4/3/2006
The nerve of some people!
American Soldier says,
My wife and I were driving on a highway today and she was getting off the ramp to get on the actual highway. Well we had been driving for a little while and I am still getting use to being a passenger in a civilian car in the US. So I was already sort of piped up from the drive thus far.
We pulled onto the road and this car was speeding up the right lane and nearly ran my wife and I off the road….I turned and saw the car on the left rear side of our car. The guy raised his arm up and flipped us off and pushed on his horn.
I literally felt the adrenaline pour into my veins. I clenched my fists. I remember my wife telling me to calm down and to ignore it but I couldn’t. I wanted to physically hurt this guy. The car was still behind us and got in the other lane. I tried to calm down and just as I began the guy drove by again and flipped us off again!
I saw red!
The guy got on my side and the traffic ahead of us was slowing up. The guy looked at me through my window and lipped the words “Fuck….You!” I rolled down my window and almost came out of it. I exchanged some words with him and I do remember saying, “What the fuck guy, you see I’m a veteran, what’s your problem?” I have veteran plates on my vehicle. I probably would have calmed down a bit but he was persistent in making his point in telling us to fuck off.
He even gestured and asked me to pull over and we can take care of this. I am glad I was not driving. I probably would have really hurt this guy.
I don’t think the guy should treat me any different because I am a Veteran, I don’t expect it. It was just my knee jerk reaction and what I said. At the moment when that happened I felt like the guy was personally attacking me and belittling me and my wife. After all I did for this country I felt sort of disgraced and this guy was the outlet for that anger.
My wife and I were talking about it later on down the road and I told her that I have a feeling that I might be dealing with some type of anger/ptsd issues. I’m not a fool; I know I have some issue stemming from the war. I was in a zone that you had to defend yourself constantly.
This is going to be tough for me and I feel it already. I ought to avoid driving in general. I don’t want to make a mistake and regret it later.
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58 Responses to “The nerve of some people!”
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We have this kind of people here too, in China. Ignore them. You have done so much for your country and people, I respect you.
It frosts me when a stupid driver cuts me off, and I’ve even had the urge to chase some of ‘em down and … what? Since I’m just an average size woman, and don’t carry a weapon in the car, it would be dumb for me, I know. But I completely get the way you could feel rage - and I don’t have your experiences to provide fuel. I hope you are able to find whatever you need to deal with that anger, so you don’t have to spend each trip in a car worrying about it.
Hope the ranting here helps
Not to make you feel worse, but it doesn’t get better with time. I’m 34 and still after ten years out it irks me to see people not think hard about the sacrifices made for their freedom to piss me off…
So… what do I do? well, I channel that emotion into my work, workouts, or other methods more ‘healthy’ than putting a fist through someone’s head.
Then again, there’s always that ‘Rules of Engagement’ procedure that I still have tucked back in the corner of my mind, the one that says where the line from obnoxious to endangering is. Once in a while people who are used to the average uncomplaining citizen really do pose a threat.
Don’t short-circuit all of your response is what I’m saying; there are times that your adrenaline may be needed in the future. Rather, study enough law in personal defense to know where the ROE is, and what to say to a cop if you have to react so you don’t endanger your own legal well being.
Oh, by the way. The amount of times I’ve had to consider reacting with deadly force since I got out? Three. Never had to use it, although either my training or weapons at hand would have made it readily available, tactics and preventing the situation from going south took care of the situation each and every time. email me if you want to talk offline about it.
– jetman
So that doesn’t just happen around here?! Some days it takes all I can do not to jump out of my car. I know around here I get flipped off cuz of my Army Mom stickers but that’s a well known sport in this neck of the woods.
I really hope you don’t have too much of the willies and it all settles down soon ~
Yup. There’s always gonna be assbags out there. Heck, even when I get cut off, I don’t flip the bird. Because I know what it’s like to have some jackass flip you off, then you eye your carry piece, thats in the door of yer truck. So tempting…. just one tire… please… I really want to shoot just one.
But I don’t flip people off, or lay on the horn. Cos you never know if they’re eyeing their carry piece too… but maybe they’ve got nothing to lose, and don’t mind shooting more than just yer tire.
Next time, AS, just lift that pistol up, and tap the barrel on the glass. That’ll put the fear of God in em.
AS,
I’m so sorry that happened to you guys. People are such ***wipes sometimes. I don’t understand them and I guess I never will. They are soooo rude anymore it seems. Maybe they always were but seems for the last few years they are worse.
Take care and I hope the anger resolves itself soon. Heck I probably would have been as angry as you in a circumstance like that.
We appreciate you AS. Thank you sooo very much for your service!! Get well soon!!
Sorry this happened to you! I hope things get better for you soon. Do what you need to do to heal–inside and out. Know that we’re here behind you all the way!!! You’re in my prayers. Thank you from my heart for everything, AS. You’re a HERO to me!!!
{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}} What a scumbag.
I’m sorry you had to encounter this creepazoid… We have our fair share of them, too, in Atlanta… Atlanta drivers are positively psychotic (I can say that cuz I’m one too 
).
anyway — hang in there — glad you can recognize the possibility of PTSD ~ one of my adopted soldiers from 2004 waited almost a full year before he really realized/understood what was happening to him and sought help (he’s doing good now, though he still doesn’t care for crowds and sudden noises). Hang in there, A.S. and Mrs. A.S. — here for y’all 24/7/365. You have our unconditional, unwavering, absolute and total support — we’re with y’all all the way.l
Incidently ——>Kat drags out soapbox, climbs on
OK, here is the rest of that post! Dang it! sorry bout that!
Incidently, (Kat drags out soapbox, climbs on to her soapbox) I’ve always felt that we need to do more to support our returning Veterans… my often-spoken mantra: “They leave the war, but the war doesn’t leave them” is too true. That’s one reason I’m excited and proud to be involved with Angels ‘n Camouflage (www.angelsncamouflage.org) ~ not only do they adopt out our deployed heroes, they ALSO match up adopters with stateside VETERANS — I mean, WWII vets, korean vets, vietnam vets, Desert storm vets, OIF vets, etc… and we take care of them just like we do our deployed heroes — cards, letters, etc.
Y’all, our veterans (like our deployed soldiers) NEED US. They need us to stand beside them and with them. They need to know we appreciate all they’ve done for us and that we have not and will not ever forget them. Guys - we owe our heroes *everything*.
*Kat shuts up, puts soapbox away* Sorry… forgive the Kat Rant… i’m just a “lill” passionate about this subject…..!
I was taught to do car racing on our local track, and when on the public roads let all the idiots be in front at a decent distance. I get such pleasure from seeing them pulled over and getting a ticket, as I cruise by. If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle you know what I mean. Defensive driving is not a driving course.
God Bless and keep safe.
AS, you are a lot nicer than i am. i would have pulled over and beat his ass. what a disgrace to our country. you have every right to be upset about that. even if you were not a veteran, it just goes to show how disrespectful that asshole is. its called white trash. im sorry there are ignorant fucks out there…just know that all of us support you in everything that you do.
I used to flip off the moron who cut me off, tail-gated me, or flipped me off. It lead to my anger level raising. I’ve found a unique solution that preplexes the @@wipes, wave at them.
It casues the tail-gaters to back-off and it stops the other driver who flipped me off, to do a double-take and eases the anger.
So, instead of pent-up anger, I have laughter.
If you think you are suffering from pstd, please seek help.
Prayers and thanks for you and your family.
AS, just ignore the idiot. Most likely if he doesn’t care about your safety and disrespects you on top of that by flipping you off, he could care less who you are. I am a Police Officer and the first time I tried telling someone that to get them to stop being an idiot, it enflamed them and they got worse hoping to get me to do something stupid. The world is going crazy and the main thing is not to go crazy with it. As for pulling out that piece and tapping it on the window, remember two things. 1. He may have one too and now you’re in a shoot out (which you will probably win). 2. He will call 911 and in the end you go to jail for reckless conduct. The asshole is not worth it either way. Stay safe and just ask God to take control because you can’t do it by yourself.
(im not what my email implies) im not american im scottish im only 17 but i have an emnormous respect for war vets of any country. they are heros in there own right they defended there country for whatever reason and should be shown respect i mean that guy that cut you of , im asuming you are a gulf/vietnam vet, but if it wasnt for others such as yourself who are brave enough and patriotic enough to go and risk your life for your countrys ideals and beliefs then he could be speaking german or even japaneese. this guy whould be taught a lesson that was total disrespect and you deserve some respect for fighting for your country and working to better it. i myself am training and waiting for my 18th birthday to join the british paratroopers and i think any war vet no matter what there role was should be given respect and i think to some degree any one with the comitment and guts to join the armed forces should be shown some respect
Sorry ’bout the idiot who doesn’t respect the soldiers for fighting and protecting us. what and IDIOT!! You should’a told your wife to pull over and kicked his ass! He was most likely a liberal and hated people who fought for the war. He also could have been a hippie or something. But for the rest of us, we thank you for what you did!
We all have experience of road rage. I don’t think you reaction is purely the result of your experience in Iraq, I have been cut off many times in NYC by drivers like the one you described.
I read stories from time to time about people that pull off the road and go at it with nuts like the guy you described. That becomes a crazy and uncontrollable situation and while your training give you an advantage, the outcome can be very unexpected.
As my wife reminds my (once a week if not more), it is not worth it to get involved with crazy people. What could you possible gain from confronting that idiot. If you beat him to death where would that leave you? or if he shot you what would that mean for you family? It is just not worth the exchange.
I like to think, that people like him have miserably existences which is why they are so angry in the first place, so let him stay miserable.
Yeah that happens all the time here in Phoenix. It takes a while to get over it and just let them go rather then to chase them down. I am glad to see you are doing better physically though.
I hope you know that we all appreciate what you did!
I think seeing your wife almost run off the road was the real trigger for you. You have a strong and protective spirit, probably more active since you just returned from a war zone. If you were alone, your reaction would probably not have been as volatile (even though the guy deserved to be squashed like a bug). You will work through this. You are an amazing man! God bless you and your family. Thank you for your service to America, and thank you for including us in your life with this blog. You will never know how much your words have helped me. Thank you.
Take care,
Donna
Whats his plate #’s I ll take care of him for yea.. Its unfortunate that you are out there on the line defending his rights to give you the finger. What an asshole . He is probably some buck tooth , mullet wearing, old stlye beer drinking, pick up driving, unemployed imbreed worker, mad at the world.
vstay well and relax.. its no big thing …
I haven’t had any experience like that when i’m with my boyfriend but him and some of his buddies were going down the road one day and they had a trucker flipp them off, lets just say none of them apprecieated it, but they just laughed and drove on by the guy. I agree with seawitch- laughter is better than anger, though i do understand that seeing your wife almost fun off the road would’ve deffinitly triggered some anger. Its good to see you posting again, I hope your healing quickly. Thank you for serving.
Been there, done that. Yes, you are suffering with some issues and it will take awhile to get over it. Just don’t do something stupid that you will regret later.
Keep your cool.
In any situation like this it is best to write the persons license plate number down and try to get an idea who is driving. Then call the state patrol and make a complaint. I live in Colorado and they have a “aggresive driving” line to call. I called on some one and the operator told me that after a certain number of complaints they were sent a letter or the police would come to talk to them, depending on the situation.
So if we all call when we see a situation even if we are not involved maybe some of these “drivers” will get the message.
My .02 cents. Thank you for your service. Freedom isn’t free!
This kinda reminds me of a news story in town here. There was these two guys who had a similar situation, they DID pull over. The guy who initiated the problem and all but hit the other guy to get him to stop pulled out a ball bat. The other guy pulled out a gun and a cell phone, calling 911, he held the guy right where he was. When the Cops got there the guy with the bat went to jail and the guy with the gun had a permit to carry it so he went on his merry way.
I like Craig’s idea. Wonder if we have a hotline too?? Looking into that …..
AS - I love the suggestion by Seawitch. Wave and smile. Course you could have a reverse reaction and enrage the idiots. You’ll deal with this along with Mrs. AS who seems to have a solid center for you. Keep talking and not holding it in. Best to you and thank you, thank you for your service. We all owe you.
I agree with Donna it seems over the last few years the people are just getting worse. I hope for your sake you get help with your possible anger issue, at least you are able to admit you have something steming possibly from the war, there are soo many soldiers that won’t admit it and just hope that they will get over it, it is sad to think about. I know my Fiance had PTSS which wasn’t bad but he got treated! Hang in there and stay strong, my prayers are with you!!
I disagree with Charles - it CAN get better with time, if you chose. I used to let things like this really get to me. I’m not saying it never happens anymore, but I’m usually able to remind myself that by getting upset, I’m giving those idiots power over me. I can’t control their actions, but I CAN control my REaction.
American Soldier,
Just returned to your site after a several-month absence. I wish you the best of luck as you heal physically and psychologically. It is true that relatively little of the good work being done by American soldiers in Iraq ever gets shown on TV news. They only show the bad stuff. We’ve got to read your blogs to find out the other side!
I’m sorry that happened! There will always be idiots out there who don’t deserve to be on the road. I’m glad you are willing to consider getting help if you end up feeling you need it.
I am so happy to see you blogging again and I am sure Mrs AS is grateful to have you home and by her side now.
OK, found this poem — it was too good not to share!
The Aftermath of War
* * *
We found a wounded veteran,
And held him in our hearts.
We’ve seen the bravest soldier,
Break down and fall apart.
Yet we love our heroes,
Like no other has before.
We’re the families of combat veterans,
In the Aftermath of War.
We had to learn the hard way,
When coping with PTSD,
That their war is never over,
And freedom is never free.
We bandage up their broken hearts,
The best we can each day.
We see the scars upon their souls,
That never go away.
Knowing we can’t heal the wounds,
That cut their very core.
We’re just trudging through the trenches,
In the Aftermath of War.
We’ve seen them lose their faith in God,
And in the human race,
As they try to hide the anguish,
That’s still written on their face.
We’ve witnessed all the symptoms,
That they’re not willing to admit.
We’ve dodged the screaming bullets,
And been crawling in the shit.
We’ve felt the anger, guilt and blame,
Of these men that we adore.
As we stumble on the battlefield,
In the Aftermath of War.
Each day we share the horrors,
Of a pain they can’t forget,
And we feel we lived through combat,
Because we love a vet.
But we are all survivors,
And we’re learning how to cope.
Hanging on with all our might,
Just holding onto hope.
And our soldier’s heart will cry out,
That they couldn’t love us more.
Because we’re sitting in their foxhole,
In the Aftermath of War.
By Chris Woolnough ©
A S, some one who is a police officer wrote that you should not ‘’show a gun'’ this is true in the state where I live. It is considered a threat. I know this from a relitives experience, and he only had a Bee Bee gun unloaded.
It is not easy to egnore the ‘’Stupids'’ out there but it is the only way to drive safely today,
Hope you are rideing in the sunshine and not in some of the misrable weather we are having. Hug the Mrs.’s [smileing] hold her hand………….and enjoy the rest of your trip home.
Sigh! I picked up on the PTSD a while back. That’s why I put a message about it on one of my posats. I have PTSD so I know what you’re dealing with. From experience. the sooner you get it diagnosed and/or get into a groupm of fellow vets the quicker you will get on the road to the other side. Don’t shut your wife out. She can be a big help. Buyt remember she has issues too and sometikes spouses actually get PTSD from their oart in this. If you have a favorite prayer, or anything small you can keep with you at all times toi hold in your hand if you get a bad time to help re-center yourself, it will help. Believe it or not I used a penny. Most importantly, you will need to talk to yourself at times and say over and over, “I am ok, my name is…. I am at home, etc. I am going to be ok!” Sounds dumb but it helps. For me safety was the issue. So I just tell myself, I am safe, I am going to be ok. There are no bad guys here!” It helps. You’re going to be ok. I can tell. God Bless you and your wife and family. I am so sorry you had to go through this. Thank you for all you have sacrificed. You ever have a question or need any info or to just bend an ear or bitch, you have a friend here. I have probably said or done it all myself. Little shocks me any more. Same goes for Ms. AS!
Mr. AS….off subjct. But just wondering, were you secretly one of the models for that new “toy soldier” line that is this generations answer to G.I. Joe?
Mr. A.S. btw…I fogot to add that the name of the line of action figures is “American Soldier Hero’s”
Dear Mr. A.S.
Don’t let the bastards get you down.
And I want to say Thanks to you for fighting for us. I havn’t posted before and just started reading your blog a few days ago.
Hope you get better real soon. Take it easy! God bless you and your wife and grant you patience and peace.
Hey there Soldier, I’m sorry that some IDIOT ruined your day, but ya know, I go thru it everyday driving back and forth to work in SF Bay Area traffic. There are days I’d LOVE to ram them off the road, but I take a deep breath, say a prayer and keep going. I’m not going to let some MORON ruin my day and you shouldn’t either. Thank you SO much for your service to our country…we love you and appreciate everything you’ve done! May our Lord Jesus bless you and your family!
Dear American Soldier
There are disrespectful, arogant people out there. What can help is the serenity prayer
God grant me the Serenity to accept the things that I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can.
and the Wisdom to know the difference.
I, also, have been kind of worried about this for you. Just remember what you are going thur is so normal. I think if someone goes through everything you have been through, and sees, experiences and does all you have and then they DON”T have any trouble returning to “normal” life, that would be a disorder.
There are some experiences people don’t just get over. You learn how to live with them and allow them to become part of who you are. War is one of thoes things. The key is to do it in a positive way.
I have some book recommendations for both you and Mrs. As
Courage After Fire by: Armstrong, Best & Domenici
On Combat by: Dave grossman
Down Range to Iraq and Back by: Dean & Cantrell
As always our prayers and heartfelt thanks are with you.
Wow. The nerve. I feel the same way only I’m not in the military. I’m just a military wife. Yet, I’ve had some incidents with as Chad so eloquently put it “assbags” (that is so fitting, thank you for making me laugh Chad).
I have a license frame plate that proudly states Navy Wife and some people think that gives them the right to be an “assbag” with me. I’ve opened the glove box twice and thought about putting all that quality time I and my hubby spent together at the gun range to good use. But, I haven’t.
I’m doing what I can to make my husband proud while he’s in the Middle East. I’m here wondering if my brother had a good meal or maybe got to shower last week… is he on a convoy or not? He only has two weeks left. He’ll make it, right? My other brother is leaving soon, but where? Yemen? The anger rising… that “assbag” cutting me off… how dare he. My husband and brothers are doing what has to be done… so this “assbag” can be an “assbag”… I start to gun the engine when…
Then I hear a tiny voice saying “Mommy? Dada still working? Tio too? I take a deep breath, slow down, and smile. “Yes, little man but they’ll be home soon. Ok?”
They’ll all be home soon. I pray silently. The anger is gone and I fight the tears that sooo want to fall… I look over to the framed picture sitting on the front seat. A picture of my brave husband holding our little man, I miss him.
I feel you. I know the anger. I ,however, do expect people to treat our veterans and those serving our country differently- with Respect. Damn it, of all the people- they’ve EARNED IT.
YOU HAVE EARNED IT.
Welcome home, and Thank You to you and your wife for the many sacrifices you have made.
THANK YOU!
Proud USN Wife
OK, I want everyone who has driven for more than a year and not had a similar experience hold up your hand. Anyone? In the back? No one? Hmm. Well I guess that asshole really gets around.
When you are driving around with hundreds or even thousands of other people on the road, you can’t expect all of them to be in a just peachy mood, or everything has gone well for them today. Too many are just looking for a reason to blow off steam. Then that sets up someone else (like you or me) to be just as angry and pass it on. Unfortunately that is too easy. All it takes is one. I think it really has little or nothing to do with your license plate or any bumper stickers you may have. We all take our turn at the jerk spot. Maybe we just got fired, broke up with someone, had someone else cut us off in the traffic. Maybe we just weren’t thinking or made a mistake and set someone else off. Try to take it in stride, say a little prayer for them as well as yourself, and press on.
God Bless Soldier,
carry on.
Oh yes: and the challange to a physical drag-out may not be a good idea. He might be the guy who taught your instructor. (Never underestimate your opponent.)
But even worse is the gun idea. It is possible you can scare him, but every other scenario is a looser. Even if you have the bigger gun and are the better shot, if you shoot him, can you become invisible? How long will you be able to sleep at home by your wife? The gun is only for when they are mad and coming after you.
I understand where you are coming from. When I first got home from Afghanistan, my wife wouldn’t hardly let me drive us anywhere…It took some time to not run through stop signs. Also, I still have the ocassional moments where my instincts say run someone off the road. It takes a while to adjust, and even then, you are only dealing with issues that will haunt you for a long time. Let me make a recommendation. When July 4th hits, stay home. This past one was really hard for me, and in spite of knowing where the explosions/reverbations were coming from, it was very hard to not jump to the ground every time that the neighbors down the street let loose with a “mortar” round. Take your time, keep your emotions in check, and remember that a very small percentage of the population can really understand where you are coming from. It will take time, just be patient, and tell your family to hang in there and be patient too. Don’t rush anything. Things will become “managable” with time.
thanks for your sacrifice to you and your family from someone who was really lucky and been there before.
–Redun
Just remember………for every jackass you meet like that there are tousands who feel just the opposite.
Thank you so much for you service. May you and your’s continue on thru a wonderful life.
AS, I am just glad you are gonna make it and are now safe. I only have countless others to worry about in Iraq and Afghanistan! Thank you and the Mrs so much for your sacrifice and hope you can put the bad memories far in the back of your mind one day. everything you’ve done for our country and for the Iraqi people. Just remember, there are jerks everywhere. You are a better person than him on your worst day. God Bless you and take care of yourself.
Hey, nice blog man. I’ve been looking at military blogs today to try and get a perspective of this was from a soldiers view. I don’t agree with the way America and the UK have waded into the middle east one bit. But that’s a political opinion, I would never disrespect a soldier because of that. You guys are following orders and putting your lives on the line out there and I am thankful for the fact that there are people out there willing to be soldiers. So in that regard at the very least, thanks man.
AS, there are jerks everywhere. Many of them are behind the wheels of cars. Normally, this person could be someone you could get to like, but when they get behind a car… watch out. Sorry that a returning vet had to endure such a behaviour, but there is a lot of hatred out there and not all of it is from Islamic Extremists. Kinda like Birds of a Feather. Unfortuantely, driving doesn’t bring out the best in most people. Then again, you might have been given this treatment just because you are a returning vet. Most Americans honor and respect our soldiers. There are a few who do not.
As to PTSD, it could be. I can not tell. Those closest to you, and those who love you would be the ones to determine that. However, one of my major concerns is how do we reduce the incidents of PTSD? What can we do, before we send our soldiers into combat (or other hazardous situations) to reduce the incidence of this disorder?
Well, army guys take some time to cool off to start living in civil society. Keep at it. Dont get angry all the time.
And run someone else off the road
There’s this nut in my town who honks at people if they don’t come to a complete stop at the stop sign. Seriously. She can be on the other side of the road going the opposite direction as you and if she sees you’re not making a full stop she honks and throws her hands up in the air! She’s nuts!!!
Hi AS, now that your back in the US and probably have much more time on your hands I was wondering how you feel about writing the truth about things on the ground in Iraq- and posting it on the “Olivebranch Network”.
The Olivebranch Network is an educational blog which uses the words of Iraqi’s both inside and outside Iraq, it also includes soldiers and people with experience living in Iraq- in an attempt to show how life really is in Iraq.
An attempt to show Iraqi culture and how their lives are NOT what is shown on TV, and their houses are not mud-huts built pre-jesus days.
I can sense your anger at the media, and I can assure you I know how you feel. The Olivebranch Network was my attempt to fill this “truth void”- after winning a competition run by an Australian journalist earlier this year (Antony Loewenstein). I won the chance to start my own domain, I could have used it to further my own blog but I took the more constructive, less selfish option and started the Olivebranch Network.
Please take the time to go have a look at the site:
http://olivebranchoptimism.net
and please take the time to email me about what you think..
lukey@iinet.net.au
sincerely,
Luke(y) Skinner
aka [olivebranch]
Just reading your story made me see red. I can imagine how being there - up close and personal would make you feel. I hate that for you. I wish I could change the world and get rid of ignoramoses like the guy who flipped you off. Please know that there are lots of us who support and love you military men and are thankful for all you do.
I served in the Vietnam War. After the movie We Were Soliders came out. Places around my town, people were coming up to me and thanking me for my service. I had my Vietnam Veteran hat on. I told them thank you, then my daugther called me, crying and told me how proud she was of me and for serving our country, after she saw the movie. She was the one that told me about the movie. Then I understood why people was thanking me. After I saw the movie, I sat there and cried my eyes out. Some things just don’t leave your mind.. To this day my wife is still careful when she wakes me up. It never leaves your mind, because you lived it for so many months or years while in the war. It may not affect everysoldier the same way. To me we are fighting two wars. The war that you served in and the war when you come home to and people yell at you saying baby killers, spit on. finger up. etc. And to no help from Jane Fonda. I believe every solider in the Vietnam War hates her til this day. For what she did to the soliders when she visited them in Vietman while on tour.
To my Soilders Veteran of today, you have alot of support out there, that loves you and thanks you for your service. Don’t let the assholes of today ruin you for serving our great country. They have no brains and hearts.
God Bless you and your families and God Bless America.
I am proud to be an American Solider.
We have those here in Canada too. Lately, while stuck in traffic, I find myself, fantasizing about getting a armored up humvee with a .50 cal …. that should solve my traffic problems! Okay, maybe I should be the one to see someone about my anger issues .. LOL
Just remember that many of us are proud of you for your time in the service. Dont ever let some loser get to you like that. You are a veteran….One of many who gave so much and got so little back. Welcome home. If your ever in NJ you have a beer waiting on you. I never served in a combat zone ( was on standby in 91) but our unit did not get called. I severed 10 yeras with pride and i shed a tear everytime tge colors pass by me or i see ol glory flying high in someones yard. I have 4 sons the oldest are 17 and 15 they are both in JROTC and plan on going in the Army. Nothing would make me more proud then to see my boys serve this great country that gives us so many freedoms. I for one am thankful for all of them. God bless those who are under fire…let them all me in our prayers tonight. And pray for the families…give them peace knowing that we are behind them 100%
GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.
That’s very humble of you to say that you don’t deserve to be treated differently because of your veteran status, however it’s entirely untrue. You put your life on the line for the country and every citizen should treat you with the utmost respect and admiration. You should look into getting a concealed handgun license if you haven’t already. However, don’t let people like that get to you. In situations that arise in the future just remember how many Americans appreciate your service. It’s not worth it to let some idiot get to you.
Thank you for your service. God Bless You.
Thanks for sharing my poem Aftermath of war!
I hate incompetant drivers. When my vet encounters one, he is triggered, sends him right back to Vietnam. The road is a dangerous place in the war zone. Sorry some idiot triggered you. Recovery means investing in some trigger guards, LOL.
War is insane. Ptsd is a perfectly normal adaptive response.
You deserve to recover.
Thank you Soldier
Have you stopped to thank a veteran today?
For the price of freedom they had to pay?
Did you gaze into those distant eyes?
Did you see the ghosts he can’t deny?
Did you think a soldier’s heart was made of steel?
Because he was trained to kill, he couldn’t feel?
Did you see the guilt written on his face,
For the loss of life he can’t replace?
Did you know he mourns the lives he couldn’t save,
And walks with comrades in their grave?
Did you remember the boy with innocence lost?
Do you really know war’s ultimate cost?
Have you felt the blast of artillery fire?
Do you have the courage it would require?
Have you stood in trenches consumed with fear?
Felt the enemies breath so very near?
Have you walked with God on a battleground?
Seen your brothers dead or dying all around?
Have you stopped to thank a vet today,
Or did you just turn and walk away?
From the pain he’ll carry for the rest of his life,
Did you consider his family, his children, his wife?
That watch him suffer in silence each and every day,
As he’s haunted by memories that don’t go away?
Did you care that the soldier is still pulling guard?
That his heart, mind, and soul will forever be scarred?
Do you know how he suffers from ptsd?
Or that our precious freedom is never free?
Do you care that he still hears the blood curdling screams?
Or that he returns to the war each night in his dreams?
Have you felt the sorrow of a combat vet?
Or would you rather just forget?
That war has pierced his hardened heart,
And torn this soldier all apart?
Would you rather our heroes just fade away?
Or will you stop to thank a vet today?
By Chris Woolnough
http://groups.msn.com/AftermathofwarcopingwithPTSDtoo/welcome.msnw
I have my own ptsd and it really helps me to understand my veteran. The hardest part was identifying triggers that you can’t see with the naked eye. The triggers that are a feeling. Disrespect, after all you sacrificed your life for your country. That fight or flight response will naturally go off when someone disrespects you. Feeling betrayed, about anything, is another trigger I notice. It’s not always easy to connect the dots from the present to the past. Feeling vulnerable, that’s a trigger too it seems. Being controlled. Control was something we lost during the trauma, ptsd sufferers react when they can’t control their environment. That’s normal too. I’m really sorry that guy disrespected you. You didn’t deserve that, and it wasn’t your fault. That fight or flight response is there for a very good reason! It saved your life!!! Thank you for surviving!
ps, it helps me to be aware of my triggers. and biofeedback training helped tremendiously! Our state has a free ptsd program, outside of the VA, but they pay for it. They offer more services than the VA. Learning relaxation skills and practicing them helps you to retrain your brain.
romantic quote…
Info about romantic quote….