Follow my train of thought with regard to Average Joe:
(I thought Stashiu's point #4 was remarkable in it's connection to PTSD.) There was a church in J'ville NC that opened it's doors to families of deployed as a meeting place for support-don't know if that is still ongoing, perhaps not-I can't seem to find any information about the program. I've seen the marvelous "Welcome Home" banners on the fences in J'ville. But I haven't seen or heard of organized (community or otherwise) efforts to rally around or support those who return (Not to say they don't exist, perhaps they do). It appears to be left to the spouse, or not dealt with at all, unless one needs to be referred to a military psychiatrist. I could be wrong, I don't know. I guess I'm looking for a civilian response to this issue, be it in a military town or not. I'm thinking 'outloud' here. What does America do for it's returning veterans to assist in assimilation back to "AMERICA" following their return from the visage of war? Is there a program or organization somewhere, a shoulder to lean on, a shoulder to cry on, a place they can take what they've seen and done out of their hearts and minds and put it on the table...or do we just show up at Veteran's Day ceremonies, Memorial Day ceremonies, wave at them in a parade, or buy them a beer at the VFW? If that, in reality, is all we do, I want to change that : )
And, I must say I find it utterly obnoxious that we must spend so much energy on the likes of Cindy Sheehan, to keep them from more pain, rather than focusing that energy on what are likely more critical needs for our troops.
http://www.ecusa-chaplain.org/Feedback_from_the_field.html
From Chaplain Dan Leatherman, Landstuhl, Germany, 06 July 2005
Greetings from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center! The Army has tried to take care of this Air Guard Chaplain and with the 4th of July Holiday, it’s taken until today to get it straight. Anyway, I’m pretty well settled in with the hospital routine, if there really is one. The Med-Evac flights and ambulance busses come in at all hours, but on a regular basis. The soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen come in all states of health: some very “banged up” and critical others ambulatory. Often they arrive with battle related injuries, but other times simply the woes of life, like gall bladder surgery, kidney stones, an infection or something other than the war. Many times the wounds go deeper than skin and bone. The psychological issues our troops have to deal with are immense and the level of compassion given by the staff here at the hospital is incredible and exhausting. There is much compassion fatigue among us all and chaplains are as important to the staff and each other as they are to the patients.
Thank you again for your prayers and support.
Dan+
Daniel L. Leatherman, Ch, Capt, USAF (ANG)
Notes on the run too, Chaplain Will Hood, 03 February 2005
One of the things I have begun to realize how much in a hurry I have lived back in the world. Always in a hurry and probably have thought I have been a little too important to wait in line or be inconvenienced. Out here the only thing I really need to be in a rush about is ducking for cover if a rocket or mortar attack happens. It amazes me some days that events that I think should take a short amount of time end of taking about three times as long. I am having to learn patience and to be a bit more in the present moment.
One of those teaching events happened today. I was standing in line at our exchange, or PX as it is called by some, waiting. The lines are long sometime so you just learn to live with it. As I was standing there a young Soldier stood next to me. I turned around and we acknowledge each others presence. As we exchanged hellos I noticed he had the stare. It was the stare of someone who was elsewhere; a stare that seemed full of pained. By his patches I knew he was not from our base and asked him why he was here. "Well sir, I was on patrol and we were hit by an IED, Improvised Explosive Device. I am passing through as I fly back to my unit." "Are you o.k.?" I asked. "Yeah sir, but my Sergeant was killed." He started to tear up.
Sometimes in those moments there are no words. At that moment I placed my hand on his shoulder and began to pray. Probably less as a Chaplain and more as one who has faith and hopes that in the midst of this crazy mess we call life Christ is with us and remind us that this is not the end of the story. I prayed that Christ would be with him in his grief and sorrow. Not to take it away but remind him he is not alone. Often the price of love, friendship and the bond of warriors is a broken heart. Right there in the exchange in the busyness and boredom of waiting in line Christ called us both to show up and share our hearts and look grief and sorrow in the face.
I hope that when I get back to the world I won't be in such a hurry that I miss the present moment to share the hope and love of Christ. I hope that I will take the opportunity to slow down and remember that I am not so important to wait in line and that perhaps that is the very place God's mercy will unfold.
Today my heart is a bit heavier with the sorrow for that Soldier, but it is also grateful for the moment to remember that we don't carry this stuff by ourselves. If someday I am in the line at the grocery store and you see me with that thousand yard stare I hope you'll stop and whisper a short prayer.
Prayerfully
Will Hood