Just wanted to thank you and Paul again for doing these interviews for My Depression Connection. I feel that we have learned so much through hearing about your deeply personal and unique experiences. I have nothing but respect and admiration for you both.
I hope that you both will stay on the site to share more with us.
Thank You,
This helped me too. This is the first time that I've put all of this stuff down in one place, at one time, and organized into questions and answers. That was a useful exercise for me. I also got a lot out of reading Paul's experiences and comparing them to my own. This helps more than I thought it would.
Much of my problems involve feelings of guilt or a sense of weakness because I was affected the way I was by my experiences. Many others have suffered much more, seen much worse, and seemingly go about their business as if nothing happened. The responses that Paul I and I got were mostly very helpful in this regard. I don't want pity, but the sense that people care and understand is nice.
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KJ, I am most impressed with your articulate narrative and personal experiences. You've stated much better than I, the realities young men and women are dealing with.
The stress of multiple tours can only be likened to that of soldiers of World War II and before, where people were in it for the duration, however long it took. There is a strong will in most people to survive and being sent into fire repeatedly, hopes that there is a lot of support in place for the people being asked to expose that will so often.
I would wish that all of our military were home, but the world dictate events more often than we realize for countries where people are free and who wish to continue being so, and living the lifestyle they enjoy.
I think you have done a magnificent job on this interview and in service to our country. It has been a privilege to read of your efforts and your genuine concern for the people you work with and defend. I hope and pray that you are made well in all things and enjoy a long, happy, and healthy life with your family. I cannot thank you enough for answering the requests of our political leaders to put yourself in harm's way so many times.
considering war is hell it is a wonder paul,kj or any1 else gets out with any of their sanity left.how is 1 supposed to deal with such insane pressure.seeing thing no 1 ever wants to see.Lord help you all.may He bless you abundantly emotionally!
Thanks Paul,
I appreciate what you said more than I can express. I feel you and I have several things in common, including service in the Big Red One, and I'm humbled by the thought. Vietnam was a much bigger conflict than what we are involved in in the War on Terror and you didn't have the benefit of such a supportive population as we have now. I live in Northern Virginia and took my daughter to the Vietnam War Memorial last Friday when she was out visiting. The power of seeing all those names printed out like that always has an effect on me. You should feel a sense of satisfaction for having endured so much and having made an impression (as you undoubtedly did) on the ARVN troops you worked and lived with. Continuing to tell your story, though sometimes difficult and not understood or appreciated, may help others.
"No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great - Duty First!"
KJ
Thanks for the prayers, and don't forget the families who put up with so much. The parents, spouses, children, and friends have to suffer from a distance without knowing or understanding all that's happening with their loved ones. In many ways the military has it easier. Much of what we were asked to do was not much more than "keep your mouth shut and follow directions."
All the best,
KJ
KJ -
I can't thank you enough for telling us your powerful story. It's hard to believe how much you've lived through not only in the military service you describe so well but also in that terrible 3-year period in your personal life. Getting through so much "like a rock" is remarkable, but holding life together under those conditions seems to carry its own price tag also.
It's a good thing for the rest of us that you get relief by writing and talking about your experiences. That not only helps you, but it also helps others who can hear and relate closely to what you say. It's always a gutsy thing to go public with this sort of story, and I really admire your courage in doing so.
I have enormous respect for you and all that you're doing. Thank you! And I wish you so well with the treatment you've been getting.
My best -- John
Thanks John,
I appreciate the comments. I wouldn't say that I've handled everything very well though. "Like a rock" describes how I just stood there and didn't get the help I needed at the time I needed it. Hind sight is 20/20 of course, but I think I would have done better by accepting help years ago and not being so stubborn and close-minded.
Thanks again for the kind words,
KJ