Today was my last day in the US Army

[No Passaran]

Approximately six months ago I was informed that because of my PTSD, neck and head injuries and chronic migraines (all because of my two combat tours of Iraq) I was going in front of a medical board. At the time I was crushed and all that I had worked for was now gone. I was asking myself, how can you take a soldier who gave everything (except his breathing) for this country and make him worse? That's the way I felt back then. In 15 minutes I will officially be a civilian and my time in service will be over. I leave this army as a 32 year old medical retiree with full benefits and pay for life. Hundreds of your private messages helped me through these hard times.

Thank you DU.

SSG C

“The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”

[Stephanie]

1. I'm glad to hear it.

Thanks for your hard work and the best of luck to you.

[Triana]

2. THANK YOU!

:hug:

[jeff30997]

3. Welcome back !

:patriot:

[Hand]

4. Welcome to civvy street, GA Democrat!

And a big THANK YOU :hug: for your dedicated service. :patriot:

DISSSS-MISSED! :toast:

[ChazII]

5. Thank you

for your service. The quote in your signature rings loud and true.

[TahitiNut]

6. Congratulations on the promotion to 'civilian.' Welcome to the ranks of "has-beens."

... otherewise known as veterans. :patriot: FTA!! :evilgrin:

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. Welcome back behind the Constitution

and take care of yourself soldier... remember, the vet board here on DU is a nice place to have a good cry from time to time!

One large bright side, now you have all your rights back!

[Maat]

8. Congrats!

Healing energy to you; you are in our family's thoughts and prayers.

[fenriswolf]

9. hehe i remember

driving out the front gates of fort campbell for the last time. Best damn feeling ever, quite literally i felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders as I exited. Glad you can share that feelings. congratulations on being set free.

[zabet]

10. Thank you

for your service.
:patriot:

[Aristus]

11. Welcome home from Iraq, GA Dem; and welcome back to civvie street.

You have a lot to be proud of. And we are proud of you, too. I hope you get better. With God's help, and the help of some good Democrats committed to getting one of our own in office, our vets may FINALLY get the care they so richly deserve.

Take care, buddy. It's good to have you back. :pals:


Aristus. 19Kilo M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanker, D Co. 1/69th Armored Reg. 3rd Infantry Division. :patriot:

[No Passaran]

12. thanks

I was with Desert Rogues. I know that rings a bell:)

[Aristus]

34. Then said the Lord: "Whom shall I send? And who will go for Me?"

Then said I: "Here I am; send me."

I remember that well...

[Hekate]

13. To the Greatest with you. I'm so glad you are out, and I hope your life improves day by day...

...from now on.

Thank you for your service. :hug:

Hekate

[gateley]

14. Welcome back - and thank you for all you've done.

If you haven't seen this, please take the time to watch. I want you to know that someone hasn't forgotten you, and is fighting for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-jP4XkZ8xc

[SaveAmerica]

15. I hope things are better for you and your wife, are you sleeping

better? Are you able to talk with each other more? I hope you've been able to find solutions to those and other problems as well as closing the active duty chapter of your life. I've wondered about you and hoped you were well.

[No Passaran]

17. thank you

I am feeling better. Not all the way back but I guess I will never be the same. It's manageable.

[SaveAmerica]

26. Manageable at this early stage is good, thanks for keeping us updated

[No Passaran]

16. seeing some old 3rd ID vets

it reminded me of something that happened the other day. I was in a convenience store and this homeless veteran comes up to me crying after seeing my 3rd ID combat patch. He said it reminded him of the days when he was just a private, newly married with a baby on the way. Then the war happened, the wife was gone and he keeps fighting same battles over and over each night in his car. He was B 3-15 for all you 3rd ID vets out there. Audie Murphy's old unit I believe

[Aristus]

55. I thought it was 1/15th, but maybe my memory is faulty.

Whichever one it was, Audie Murphy's old unit was posted on the same kasern with me in Kitzingen, Germany back in the late '80's and early '90's.

[Maccagirl]

18. Thank you for your service and sacrifice

No one deserves a better future than you. God bless.

[progressoid]

19. This deserves some extra K&R!

[Orangepeel]

20. good. you earned it.

You risked your life and gave your health in service to the country. I hope that you get well and have a long, full, productive civilian life.

:hug:

[No Passaran]

21. my 500th post

It took me 7 years to reach this number LOL
I remember registering in 2001 when I thought the whole world was going crazy and I tried to find some like-minded people. I would have gone crazy without being on this site that whole year.

[Tom Joad]

22. good luck on civilian life. I hope the army is meeting its obligations`

to help you out after your long service.

[comradebillyboy]

23. as I am a viet nam vet you have my complete sympathy and

my best wishes for the future for you. On the bright side you are 32 years young and still have the ability to accomplish a lot more good things in your life. "Illigitmi non carborundum", don't let the bastards grind you down.

ex sgt comaradebillyboy

[Contrary1]

24. You are old enough to be my son...

and I thank you for your service to our country. I wish the best of everything for you.

I pray for peace as well.

[Lugnut]

25. Thank you!

I hope your wounds and scars are healing right now. :hug:

[rockybelt]

27. May God hold your soul in his hand

and bid that you have suffered enough. May good things come to you always.

[lovuian]

28. woohoo

:woohoo: :patriot: welcome home dude

[kelligesq]

29. HEY! Congratulations, Welcome home Civilian - So glad you

made it!

Georgia Democrat? please vote for Edwards! For all the good reasons.

[proud patriot]

30. Thank you for your service to the Nation

sorry the CIC is a chimp being led by darth vader bent on a mission
to make us the death star or something twisted like that .

:patriot:

[Tresalisa]

31. Thank you sincerely for serving!

Bless you and your family!

[Booster]

32. Wow, Ga Dem - that's great news. My nephew has 18 months to

go before he retires from the Marines, and we are all holding our breath. I'm thrilled you made it; welcome back to what we call the real world, although I guess that's all in the way you look at it - maybe your world really was the real world and we are the ones living in a fantasy. Bless you for your service and I'm happy you get full benefits and pay for life - Damn, you earned it.:patriot:

[XOKCowboy]

33. Great news.

Welcome to the real world. Don't know if that's good or bad. Thanks for your service in any case. :)

[MilesColtrane]

35. I welcome you back to the world with open arms.

And, thank you for your sacrifices.

Hope you'll be able to get beyond the horror you've experienced.
We need good people like you to continue the fight for our country.

[CorpGovActivist]

36. Thank You for the Bravery of This Post

"Approximately six months ago I was informed that because of my PTSD, neck and head injuries and chronic migraines (all because of my two combat tours of Iraq) I was going in front of a medical board."

Thank you for your service. Equally, thank you for speaking out about the full range of your service-related injuries.

"At the time I was crushed and all that I had worked for was now gone. I was asking myself, how can you take a soldier who gave everything (except his breathing) for this country and make him worse? That's the way I felt back then."

Were you Reserve, Guard, Regular Army, or ... ??? There are a number of little-known, poorly-publicized, but very helpful transition services available for both the returning service member and his/her family members.

"In 15 minutes I will officially be a civilian and my time in service will be over. I leave this army as a 32 year old medical retiree with full benefits and pay for life. Hundreds of your private messages helped me through these hard times."

Thank you, so much, for your service. If you don't know about the NMFA (National Military Family Association), here's the http://www.nmfa.org">link.

- Dave

[EFerrari]

37. Be safe and well.

[ngGale]

38. Thank You...

:grouphug:

[Historic NY]

39. Thank you for your service...........

I know the feeling getting turned out after 31yrs of publice service and a injury. Keep the faith, something will turnup to keep you busy I know it has for me.
:patriot:

[unhappycamper]

40. Congratulations, Brother.

Some day you will look back on today as the beginning of your life.

Peace,
uhc


Chu Lai 67~68

Cu Chi 69~70

[lebkuchen]

41. Greetings from Germany

All the best to you, SSG C.

[tom_paine]

42. Welcome home, GA Democrat

:toast:

[democrank]

43. Bless you, GA Democrat

~PEACE~

[lostnfound]

44. Congratulations. Now go take that freedom you've earned

and use it according to your deepest inner callings. Re-create your life with your OWN plan (or God's own plan, as you may choose), and enjoy the free will of it all. It's got to be incredibly liberating (if only you could get over the exhaustion and pain).

Hugs and respect from lnf.

[jackster]

45. be of good cheer

SSG C - you have done your duty and sacrificed enough

look now to the future

best wishes and keep us informed as to your progress

signed

jackster - a grateful citizen and veteran

[ClayZ]

46. Welcome Home GA Democrat!

:patriot:

[Catshrink]

47. Welcome back to civilian life

I hope things go well for you on the outside. And, most of all, thank you for your service!

:grouphug:

[mnhtnbb]

48. Good luck to you, GA Dem.

[alfredo]

49. Welcome home Brother. You may be leaving the Army, but

you will carry your comrades with you all your life.

I got out in 1969 (USASA) and I get over 100 e-mails a day, occasional phone calls and visits, from some of the craziest, most wonderful guys one could ever hope to have as friends.
(Read about them in Chapter 10 of Michela Wrong's "I Didn't Do it For You.") In the Army I made lifelong friends, and you will will too. You will find that those friends are greater than gold.

If you go into a funk, think of those true friends. Give them a call or an e-mail. You will find that there will always be someone who will love you as a brother and will have your back the rest of your life.


You will soon find that "Fuck You" is a term of endearment.

Welcome home

[No Passaran]

50. I know what you mean

My friends now are for life. We had nothing in Iraq and we just fought to bring each other home alive.

[alfredo]

51. Our group of vets is special in that we cannot speak of any on the job

details. There is one aspect of our lives that we will take to our graves. Our war stories are usually about our off base exploits or life on base. If we do speak of work it is about stunts and asshole trick chiefs.

Make a website someday to act as a community meeting place. http://kagnewstation.com/ http://web.mac.com/alfredo_tomato/Kagnew_Images/Kagnew_page_1.html
http://thebeachbumreport.blogspot.com/



You will always be a soldier.

[globalvillage]

52. Thank you for your service

All the best to you.

:patriot:

[Yael]

53. Thank you for your service to our country

:patriot:

[WillyT]

54. Thank YOU !!! - K & R !!!

:patriot::grouphug::patriot:

[lynnertic]

56. So what's your theme song? When I was discharged from the Navy it was

Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone"

Once upon a time you dressed so fine
You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?
People'd call, say, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall"
You thought they were all kiddin' you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hangin' out
Now you don't talk so loud
Now you don't seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next meal.

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?

You've gone to the finest school all right, Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
And nobody has ever taught you how to live on the street
And now you find out you're gonna have to get used to it
You said you'd never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And ask him do you want to make a deal?

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?

You never turned around to see the frowns on the jugglers and the clowns
When they all come down and did tricks for you
You never understood that it ain't no good
You shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you
You used to ride on the chrome horse with your diplomat
Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat
Ain't it hard when you discover that
He really wasn't where it's at
After he took from you everything he could steal.

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?

Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people
They're drinkin', thinkin' that they got it made
Exchanging all kinds of precious gifts and things
But you'd better lift your diamond ring, you'd better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him now, he calls you, you can't refuse
When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose
You're invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?

---
Welcome Back GA Dem, Congratulations, and I hope your headaches get better.

[No Passaran]

58. I haven't thought about it

I should have had something playing when I was leaving post one last time

[Eurobabe]

57. Thank you for your service to the country

I am very sorry that you have to live with this at the ripe old age of 32. :hug:

[Orsino]

59. Congratulations, Sarge.

Welcome back to the nation that sent you where you never should have been, and thank you for all the sacrifices prerequisite to your stripes. I'm glad you're being taken care of, at least in part, and hope to see you on the picket lines.

Let's turn Georgia not just blue, but human.

[Left Brain]

60. Thank you so much for your service, GA Dem

All the best of luck to you in civilian life, and I hope your pain and injuries are eased by time, love, and good care.

[shireen]

61. you're young, with a chance to heal, and go on to live a happy fulfilling life

I hope you find peace, happiness, and success. Not just for yourself but also for your buddies who did not come home. It would be an awesome living memorial to them.

:hug:

[Laurab]

62. Thank you for your service!

And thank God you will have full benefits and pay for life, and didn't get screwed over by the Army, as I've read so many are.

I hope your health and PTSD improve, and that you can enjoy the remainder of your life to the fullest.

[RoadRage]

63. HOLY CRAP... LOOK AT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!

First of all - I completely appreciate you & your fellow soldiers for all of what you have been doing in Iraq. What you put yourself through every day that you were over there is priceless, and very much appreciated.

However.. in another link I had stared - I'd asked for some links to Conservative websites like DU that the Repugs visit.

I actually found a site - that links to stories HERE.. and slams people. Not surprising.. but your story made it to their forum. Very sad: http://www.conservativescave.com/index.php?topic=604.0

[No Passaran]

65. yeah I see

If they had read other posts in "my journal" that would have answered all their questions.
I personally don't come here to do anything but to thank those who have helped me get through this.

[Name removed]

78. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tammywammy]

80. That site is hateful

And the main guy is a Ron Paul supporter and antisemitic. "Moral Clarity" my ass. :eyes:

[babylonsister]

64. Congratulations, GA Democrat, and thank you for your service.

Also, welcome to the first page of the first chapter of the rest of your life. I know you'll make the most of it! :patriot:

[napi21]

66. Thank you for all you did. Now make sure you get the medical treatment

you need to get better. If you ru into any problems getting it, let us know. We're still here for you, and we WILL do whatever is necessary to make sure you get what you need!

[No Passaran]

67. For DUumpster readers

I'm here to answer your questions too

1. (franksolich)
"Not to sound mildly dubious, but why would a 500-posts primitive get "hundreds" of personal messages from primitives, given that it takes thousands of posts to gain credibility among the unwashed?"

Maybe because I was a member from day one. If you click on my profile you can see I was a member since 2001.

2. TheSarge

"That being said...if this guys really was in the military and really is having problems with PTSD I hope he gets help. The screening process is getting better...but too many soldiers are still fudging on their post deployment questionaires for whatever reason."

Thank you. I'm trying.

3. VelvetElvis
"As an active duty soldier, if he used his 500 posts to bash the military, Chimpy, and America, that woulda done the trick.

But they do so support the troops, doncha know."

Half of these users are veterans. No I didn't rant against the military or America. Satisfied?

4. MPCOA
"I'm not buying it

PTSD, Head, Neck, and migraines because of two tours?
If you were to really have the physical injuries why not state what actually caused it, like my truck got blown up and I was thrown into the roof?"

Head - combination of being blown up three times and wearing all the gear.
Head - Same (add some depleted uranium from OIF I and you're lucky to only end up with migraines)
PTSD - Do I really have to say it?

5. Uhhuh35
"I work with a former Marine who had a tour in Iraq and he has similar injuries. The difference is most of the vets I know are resistant to be tagged with PTSD because they view it as a sort of "scarlet letter". They don't want others to be thinking they're gonna' "wig out" or something."

Which I did for years. Read my previous posts in a journal. I guess you can't hide this "scarlet letter" forever.

6. MPCOA

"This guys post just doesn't add up to me, he is either lying or not giving the whole story. I have known lots of guys who downplayed to stay in and ones to make up the catchalls to get out."

How's the view of the war from your TV set?

http://www.conservativescave.com/index.php?topic=604.0

[ray of light]

68. PLEASE, take care of your health!!!

And thank you for your service. We are proud of you and your fellow soldiers. (We're not proud of Dick Cheney and GWB who abused your trust and ours to start this illegal war.)

[TheCentepedeShoes]

69. Thank you for your service

And all the best to you. :patriot:

[we can do it]

70. I Had Similar Feelings When I Was Forced To Retire from the Fire Service

I had an injury on a medic call that was made worse by rushing back to work, not getting proper physical therapy because my male therapist could not envision a female being a firefighter, a subsequent injury due to careless driving on another medic call....all which resulted in my shoulder needing reconstructive surgery.....I was told after surgery and 9 months of PT that we have enough guys around here with physical problems, we don't need you too - just retire. I was very angry for quite sometime, but now I just enjoy getting my pension checks. I wish I could give you a hug.

:hug:

[brer cat]

71. What wonderful news!

May you be blessed for your service and sacrifice. I'm thankful that DU was here for you...DUers support the troops as well as promote peace.

Are you staying in GA? We need every dem!

Rose from very red Towns County.

:party: :toast: :patriot:

[usaftmo]

72. We're in a similar situation.

I'm in the Air Force and waiting for the results of a medical board. Also have PTSD, and reach 17 years of service this spring. Just hoping they don't give me a gold watch and kick me in the butt...

[No Passaran]

73. wow

17 years of service? You're getting the raw end of the deal. Just deny and appeal or at least make it temporary so you can get those 3 years and retire with full pension.

[usaftmo]

75. Hopefully it will be a medical retirement

The past few days my mind has been flooded with thoughts to my hometown (Arlington, VA). I'd like to get a Gov't job with the skills I've learned in the AF and be a double-dipper.

Was your medical retirement effective immediately? Last summer that happened to a civilian in the office.

[No Passaran]

77. Yes it starts immediately

hope they take care of you. Contact me if you have questions about the process. There are some great vets around here who can help you like they helped me answer questions about the whole process

[usaftmo]

79. I read the regulation about it,

and quickly drowned in information. Perhaps each service does it their way. I've got over 30 days of leave; I guess that I should burn it soon. Selling leave isn't that good of an option. If I take regular (not terminal) leave I'll still get separate rations and a housing allowance (live off-base).

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[windbreeze]

74. Thank you for serving....and Congratulations on your retirement..

and take care of yourself, PTSD can be a real bitch all by itself, w/o all the other things you are dealing with...wb

[SalmonChantedEvening]

76. Your duty is done. Welcome home sir

Thank you for your service :patriot:

Our Vets help make DU what it is. :)

[MrScorpio]

81. Welcome, Brother

You served your country well

[Miss Chybil]

82. Thank you for your service, Staff Sergeant. nt

[southern_belle]

83. Thank you for your sacrifice to, and service for,

this country, GA Democrat. :patriot:
Now it is time to heal. Take care of yourself. :hug:

[ileus]

84. Thanks for your service.

[MasonJar]

85. Congratulations on your new life! Enjoy and prosper!

[tabasco]

86. Just guessing, but I bet you were a fine soldier.

I hope your injuries get better and you have a great life. Thanks for your service!

:patriot:

[uppityperson]

87. Acquaintence's son with 16 yrs just got this happen also. Best in your civilian life.

[Breeze54]

88. Thank You for your courage and your service!

Welcome Home! :patriot:

:hug:

:kick: & Recommended

[lildreamer316]

89. Thank you, so very much, for your service.

I hope you are able to have a meaningful and full life from now on.

[Gloria]

90. Now is the time for you to heal....try some qigong....it may really help

you with some of your injuries. I'm very serious...it did amazing things for my problems.

[valerief]

91. Glad to have you back with us! nt

[proud2BlibKansan]

92. I am glad to hear this

Sorry you were injured but glad the army is treating you fairly.

[Bicoastal]

93. Stay strong, and always know that we here at DU admire and salute you! nt

[peace13]

94. Congrats!

Thank you for your service. Enjoy life. Peace, Kim