Sunday, April 16, 2017

Heartfelt Veteran Stories College Station TX Soldiers Tell

By Carolyn Barnes


There were many World War II veterans who never spoke about the experiences they had in Europe and the Pacific. It is really just recently that journalists have become interested in what happened to them and want to record it for future generations. The soldiers who spent time in Iraq and Afghanistan seem to be more open and willing to share their experiences, feelings, and frustrations. They have veteran stories College Station TX civilians should hear.

One such story involves a marine who returned from duty only to find his face paralyzed on one side. He contacted the VA hospital and made an appointment, but his symptoms got worse, and he ended up in the local emergency room. He was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, but something didn't seem right. In addition to his physical problems, he has continuing issues with the government paying to his medical bills.

A veteran of the Iraq War tells a familiar tale of drug and alcohol abuse that started after he returned to civilian life. His PTSD episodes got so bad, his wife and children moved in with her parents. The soldier relates a downward spiral that lasted until he was ready to commit suicide. He saw a number for the Veteran's Crisis Line and called. He says it saved his life and recommends talking to professionals for anyone in a similar situation.

Another PTSD victim was so traumatized he filed for total disability with Social Security and the VA. He was given disabled status, but not because of his military service. This still makes him angry. He doesn't understand why these government agencies will not admit his physical and mental challenges are a direct result of what happened to him in Baghdad.

The wife of a soldier who served time in Afghanistan has her own horror story to tell. Her husband came back from the Middle East and has been unable to function as a normal human being. She says he cringes when a car he is riding in hits a bump. He has nightmares and can't eat. She has taken him to numerous specialists, and he has been diagnosed with PTSD, but has only been given prescriptions and released.

Not all the experiences are negative. An Iraq veteran has nothing but praise for the VA hospitals he has spent time in. He had his knee replaced in Virginia and went through rehabilitation. He is grateful to the physicians, registered nurses and administrative staff who helped him through the situation.

The saddest stories involve those who blame themselves for the decisions that ended up wounding, maiming, and killing innocent civilians. One such soldier refuses to return to the United States. He believes he does not deserve being called a hero or have strangers thank him for his service. Not a day goes by that he doesn't relive the nightmares he experienced.

There is nothing good about war. Some soldiers survive their experiences and others suffer throughout their lives. For some, sharing helps and heals.




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