Struggling Veterans

I spent some time thinking about what I was going to write about this week.  In observance of Memorial Day, I decided I would give my "two cents" on issues that are important to my community, the veteran community.  Although this is not a mainstream blog, and will not touch even a percentage of people, I hope those of you who do read it will take the most out of this post.  Dedicated to Sgt. Taurean Harris, Killed in Action: August 2, 2008; Foward Operating Base Kalagush, Afghanistan.

Every now and then, you come across an individual who is just naturally a good hearted person.  Someone who can bring to light the most negative situations.  A true soilder, a loving father, and a great friend.  Honestly, a person like this comes few and far in between.  It was an honor just to know him, and a greater privledge to have served with him.  Sgt. Harris was taken from this earth far to early, but he died just how he lived, in the service to others.  In the end, he was the one who died so that four others could live.

The label hero is thrown around these days way to often.  We are called heros for just serving our country.  I will be the first one to admit, I am no hero.  I am a man who decided to serve his country multiple times without the intention of recieving any special treatment.  It was something I believed in, and something that I will be forever proud of, but my actions were not the actions of a hero.  They were the actions of an individual who fought for a cause and something they felt as the right thing to do.  I'm sure if you ask many veterans, they will tell you the same thing, but they will be able to telll you  a story of a real hero.  My story is about Sgt. Taurean Harris.

The injuries of battle are not always physical.  Many veterans struggle with the emotional woulds of war.  We think of ourselves as tough and strong, and avoid any treatment options that are provided for us.  The grim reality is that Post Traumatic Stress is real, and causes massive damage to our lives.  After my deployments, I became a severe alcoholic and cocaine addict.  This is, unfortunatley, what many of us do.  We "numb" ourselves with these stimulants, and pretend that we are fine.  Often this is our cry for help, even if we do not realize it.  More often then not, these crys go unheard, and we fade away into the darkness of society. It is clearly evident with the countless number of homeless Vietnam veterans, and you can start to see it with the Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom veterans.

My story is one with a happy ending.  After years of abuse, I seeked the treatment that was offered, and took advantage of my benifits.  I strive for a life, that just a year ago seemed unattainable.  However, the emotional toll will never completely be gone.  I think back at my time spent in Afghanistan, and Iraq.  Some good, alot bad, but experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.  I close my eyes from time to time, and can visualize the firefights and explosions clear as day.  On the better days, I see a Spades game going on, with a familiar smile and laugh, and his catch phrase "cut the malarkey."

Sgt. Harris, you are gone, but never forgotten.  Rest in Piece Brother