job, but I grabbed it anyway. I started to work the next Monday.

When I got there, I was told to go out to the railroad tracks and the crew boss would be there. I went there and saw about six guys working on the tracks. It looked interesting since they were replacing old rails with new ones.

I walked up to who I thought was the boss and introduced myself. He said, “Boy, I’m glad to see you. My men have had to do some tough work because there weren’t enough men.”

The shift boss was a person who didn’t like the college kids coming in and taking jobs away from others, so he let us know about it by pouring on the hard labor.

He told me to get a sledgehammer. I had no idea what he meant, but one of the guys quickly pointed it out to me. It looked very heavy and I was right. It took some effort to even pick it up.

This type of sledgehammer was made specifically for driving rail spikes. They often weigh 20 pounds and have curved heads with the peak only being about one inch across. The length of the handle can vary and be more than three feet long. The target sweet spot was not much bigger than a dime. So you had to be accurate or you would be hitting the rails themselves, which damages them.

I slowly got the hang of it and was driving spikes into the ground. On my first break. I took my gloves off and saw the blisters starting to form. One of the crewmen saw the blisters and said, “Welcome to the chain gang.” I asked him what that meant. He told me that prisoners, who were chained together, had to do the same job at many of the prisons around the country. That didn’t make me feel any better.

So I went to work every day and was a grunt along with another college student. We did all the dirty work because the rest of the crew were full-time workers who had been there for years. We were the ones who had to pound the spikes in the track. We were the ones who had to carry replacement rails to the right spot.

The other guy quit after a couple of weeks, but I was determined to slug it out with the chain boss and not let him force me to quit as well. He kept piling heavy work on me. I went home with bloody blisters on my hands even though I wore gloves. I made it through that summer with a smile and messed-up hands, but I didn’t allow anyone to take that job away from me, because of the need to provide for my family.

Later the boss ended up liking me for my toughness. He even started giving me some not-so-tough jobs and asked me to come back the next summer. I didn’t make it because I had a car accident and couldn’t drive to school. I had to drop out.

If you are already out in the private sector, find yourself a job that will provide for your family and love that job. It isn’t your lifelong job, but it is a job.

If you’re still in the military, start taking any and all classes you can at night through the online colleges. The more education you have when you get out, the better job you will get. Your training in the military should help you a great deal as well.

Stay strong and know that you will find work. You will provide for yourself and your family. It just takes time and perseverance.

IWILL

I can tell you many stories where I was tested, like during basic training, where I had to dig a hole and bury a cigarette butt, only to have the sergeant yell at me to dig it up again. He did this three times. I did it all three times without a complaint. (I didn’t even smoke!)

After I was done the sergeant told me, “Good job, soldier!” It was just a test. He later recommended me for soldier of the month and placed me on the honors marching team for Ft. Ord. All because I stood my ground and wouldn’t let him break me down.

One of the worst things we can do as new people in the private sector is to get angry and depressed because we don’t find that dream job right away. Search the appendix in the back of this book. Many sites have job opportunities, schooling, and training.

You also need to remember that God has plans for you that are higher than you ever dreamed you could achieve. Just stay with Him and let Him guide you down the right path.

Think about this

Isn’t it funny we often find that perfect job the day after we were about to give up?

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There will be more excerpts in the future, so keep coming back. Better yet…go to the top of this page and click on subscribe. When you do all future posts will go directly to your inbox.

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Checking in on you. How are you doing? Did you have problems with some of the duties forced on you in the military?

FEAR NOT!

There are over 14,140 veterans on this site who have your back.

Here is what I am asking you to do…please share this site with as many other veterans as you can. It has helped so many.

______________________________________________________________

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 no hang up until they know you are OK.

1-800-273-8255…texting 838255

______________________________________________________________

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 from this site, please let them know.