Back in the World- A Veterans Day Letter
Image courtesy of Jim Stapleton (Unsplash)
Dear Brother and Sister Veterans,
I am a US Army Veteran and served stateside at Fort Irwin during the Persian Gulf War. I am part of the all who gave some. I have been back in the world for over thirty years and added a lot to my Dash (see blog post from October 14th, 2022).
Upon returning from active duty, I joined a private ambulance service, became a paramedic, and served honorably for 25 years with the Alsip Fire Department - retiring at the rank of Lieutenant/Paramedic. In post-retirement, my wife (a retired schoolteacher) and I live a peaceful life surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.
My military service opened the door to my life as a first responder. The GI Bill and the Illinois Veterans Grant paid for my paramedic school and fire officer training. This chapter of my life(in fact, my entire life) was made possible by the some who gave all.
Today is Veterans Day(Remembrance Day in Canada), and I thank those who gave all. They are the active duty and veterans who serve(d) in combat to defend our freedoms, and their sacrifices allowed me to pursue these dreams. However, many servicemembers paid a high price to provide us with opportunities for a better life. Back in the world, for some, meant returning home to the sound of Taps echoing as they were laid to a final rest. At the same time, others continue to replay their war experience in the echoes of their mind.
PTSD, PTSI, suicidal ideation, and attempts are commonplace amongst this segment of our population. Anywhere between 17-22 veterans a day commit suicide (depending on the source you read). If you know a veteran or active duty member struggling, have a conversation with them. Countless organizations offer assistance with mental health struggles, many run by veterans for veterans. Here are some I have connected with in recent months:
Image Courtesy of Fraizer Dunleavy (Unsplash)
National Level
Save A Warrior (https://saveawarrior.org/)
Warriors At Ease (https://warriorsatease.org/)
Suicide and Crisis Hotline: dial 988 and press 1 for veterans.
Local
Veterans Healing Farm (http://veteranshealingfarm.org/)
Our combat veterans have gone above and beyond. I want to thank my brothers and sisters for their service. My mission is to pay it forward and work with this segment of the population (and first responders) as a Warriors at Ease yoga teacher by providing a safe space for trauma-informed practice.
To the military support community at large,
Seek opportunities to work with or donate to organizations whose vision is to effect change and better the lives of our servicemembers and veterans. It is truly the best way you can thank them for their service. Until next time-
Namaste,
Tim
SPC4
US Army
Quartermaster
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