Edited: October 20, 2014, This is one of many US Veteran stories. There are approximately 316 million registered Americans Citizens and out of that group, only 7% of Americans have volunteered to serve our country in the Armed Forces. I served on contract from 1987 to 1995, and after the 1st Gulf War, I received an Honorable Discharge from The United States Marine Corp; however, unknown to me at that time, I had developed a biological chemical {Post Traumatic Stress Disorder} trigger. Thus, anytime I smelled any type of foreign odor, like someone mopping a floor with too much bleach, or if I found myself walking down the garden Isles at a Home Depot, where they stock pesticides and the likes, I found myself having an anxiety attack. Several times a month, from the year 1996 through the year 2000 I found myself in an ambulance, being driven by awesome EM Ts, {that are underpaid} to local hospitals; fire stations had become my safe havens. And when I was finally diagnosed correctly in a civilian clinic, by a PA in training, who is a former Marine, I was put on the right medication to help me cope with my misunderstood service related triggers. Nonetheless, when the Twin Towers {911} in New York came down, I volunteered again, OFF-CONTRACT though, and ONLY because of my injuries was I not granted permission to serve my country again on contract; so I became a VOLUNTEER advocate liaisons Memorial Honor Guard from 2003-2007. What does that mean? It means I visited the Gold Star Mothers at their homes. I helped connect one Gold Star Mother to the next newly arrived, I just lost my son Gold Star Mother to a Gold Star Mother Support Group, led by Gold Star Mother Rita Armendariz. What else? I Stood at attention at the churches, where the Fallen laid draped in our colors. And I stood at attention at the wakes & at the funerals. I also contracted a bagpiper, to play at the funerals when requested; until my bagpiper, The Honorable Jason Bond, coded, and died in 2006. {I was at his bed side next to Jena Murphy his power of attorney}. I helped coordinate the processions when all concerned was understaffed. What else? There is too much to mention, and not enough strength. However, one day in 2007, I woke up, and the American Flag that I had draped, and that I had seen being draped over my US Military brothers, week after week, month after month, year after year, had become .... another earned PTSD trigger; more blood stripes. I cried from 2007-2010, almost every day. Today, I volunteer to reach out to those like me, that are misunderstood. And civilians often ask me, how much did you get paid for your services, and how much are you being compensated? I just shake my head, and walk away ... Plumas, El Madrigal PS ... Im still looking for a job that will compensate respectfully, and a place to call my own, {For Im now going through a divorce.} We Support The Troops? From what I have experienced, very few if any actually support us boots. If anything, were patronized through and through. Sincerely, Plumas, The Semper Fidelis Grave Walker
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 15:47:48 +0000