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Jan
6
2010 New Year’s Wishes
Filed Under American Patriotism, New Year, Peace, War | Comments Off on 2010 New Year’s Wishes
by Janet J. Seahorn
It’s already time for a brand New Year
Filled with new hope, dreams and some cheer.
For many their prospects are filled with great joy
While others the forecast may seem a bit grim.
Perhaps we can change the Year 20 and 10
And make it a season for our world to mend.
A year of forgiving,
A year of great love,
One of abundance sent from above.
A year without conflict,
A year where wars end,
A time where the goodness of angels commend.
A year of good fortune,
A year without hate,
When lies and untruths and battles abate.
A year where one’s word
Can be totally trusted,
Where nothing is left but goodwill and justice.
A year without fear,
A year where we’ve learned
Those rainbows are just around the next turn.
A year where we find
That we are not lost,
That life must be lived no matter the cost.
A year that we take
One step at a time
Trusting to see and feel the sublime.
A very deep breath
And we’re on our way
To making each moment a true New Year’s Day.
May your coming year be filled with love,
safe-keeping and prosperity.
Nov
18
Beyond November 11th
Filed Under American Patriotism, Events, Quilts of Valor, Veteran's Day | 1 Comment
Wednesday was Veteran’s Day. A twenty-four hour period where Americans are supposed to stop at some time during those hours to honor and reflect on the sacfrices made by our veterans so that others can live in a free and democratic country. Truly, I don’t know how many Americans did this… With the busyness of daily life, I didn’t see much evidence that many knew the honorary day existed. Yet, across the nation there many observances.
In our home we did something uniquely special. Something we have never done before, nor will we do again. The event was a culmination of several months of planning.
It included the thoughtfulness and generosity of family members and close friends, along with the sewing fingers of the Caring Quilters of “The Rabbit’s Lair” in Rogers, AR. Contributers are Betty Hayes, Marguerite Steiner, Nancy White and Patty Wilhelm and machine quilted by Donna Roche. All are dedicated to making a difference with the “Quilts of Valor”.
It was a secret for Tony, which took a great deal of evasive action and patience to execute. In honor of all vets, we took this day to symbolize such respect by paying tribute to one. Inviting several neighbors to share the evening, we ate a light dinner, then watched the touching movie, Taking Chance, the true story of a twenty-year old Marine who died in Iraq. The movie chronicled the journey of Chance Phelps from Iraq to his family burial place in Dubois, Wyoming. http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/
One member this evening, a former marine who flew helicopters in Vietnam, shared how, while he was waiting for his overseas assignment, was given the duty of informing two families of their loved ones’ death. It was information he had never shared with any of us before and we could tell that the memory still remained with him.
At the very end of the evening, we surprised Tony with his own Quilt of Valor. Needless to say, he was speechless and quite humbled. You see, he understood that this distinctive comforter of courage was not just for him, but for every wounded warrior from every war past and present. So Thank You every veteran for your sacrifice and service. We hold you warmly in our hearts and minds, not just on November 11, but every day of every year.
Oct
28
Obama Signs Veterans Health Care Legislation
Filed Under Veteran Benefits | Comments Off on Obama Signs Veterans Health Care Legislation
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2009 – President Barack Obama signed new legislation today that creates predictable funding for veterans’ health care.
The Veterans Healthcare Reform and Transparency Act fundamentally changes how the Department of Veterans Affairs receive health care funding. The reform calls for appropriations a year in advance after more than two decades of regular budget delays, Obama said from the White House East Room.
“Over the past two decades, the VA budget has been late almost every year, often by months,” the president said. “At this very moment, the VA is operating without a budget, making it harder for VA medical centers and clinics to deliver the care our vets need.”
Obama said that because of budget shortfalls, new doctors, nurses and critical staff aren’t hired on time. New health care facilities and programs often are put on hold, leaving veterans to pay the price for the government’s neglect, he said.
“This is inexcusable. It’s unacceptable. It’s time for it to stop,” he said. “And that’s just what we’ll do with this landmark legislation.”
The law gives VA more funding predictability so officials can better budget their needs, recruit better-trained professionals and upgrade equipment. Mostly, Obama said, the law gives veterans better access to quality care.
“In short, this is common-sense reform,” he said. “It promotes accountability at the VA. It ensures oversight by Congress. It is fiscally responsible by not adding a dime to the deficit, and it ensures that veterans’ health care will no longer be held hostage to the annual budget battles in Washington.
“Keeping faith with our veterans is work that is never truly done,” he continued. “Today’s veterans expect and deserve the highest quality care, as will tomorrow’s veterans, especially our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Obama pledged his administration would continue in efforts to build a 21st-century VA. Since he’s taken office, the White House, VA and Pentagon have been working to “cut the red tape and backlogs,” he said.
He noted the administration has invested in mobile clinics to give veterans in rural areas better access, and cited the VA and Pentagon’s work to develop a single health care record for servicemembers to make their transition out of the military a simpler process.
Obama also vowed to end homelessness among veterans and praised the success of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which offers qualified veterans better opportunities to attain higher education and training.
“All told, we have made the biggest commitment to veterans, the largest percentage increase in the VA budget in more than 30 years,” he said. “As a nation, we’ll pledge to fulfill our responsibilities to our veterans, because our commitment to our veterans is a sacred trust, and upholding that trust is a moral obligation.”
Oct
7
Coming Home
Filed Under American Patriotism, Life, PTSD, Today's War | Comments Off on Coming Home
by Stars and Stripes
He’s a businessman now. He has leisure time. He reads his law books, looks for a house to buy. He sleeps on clean sheets, and takes Hawaiian cruises with his family.
But a part of Dave Johnson is still in Iraq.
A couple of times a week, he wakes up there – “in the middle of a giant explosion,” he said, like the one on his second tour that took out his patrol base, killed one colleague, maimed another and injured a dozen more.
The former sergeant, who enlisted after getting a law degree to do his duty for his country – then was stop-lossed for 18 months – revisits the battleground in his waking life, too.
Every now and then, he says, he’ll have a flashback – “a very, very vivid memory” – of one among six or so events during his first Iraq tour.
A certain suicide bombing in a market, for instance.
“It was the last one I ever went to. We were the first responders,” Johnson, 30, said. “I felt the concussion. The blast wasn’t as big so there were much larger body parts, an arm here, a leg …
“It was me and Capt. [Matt] Lee and a member of the British Parliament. The entire market burned to the ground,” he said.
The memories creep in without warning, he said, and the acute flashback, including increased pulse and perspiration rate and a pounding heart, lasts about 30 seconds. Johnson’s twin brother, who spends a lot of time with him teaching him the family roofing business, can tell when it happens.
“He says, ‘You’re twitching again, dude.’
So Johnson wasn’t surprised to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The nightmares, the residual feelings of terror, the loss of sleep – all of it “affects you all day,” he said. And to have a flashback in the courtroom would not be good, he said.
Experts estimate that fully 20 percent of Iraq-deployed troops have developed PTSD and that nearly all show some post-combat anxiety. Yet despite a Defense Department effort to remove the stigma surrounding such psychological impacts of combat, many soldiers are still hesitant to admit they may be having problems and seek help.
Now Johnson spends his days learning the family roofing business from his brother. He’s looking for a starter house. Evenings he reads up on civil law so he can assist with the firm’s legal work.
Life is good, he said.
Yet as glad as he is to be out, he has few regrets about having been a grunt.
“Riding in a helo, staying up for 50-some hours straight, carrying a machine gun … I wouldn’t have traded it for the world.”
Aug
25
BLANKETS OF HOPE
Filed Under American Patriotism, Quilts of Valor | 1 Comment
“QUILTS OF VALOR PROJECT”
During the Purple Heart National Convention we passed a table of women busily sewing and constructing several incredibly beautiful red, white, and blue patriotic quilts. Turns out, these ladies have made and sent to military hospitals throughout the United States and overseas over 415 quilts. The national Quilts of Valor Organization has provided over 17,000 quilts. Frankly, I was stunned by this number given the time, money, and effort that goes into making a hand sewn quilt. Wow!
For that reason, I thought our readers might find it interesting to know some of the facts regarding such a worthy organization. (PS – they greatly need and accept donations to help defray the personal cost and postage for each quilt and quilter). The following information is taken from a brochure given to me by Donna Roche, the Arkansas QOV Coordinator (e-mail diva@mc2k.com)
The Quilts of Valor is our “Purple Heart Award” for service, sacrifice and valor of combat wounded soldiers. It is our way of saying “Thank You for your service, you have not been forgotten.” Numerous people are involved in making the quilts, from contributing quilt blocks, finishing the tops, and then quilting them. Each quilt receives a “Quilt of Valor” label thanking the injured warrior for their dedication and sacrifice. The label contains the name of the maker and the quilter. Sometimes the soldier will send a letter of thanks like the one below:
“My QOV not only keeps me warm when I am cold, it keeps my heart warm too. I’m twenty-four, a husband and father. This may seem childish, but when I get scared with memories of war, I curl up in the quilts and everything goes away. It makes me and the hundreds of wounded I’ve seen feel better knowing there are people in the States that care about us and what we do.”
The Cost of each quilt:
Quilt top $55
Batting $15
Quilt Backing $40
Binding & Notions $10
Pillowcase $ 5
Shipping w/Insurance $10
Total for making a QOV $135
The following poem is dedicated to these amazing women and their loving selfless efforts.
BLANKET OF HOPE
Blanket of Hope
Covers my wounds,
Keeping me safe
In this far from home room.
Blanket of Hope
Surrounding my heart,
Keeping me sane
When I’m falling apart.
Blanket of Hope
Sewn by love’s hands,
With patience and kindness
Compassion commands.
Blanket of Hope
As tears fill my eyes
Brings me closer to home
When morning arrives.
Blanket of Hope
With deep gratitude
My words can’t express
A way to thank you.
Janet J. Seahorn, Ph.D
August, 2009
In honor of the Quilts of Valor Organization
Donations are greatly needed and accepted to help continue this amazing, healing mission.
or Donna Roche, diva@mc2k.com
Aug
18
THE WISDOM OF WARRIORS PAST
Filed Under American Patriotism, Purple Heart | 1 Comment
by Tony Seahorn
Even in the most devastating and pain-filled moments, we have an opportunity to learn something about ourselves, our world, and the human spirit.
Attending the Purple Heart National Convention in Rogers, Arkansas provided an enormous volume of proof supporting this statement. The group was a moving, living sea of purple where great amounts of blood was given in service to our country. Veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and a few from the current war in Iraq and Afghanistan attended.
It is the Vietnam veteran, however, who have provided evidence of how to do things differently when welcoming a warrior home from combat. These vets had no “welcome home”. Their experience of returning from combat was often met with verbal and sometimes physical abuse. Crowds of protesters were waiting to hurl insults and thoughtlessly displayed signs/banners with obscene language and incredibly cruel remarks and pictures.
What Vietnam vets taught Americans through their touching stories were how badly they were injured – not just by the enemy in a foreign land, but by their own country men. The wound to the soldier was deeper, more personal. It bled into the heart and soul of the veteran and couldn’t heal. Healing requires exposure to the light, the outside air. The Vietnam vets were forced to suppress not only their sacrifice, but their woundedness.
With our present battles in Iraq and Afghanistan, veterans have rallied for a new mission, a promise that never again would our military personnel return home unwelcome. Today there are a multitude of individuals and organizations who support, care and offer hope to serving military members as well as their families. At the Purple Heart Convention we met a few. The “Soldier’s Angels” were there to ensure every military person serving in a combat zone receives care packages, cards, and letters from their fellow Americans. “Quilting for Valor” is another group who painstakingly create beautiful hand-crafted quilts to send to hospitals both in-country and overseas. These quilts cover and comfort the wounded warrior during his/her hospitalization.
And there were others with their own caring mission.
Vietnam veterans taught Americans how words can wound deeper than guns. How lack of support impairs the ability to move forward. And most of all, how to forgive – their country’s leaders, their country men/women, and sometimes even their own families – because they understand that forgiveness heals.
The significant lesson these past warriors, in their aging wisdom learned, then modeled, was the power of absolution, which granted freedom from their emotional woundedness. Then, through such forgiveness, they have and continue to work tirelessly with the American people and the military to meet the needs of the new combat wounded.
America’s new Purple Hearts hopefully feel only the love, support, and generosity of an America who will never again allow our sons and daughters to return home from combat unwelcome.
Jun
22
A Reunion to Remember
Filed Under Vietnam Reunion | 1 Comment
There are all kinds of reunions: high school, family, college, etc. Then there are those reunions that aren’t organized just for celebrations, but more importantly for remembrance, honoring fallen comrades, and healing. The biennium gathering of Vietnam Veterans who served in Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry was one of these. This year it was held in Colorado Springs, CO, and we were invited to be part of the three day events. On Friday we visited Ft. Carson where the group was graciously granted access to several special base training sections including the simulation area where troops were able to practice their shooting skills. Another simulation building housed four look-alike Humvee Vehicles with machine guns, and other high tech equipment. Soldiers practice their driving skills and teamwork prior to deployment (or re-deployment) to assignments in Iraq and Afghanistan. These maneuvers proved far more challenging than any of us ever imagined. It made us realize how incredibly intelligent and efficient our current troops are when being trained for combat. Our young military guides were so enthusiastic about their mission, their work and their willingness to serve their country. Each had been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan at least once. Many had experienced three deployments with a fourth coming soon. I couldn’t help envisioning the huge sacrifice they were making, as well as the commitment from spouses, children, and parents.
The reunion ended with a banquet on Saturday evening which was far from any I had ever experienced. Before dinner was served, the names of almost one hundred fallen and missing comrades were read by various members of the Regiment. Then, all eyes focused on a round, empty table that sat on the stage with a vase tied with a red ribbon holding a single red rose. A dress military hat sat next to the vase which made the entire scene a poignant reminder of those who would never attend any of these reunions. Since many of our customs and stories are mirrored through metaphors and symbols, I thought you might find the following explanation of the empty table meaningful.
The table is round – to show everlasting concern for our missing men.
The tablecloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.
The single red rose – reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the love ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon – symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate – is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.
A pinch of salt – symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.
The Bible – represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.
The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share the evening’s toast.
The chair is empty – they are missing.
Sometime, perhaps 20 or 30 years from now, the warriors of today will be the old soldiers of tomorrow. Perhaps they will gather to remember, to heal, and to honor those who die in today’s war zones. And likely, they too will honor a single, empty, round table with an inverted glass and a red rose.
May
21
Making a Difference
Filed Under American Patriotism | Comments Off on Making a Difference
National Veterans Awareness Ride: Day 3 Friday May 15
Posted on the NVAR website: www.nvar.us
We started the ride today at 7:45 a.m. We lost one rider who returned home but picked up a new one. The weather was very cool after a rain front passed through last night. However, it was sunny and rain free by morning. The morning was uneventful for our 1st and second gas stops. Our third gas stop in Laramie, WY was rather spectacular. We were met there by 32 additional riders from the surrounding area and from Cheyenne. Also joining us was Vince and the Snyder Freight Line Freedom Rider Semi. What a beautifully Painted truck it is. Vince will be going all the way to the wall with us. The line of riders and support vehicles stretched for ¼ mile traveling the 60 miles to Cheyenne. We were met by a police escort on I-80 at Cheyenne and taken to the VA Hospital. As we pulled into the circle drive we noticed the flags flying at half mast. It was in honor and recognition of the fallen police officers of the area. The circle drive was lined with 11 American flags and the grass area had a small flag in the ground for each Vet that died at the hospital last year. It was a very impressive tribute. Tony Seahorn, a very highly decorated Vietnam Vet was the guest speaker. He presented a very moving tribute about some of his experiences in Vietnam and about honoring those who were never accounted for or returned alive. He & his wife co-authored a book called Tears of a Warrior, which is about their family’s story of combat and living with PTSD. His wife Janet, who is a Ph.D read us a poem entitled Angels of Steel. Janet wrote and dedicated this poem to the NVAR, stating “it will never be published for sale in any format”. It is strictly for honoring what we are doing. I wish it were not so long as I would love to share it with all who read this. It is so beautiful and moving it brought many to tears. Check out the web sight www.tearsofawarrior.com. After the ceremony we had a detail place a wreath among the flags of the honored dead, with taps and a 21 gun salute to follow. My friend for the day became Norman. He is a 29 ½ year air force Veteran. After retiring, he became a nurse and worked at the Cheyenne VA before becoming a patient at the home there. Norman had a brother who was a helicopter pilot and was killed in Vietnam. I found out most of this information from his wife who visits Norman every single day. We finished our day off at VFW Post 1881 with a very tasty spaghetti dinner and presented many well deserved certificates of appreciation.
May
20
To Honor and Give Thanks
Filed Under American Patriotism | Comments Off on To Honor and Give Thanks
President Barack Obama signed and issued a proclamation designating May 17, 2009 as Armed Forces Day:
“Today, the United States military serves across the world to keep us safe. They are working here at home to protect America from threats foreign and domestic; they are risking their lives in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan; and they are also serving bravely in many other parts of the world to ensure our security and provide humanitarian assistance. Members of the Armed Forces are forging a better future for our Nation and the world.
As they carry out their missions, military families endure the sacrifice of their absence. Worrying about their safety, moving to new duty stations, and managing a home without a loved one, these families shoulder great burdens as they help sustain our men and women in uniform… The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen who have answered the call to service deserve recognition and gratitude. They have endured the most difficult of conditions to protect America and her highest ideals.”
Last week, Tony and I visited several veteran homes and hospitals to give out copies of our book, Tears of a Warrior. It is always a humbling experience to see the price of Freedom in the broken bodies, minds, and hearts of our fellow military men/women. Not one person complained about his circumstances. Not one of these veterans declared that, if they had to do it over again, he would choose not to serve their country. The price many veterans pay for that service was and is incredible high. It does not end when the war is over. It remains a part of that person’s heart for life. Perhaps, we in the human race will find more appropriate ways to settle our differences. Ways that will not necessitate killing, maiming, and destroying each other. Perhaps, leaders across the world will be able to solve conflicts in a more humane manner. Perhaps, the world will grow more compassionate and caring and peace will actually be a part of every person’s existence. But until that time comes, let us not forget what we, as a nation, owe to those men and women who serve to protect our freedom, our peace, and our families.
Apr
9
What I Know Now About PTSD
Filed Under Treating PTSD | Comments Off on What I Know Now About PTSD
I thought some of you following our blog might like to read the few things I have learned in almost forty years of living with someone who has PTSD. The list is brief because I chose to focus on What I Know from years of experience, so here they are:
PTSD is an invisible ghost that appears in one’s emotional life at the most unexpected times.
- It is almost impossible to identify all of the triggers – i.e., things that remind the senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell of the past trauma.
- PTSD is the second war the individual must fight once home and it is sometimes even more challenging to succeed.
- This second war can be as hideous as the first. It is often manifested in common places and homes of the veteran. It affects the entire family – parents, siblings, spouses, children….
- PTSD is like throwing a huge rock in the middle of a quiet pond. The ripples extend far beyond the rock’s impact. In many cases the displacement seems to suck everything in its path into a black hole where normal life disappears entirely.
- Ignoring PTSD symptoms does not make them go away. They continue to fester.
- And most hopeful, PTSD can be managed. It can be effectively controlled, but only if the person affected admits there is a problem. As with most problems, awareness is the first step to healing. Taking steps to get the appropriate help, taking the responsibility for the situation, and doing something to heal is absolutely the best, and sometimes the only viable way to move through the life journey with better emotional and physical health.
- One last comment to employers — A person who has fought in combat and served his/her country honorable will definitely serve your organization/company in equal fashion. He/she will be committed to the work and fellow workers. He will be focused on the task at hand and will be relentless in making sure that the job is done well. She will pay attention to the details as well as the big picture. He will be a dependable asset to your organization. And most of all, she deserves the opportunity to have a normal, prosperous, and stable life after what she gave to our country and to us.
Mike MacDonald of the Black Lions CO C 2/28, ’68-69’responded to this recent blog and I thought it was worth adding:
“Demonstrated Team Player” – I run a small company and there are certain things I automatically know about Vets. They can be as disciplined as they need be, are team players, accept direction, are usually task oriented and conscientious.” Thanks, Mike for your comments.