War demons haunt Iraq vet's new venture
For an Iraq veteran turned entrepreneur, the killing fields are never far away. What do you think of his case?
From Bob Janiga;Muskegon, MI. Any time I see of a story concerning a combat vet I read and then relate my own experiences as a veteran of Vietnam. Having served one tour in Nam with the 1st Cav. seemed to be enough for me. I just can't imagine serving 2 or more. The first few years back I was totally out of control. I couldn't figure myself out. When I came back at 20 years old I was not the same as when I left. I would just ride in my car at night because it was the only place I felt safe and in control. I didn't like crowds and I was easily agitated. I have been diagnosed with PTSD and have applied for compensation from the government. 40 years I've lived with this and never could understand what was wrong with me. War changes your life forever and it is difficult to deal with the stress that comes from it. I suggest that combat vet's get help immediately upon returning from a war zone. Their health and their family's health depends on it. God bless to all vet's.
From Jason Cincy Ohio Ditto…I was sent to that god forsaken hell hole as well. I have never been formally diagnosed with PTSD but I know I suffer from it. I remember the stress of not sleeping for days, afraid to sleep.
To all who deal with veterans of war, take a moment to realize what this article is saying, it is true. Our lives have forever changed. It's impossible to express how insignificant things are in real life after you have been thrown into the chaos of who lives and who dies. This article expresses our feelings well. Thanks B co. 2/325 AIR
I found this article incredibly moving. I am a therapist who has worked with men like this vet, though they had returned from the Vietnam War, not the Middle East. He may eventually re-find himself in some form, but meanwhile the way this war is being conducted wastes the life of a decent, caring person. Sometimes people find ways to make life more meaningful (work-wise) by helping people cope with what they themselves had difficulty mastering. But his wife and kids are big losers in this situation, too. He's not the man they knew. Such dislocation and alienation accompany the fear — for all of them. It's so tragic. Sometimes kids can love their dads back to life. We can only hope.