Creative pursuits in the wake of TBI/PTSD

In the wake of traumatic incidents, my soldiers developed creative sides- some write, some capture images, some draw...Here is one story that gained significant media attention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HntWZRWQ-mk

Ryan, a simple recon paratrooper, suffered through two IED attacks within thrity minutes- both double-stacked AT mines. He refused treatment until I pulled him.

Before enlistment, Ryan was a residential real estate agent in Orange County, CA. He sold the lead singer of The Offspring his home.

Upon medical evacuation, The Offspring checked on his recovery, and they subsequently wrote a song on his experiences. The lyrics are his voice, and he was not consulted on the actual video.

In June, I watched as Ryan recovered and gave his vows to a wonderful woman. The last time I saw him, Ryan was on his deathbed.

In the wake of the tragedies of this war, a creative side evolves, and the strongest of our brethren captalize on it....

I tried to teach my men to serve and worry not of themselves....I'm proud of their accomplishments.

Enjoy the video.

v/r

Mike

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MikeF

In the wake of traumatic incidents, my soldiers developed creative sides- some write, some capture images, some draw...Here is one story that gained significant media attention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HntWZRWQ-mk

Ryan, a simple recon paratrooper, suffered through two IED attacks within thrity minutes- both double-stacked AT mines. He refused treatment until I pulled him.

Before enlistment, Ryan was a residential real estate agent in Orange County, CA. He sold the lead singer of The Offspring his home.

Upon medical evacuation, The Offspring checked on his recovery, and they subsequently wrote a song on his experiences. The lyrics are his voice, and he was not consulted on the actual video.

In June, I watched as Ryan recovered and gave his vows to a wonderful woman. The last time I saw him, Ryan was on his deathbed.

In the wake of the tragedies of this war, a creative side evolves, and the strongest of our brethren captalize on it....

I tried to teach my men to serve and worry not of themselves....I'm proud of their accomplishments.

Enjoy the video.

v/r

Mike

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Mike can I post this a few other places?

Selil and others,

The purpose of posting this story and others is to tell my boys' story. We were a unique band of brothers during the surge. I realize that we were only but a cog in the overall Patraeus warmachine. As others voice, we will learn what actually happened during 2006-2007 to turn the tide of this war.

In SWJ, as we attempt to dissect this story academically, we cannot discount the accounts of those afflicted. I know no truths, but I led my men as best as I could.

In a squadron of 300, we suffered 23 KIA with 100 WIA- our actions turned the tide of this war to the neglect of the general population.

Ironically, Ryan's dad was the PL of the Blue Platoon(infantry QRF) of 1st CAV's aerial cav that supported the LRRPs along the Cambodian border of the Vietnam War. His father treaded through the same kinetic muck as us thoughout that conflict. His father still wrestles through his burdens.

I now pray that my injured can fight their way through their internal struggles.

As for me, I have no doubt that the men I led and the men that commanded around me will be the future business and political leaders of this country- the next greatest generation.

Outside of the academic realm, this is my boy's story.

Let people hear it.

v/r

Mike

This story is not of my own experience, but, a story from a pilot conveyed:

We did a night flight today and I was a few minutes later than everybody else so I got a car to myself. On the way back to my little metal house there was a soldier waiting at a bus stop so I gave him a ride. He was a young guy of course, early 20's like most of the soldiers around here.

We got to chatting and he is going home in 30 days after 15 months in country. His squad drives Humvees around the country escorting people who check up on local police training. They go out on long trips, up to 3 days or more, driving to various places and he had just finished his last trip. The next time he goes outside the wire will be in a C-130 on the way home.

When he told me this his voice sounded as if a heavy load was slipping off of him. He said "Sir, I just can't go outside the wire anymore." His squad has been attacked 572 times by small arms, RPGs and IEDs. 572 times! The record was 17 attacks in a three hour drive to a city about 80 road miles northeast of here. After the first three months IEDs going off 50 feet in front of them got to be cause for only minor comment.

He sounded so weary. The load was gone from his shoulders but the weight of the experience was still upon him.

"Sir, I just can't go outside the wire anymore." But he only said this when his job is done and nobody needs him or his squad to go outside the wire anymore.

You've heard the phrase "heroes walk among us"; well it's true here, They really do. I hope they have a parade planned back at Ft. Riley when this soldier and his squad get back; a big parade with jets and bands and confetti, these guys deserve it.

And I hope the soldier buys himself a Harley, drives down to Costa Rica and spends his time on the beach, and his money on fancy women and good beer. He should have a good time for a few months.

I survived a non-military related TBI, before people really understood it. In fact, I had to travel TO Iraq to have it diagnosed, nearly 7 years after the fact.

I got nothing but empathy for those who get to struggle with it for the rest of their lives. I know that when I'm tired, hungry or stressed, it drives my wife to distraction.

Nothing sucks worse than having your mind reset to zero, and having to relearn simple crap again and again. The vertigo sucks, as does the sudden, unexplained, irrational anger and the crying jags. The best thing is to be surrounded by people who love you enough to put up with it.

Heroes they are; God bless them. Each and every one.