We Need to REALLY Support Our Soldiers in Iraq
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Soldiers who have served -- or are serving -- in Iraq are killing themselves at higher percentages than in any other war where such figures have been tracked. According to a report recently released by the Defense Manpower Data Center, suicide accounted for over 25 percent of all noncombatants Army deaths in Iraq in 2006.
Despite the high risk factor, many soldiers who seek treatment are not receiving urgent care. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is the result of subtle biological changes in the brain chemistry as a response to severe stress, which alters the way the brain stores memories. During a particularly intense episode, the body releases massive amounts of adrenaline, and the physiological alterations associated with the intense emotional reaction create memories that disrupt normal life.
The traumatic experiences endured by our young soldiers in combat, such as being shot at, handling dead bodies, knowing someone who was killed, or killing enemy combatants is very difficult for the average person to deal with. More than any previous war, the Iraq war is likely to produce the highest number of soldiers suffering from PTSD. There is considerable psychological distress associated with going into a country under the auspices of liberating a people, only to have them rise up against you, and it lingers long after the war has ended. Adding to the pressure is that many mental health officials believe that the nature of urban street fighting and insurgent warfare, coupled with heavy reliance on National Guard and Army Reserve troops, will result in higher rates of PTSD among this group of veterans than those in previous conflicts.
Another reason for the escalating mental health challenges is that while soldiers typically spent one tour of duty in Vietnam, troops are serving two, three and occasionally four rotations in Iraq. An additional challenge is the moral ambiguity of fighting a war without front lines, where the combatants are, or are dressed as, civilians. Many veterans are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to reconcile experiences such as shooting at civilians because they had failed to stop at a checkpoint.
The hawkish right continues to remind us in their rhetoric to support our troops in Iraq however it seems the US government should be the first to show the support. It is a national disgrace the way our soldiers have been and are currently being treated by the government they are serving. Patriotic Americans are starting to call for an immediate exit from Iraq. But what the 99.4 percent of Americans who don't have loved ones in uniform and have no family members who have ever seen combat in Iraq don't seem to fathom is that lives are at stake, and we really can't afford this county's flat learning curve.
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Thanks Prasadjain, and yes I so agree with you.
As I walk into the the crowds during the Christmas season, from store to store. I wonder how many of these people have thought about our soldiers in Iraq. If they were to even buy the simplest gift for just one who stands on the battle field. How they would make their Christmas worth the sacrifice. How many faces fade away each day in Iraq? Most don't even turn on the news anymore. Does it make it easier to just close their eyes, then to see the ones who paid the price for us? They call themeselves an American, but yet they don't even extend their hands out in gratitude.
As I sit at my desk today, I remember who it was that provided me with the liberty of being free. Freedom from physical restraint, an action going beyond normal limits. An action I couldn't do for myself. I remember the strong standing from a far off. Who passed across the oceans, and lands. Traveling by, stepping through the dusty sands. Rising above, taking a stand at the enemy's lines. Rushing forward, embracing the fiery lights in the night's sky. Sleeping surrounded by the flashing lights of war. While I sleep in a warm covered bed. Built, and grounded in courage. The sacrifice of the strong!!
An act of offering to a deity of something precious. Time lost that cannot be replaced. The sacrifice for freedoms sake.
Can I say that this is something I have done myself? No, I cannot say that I have given such a sacrifice as you have. Can I say I know, and understand what you do daily? Can I take just one day to look through your eyes, and be able to bare it? Can I embrace the things you have? Can I ware your shose for just one day? I have not the courage as you do. Can I smile still, after engaging in cross fire? Would I be able to sacrifice my mind as you? Would I be able to remain standing at any cost? Would I be able to continue, passing from day to day, nights gone in a blink of an eye, pressing forward running on strength that's run out? Would I be willing to loose a year of my life, or even my life in exchange for a purpose I don't understand? I couldn't give such a sacrifice as you have. But I can take a moment to honor you, to thank you for the sacrifice you have given for me, and many that have forgotten what freedom has given us.
I truly thank you for all the hard work, for the dedication you take outside of just a job title. The responsibility you have taken upon you, this type of sacrifice. Thank you for risking your own freedom for my peace of mind. So that I can walk in the comfort zone. For a simple person like me.
You bring the victory we find the purpose. You stand in for the weak, we see the strength of a country.
We send a care package, however we are yet to see the care package sent to us. You are the care package, to the world is your sacrifice for our freedom. Maybe if even one, such as I, seen it in the form of a stead fast, solid, soldier geared up for the fight. Then we would understand that freedom is given as a gift, rather then right fully owned.
I have not forgotten the brave who walk in my place. I am thankful for all you have sacrificed. You maybe across the world, but we celebrate Christmas with you from a distance. You are in our prayers. In our thoughts daily. We remember you today!! Thank you once again. God Bless and God Speed to all who stand in Iraq.
Connie, have you read either of Jonathan Shay's books on PTSD? What did you think of them?
prasadjain says:
2 years ago
Yes, Connie,
Soldiers just have to follow the orders given by the rulers.Often that leads them to death. You might have read the poem-'unto the jaws of death rode six hundred!' Remember these lines-
Theirs is not to reason why
theirs is not to make replay
theirs is but to do and die!
This is what happening to unfortunate soldiers you are concerned about.Still worse had happened to Indian soldiers in 1962 when they had to fight against chineese aggression with almost bare hands!Wrong steps by rulers send non-sinners also to suffer!
Your government should pull back armies from forign countries to save its face and save its soldiers from such countries!