Tag: survive

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Too Many Hurting Veterans are Not Seeking Help

+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.

I am sitting on my patio in the backyard. It is 89 right now. I am in the shade, but still feeling hot. Can’t be in the house, because there is a cleaning lady working in there.

I have talked to you before about Portland, Oregon. It is in my home state. I am embarrassed of what is going on.

Yesterday a little old lady had paint thrown into her face and was harassed by a jerk that was three times her size. Such a sick person to pick on little old ladies.

More and more veterans are getting involved with the rioting. They are there to try to stop the rioting, not escalating them. They are in harm’s way again, in a different way. However, several “Anarchist,” got bloodied up, and went running.

The Oregon State Police are now trying to stop the rioting. It has been 70 straight days of rioting there. I am sure that by now the rioters don’t even know what they are rioting for. They just like to intimidate, and harass.

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I am connecting up with many veterans on Facebook lately. I get five or six new friends who are veterans each day. If you what like to hook up with me, just go to Facebook and put Doug Bolton in the search area. I would be honored to connect with you.

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In March of 2001, I was the end of my rope, I was hanging on for dear life. I was out of control and tired of being here on this hotel called earth. I was in my Ford Explorer, and crying my eyes out. I turned into a school parking away from everyone and contemplated ending my life. I told God, “I CAN’T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!”

Suddenly there was a calmness inside of the vehicle. I stopped crying and felt much better all of a sudden. It was if God was saying, “It’s about time you came back to me. Now let me lead you the rest of the way. “

That changed my life! I drove home and decided I needed to reach out to other people that were desperate like me and give them hope. My first book was published called, “Signs of Hope; Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” It later won a national award, from the Readers Favorite Awards.

How are you doing?

Are the days long and hard to handle? Are there times you feel you are not coping?

You have many fellow veterans here on this site. Some of them are going through what you are going through. They have your six, so reach out to them.

If it is too overbearing like it was for me, there is a toll free number to call 24/7. There are highly trained counselors there to help you.

1-800-273-8255

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Do not wait another minute! Call if you need help!

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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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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

Posted on

A Man is Shot by a Sniper and Survives

I have a full post today. It will be long, but I think you will find lots of interesting information.

+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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This story is about a soldier who was shot by a sniper. It is an amazing story of survival.

On January 18, 2008, a bullet pierced Russell “Russ” Kaufmann’s neck while he was on patrol in Iraq. It was the only place on this body not covered by a helmet or armor.

“I wasn’t scared. I was thinking, ‘This is it, I’m going to die.’”

While the bullet tore his flesh, it was the massive blood loss that did the most damage. It caused two strokes. Russ credits his survival to the excellent care he received in Germany and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He also credits his determination to live. But his life changed forever.

After multiple surgeries and strokes, he is a man unable to talk and has several physical limitations. Those limitations include aphasia, weakness on the right side of his body and difficulty with his vision. Aphasia is an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read and write.

Suddenly, Russ became a man who can see and understand the world, but no longer fully engage with it.

Finding alternative ways of communicating

Russ receives treatment at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Speech Language clinic in Tampa. Russ is working with a VHA speech language pathologist to restore as much speech and language as possible. He also is finding alternative ways to communicate.

“Oh… he’s amazing for sure. He has a memory like a steel trap. He also has knowledge for days and phenomenal mental flexibility and use of communication strategies,” said Karyn Pingel, his speech pathologist.

“If I don’t understand what he’s trying to convey, he immediately uses his smart phone to communicate through pictures or draws his own picture,” Pingel said. “Russ will also gesture or pantomime to get his message across. I have been blessed with his presence in Tampa. I love every opportunity to work with him.” Learning and using different nonverbal ways to communicate has enabled Russ to continue his path to recovery. He now lives independently and volunteers

What an amazing hero!

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White House, VA launch REACH — a call to action to engage the nation in preventing suicide

WASHINGTON – The White House and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today launched the REACH national public health campaign aimed at empowering all Americans to play a critical role in preventing suicide. 

The goal of REACH, which was established by the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS), is to change the conversation around suicide by urging people to recognize their own risk and protective factors — as well as the risk and protective factors of their loved ones. 

“REACH will empower our nation’s Veterans to seek and receive help and it will encourage them to reach out to their brothers and sisters in need who may be vulnerable,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “The power of this campaign will change how we talk about mental health and suicide in our nation. It will ensure that those in need, especially the men and women who have served our great nation, will receive the care and support they deserve.” 

“The REACH campaign will inspire and educate all Americans — encouraging them to share their own struggles and to reach out to those who are hurting. It will engage our Veterans to help lead the way as we change how we think about, talk about and address suicide,” said PREVENTS Executive Director Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen. “I urge everyone to go to wearewithinreach.net and take the PREVENTS Pledge to REACH and be part of the solution. Together, we will prevent suicide.” 

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I am now switching gears to share some endorsements for my new upcoming book called, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

These aren’t friends or family endorsements. These are from powerful military leaders who have looked at the book:

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, and military personnel 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 shortcomings 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. 

Huntington, Beach California

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Most of us are fortunate not to have experienced the stress of combat.  Words cannot adequately define the grinding daily pressure of knowing that every time you step outside the gate the enemy will try to kill you and your buddies.  You are constantly alert, on point; but how can you protect your team from the instantaneous blast of the IED?  You are part of a highly-trained team poised to execute, but what has prepared you for the mental toll of being on edge every moment.  The skills that helped you survive….have taken a toll and are now working against you when you return home.  What do you do now; where do you turn?  Whether you are dealing with PTSD, TBI, depression, homelessness, or recovering from wounds; Doug Bolton has answers…..this book has answers!

Jim Jaeger

Brigadier General, USAF, ret

San Antonio, TX

Member of the Board, Victory for Veterans

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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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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!

Posted on

Face The Storms of your Life, and Survive

It has been an amazing ride for the month of June. I was excited to tell you on June 1st that we had just passed 8,000. It took over three years to do that. Then I stepped up my posting, and you all responded, Since June 1st, we have had 273 new subscribers. It took me months to get that many before. THANK YOU!!

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I read that some knuckle heads have torn down the statue of George Washington in Portland, Oregon. I am ashamed to say that Portland is less than 50 miles from here. Too close to home. The rioters twisted minds claim that Washington was a racist and therefore he has to go.

There are statues being torn down all over our country. Nancy Pelosi has ordered all past speaker of the house politicians who she claims are racist to be taken down. She has become one of the rioters.

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When I was in basic training I had a lot of growing up to do. I was a shy, quiet, kid from Oregon, who was lost when basic started. I wanted to hide in the barracks. Of course, the drill sergeant would not allow you to do that. Sgt McDonald was a tough guy on the outside. (I will explain what I mean by that shortly. )

He had me digging ditches and throwing a cigarette butt in and then cover it up. Then he would have me dig it up again. I quickly learned to be though and not let him shake me. He kept sending me in place of other recruits to KP, so they could get more training.

Then something happened. He told me he had nominated me for soldier of the month. I was very honored and went to meet all the brass at headquarters. He also named me to be on the honor guard that was marching in a up coming parade soon. I was again honored. I saw him walking alone one day and I stopped him to ask. “Why have you suddenly been so nice to me?” He bark back. “You have become a soldier!” You never questioned my commands and took orders quite well. To me that should be rewarded. “

I had become a man, and went on to be one of the top recruits at basic that year.

I am not telling you this to be bragging. I am telling you this to help you realize that you don’t have to be mad and upset when things do not go your way. Ride the waves, and learn.

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President Trump is being attacked from all sides. The fake media, democrats, rioters, and many others. I have never seen anything like this. He is one of the strongest presidents of all time. No other president has had to go through all this crap. I admire him more each day as he faces the storms, and keeps on going.

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How are you doing?

Do your days seem too long. Are the winds of fear blowing in your face? Do you have a hard time getting up and taking on the world?

You are not alone!!

There are 8,273 fellow veterans, and family members here. They have your six. They wil be a pillar of strength for you 24/7.

If it is just too hard to handle, please GET HELP!

Here is a toll free number you can call 24/7. There are highly trained people there to help you:

1-800-273-8255 Do not delay. it could be your life line.

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If you feel you would benefit from this site please subscribe. At the top of this page there is a spot that says, “subscribe.” Click on that and sign up. When you do, all future posts will come directly to your in box. Also, If you know some one else who could benefit from this site please let them know about it.

______________________________________________________

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!