The Hero Treatment program is a rehab facility here in Louisiana that treats veterans recovering from drug and alcohol addiction as well as PTSD. I just wanted to celebrate a victory in our community, 3 guys were baptized yesterday. They voluntarily left their life of addiction to pursue sobriety and recovery through the chain breaking, healing power of Jesus Christ.
”Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,“
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭103‬:‭2‬-‭4‬

Shared by Art Reynolds from a friend of his:

"Those who fight monsters inevitably change. Because of all that they see and do, they lose their innocence, and a piece of their humanity with it. If they want to survive, they begin to adopt some of the same characteristics as the monsters they fight. It is necessary. They become capable of rage, and extreme violence.

There is a fundamental difference, however. They keep those monster tendencies locked away in a cage, deep inside. That monster is only allowed out to protect others, to accomplish the mission, to get the job done, Not for the perverse pleasure that the monsters feel when they harm others. In fact, those monster tendencies cause damage, GUILT, ISOLATION, DEPRESSION, PTSD.

There is a cost for visiting violence on others when you are not a monster. Those who do so know one thing: The cost inflicted upon society as a whole is far greater without those who fight monsters. That is why they are willing to make that horrible sacrifice so that others may live peaceably.

Before you judge one of us, remember this:
We witness things that humans aren't meant to see, and we see them repeatedly. We perform the duties that you feel are beneath you. We solve your problems... Often by visiting violence upon others. We run towards the things that you run away from. We go out to fight what you fear. We stand between you, and the monsters that want to damage you. You want to pretend that they don't exist, but we know better. We do the things that the vast majority are too soft, too weak, too cowardly to do.

Your life is more peaceful because of us.

The current political climate in this country holds that there is nothing worth fighting for. Submission is the popular mantra. Warriors are decried, denigrated, and cast as morally inferior. We know how childish, how asinine, and how cowardly that mindset is.

We know this: There ARE things worth fighting, and dying for. We know that not every problem can be solved through rational discourse, that some problems can only be solved through the application of force and violence. And, while we do prefer the former, we are perfectly capable of the latter.

We believe that fighting what others fear is honorable, noble, and just, and are willing to pay the price for that deeply held belief.

Why? For us, it isn't a choice...

It is what we are. We are simply built that way."

~ SHARED BY A FRIEND AND WARRIOR BROTHER!!

I had the honor of being a guest in this podcast with a fellow former Nightstalker and his cousin Firefighter. We talk everything from Breakdancing and Hip Hop, to 160th days, PTSD/trauma, and healing journeys, with mine including Ibogaine and 5MEO/DMT treatment in Mexico.

If you have a spare three hours, give it a listen. If you have any questions after, feel free to pass.

NSDQ.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep7-interview-with-danny-bell/id1676780906?i=1000646369679

Worth a read...

Strong words from Soldiers such as Willy McTear come in Loud and Clear to Leaders, if they have the stones to face such realities and they provide us, as a Nation, with some Hard Truths that must be heard/faced.

How our Vietnam Veterans were treated upon their return from the green hell of that conflict is something every American who is worthy of such a title should be ashamed of. That must Never happen again... it is Ok, and Right even to hate War (I know that first hand), but when we hate Our Warriors, well, that Must Never Happen Again...

May God Bless our Vietnam Veterans, May He bring them a calm to their heads and hearts from such memories, and grant them Peace for the rest of their days - we must Never Forget how we treated them upon their return to our Homeland, ever...

SALUTE!

via: The Giant Killer
·
Powerful words from a Vietnam vet!

Photo of Willie McTear, McTear served in Charlie Company of the Army 9th Division's 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 1967.

McTear gives his opinion of the draft, the brotherhood of war, and what it was like to be spit on & cursed at upon his return from Nam.

"I’m just one of the approximate 9,000 men who were drafted and made up the Ninth Infantry Division. This is my opinion based on my personal experience.

We, the draftees, were designated well in advance for the Ninth Division to occupy the Mekong Delta.

We fought in the most difficult terrain in all of South Vietnam: jungles, mud and swamps. The only volunteers were the officers. The rest of the entire division, with exception of some non-commissioned officers, were draftees. I was in one of the first integrated companies of all draftees.

We had the best officer, Jack Benedict. Rest In Peace.

Each patrol was a suicide mission. We would have liked the choice to choose the branch of service and a Military Occupational Speciality. But that was not an option for draftees, only a carrot that was dangled to get us to enlist.

We viewed this as punishment for not volunteering. We all gave some and some gave all. R.I.P.

After several firefights we realized how the draft board and America really felt about us. Sergeant Bill Reynolds said it best. “America is not with us.”

Enough said.

Without a word said, we understood that we had a special bond and from this point on we will fight for each other because we had been abandoned.

More abandonment was revealed and manifested upon our arrival home, not as heroes but as villains. We were spat on and cursed at. Our government didn’t have the decency to give us a heads up upon our arrival.
That hurt really deep.

The wounds inflicted are invisible and manifested in many ways. Many of us grapple with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a sense of not belonging and not being good enough to be accepted as Soldiers.

So thank you draft board for souls lost and lives destroyed beyond repair.

I try not to remember the suffering you inflicted upon us, but remember our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility and the courage to endure past and current hardships.

I think I can speak for the Ninth Division, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry and especially Charlie Company.

God did through Andrew Wiest what we could not do for ourselves when he wrote the book, The Boys of ’67: Charlie Company’s War in Vietnam.

Writer and arm-chair general Abigail Pfeiffer said it best: “Wiest addresses the ugliness and humanity of war but also the loving bonds that are created between Men who experienced war together and the indelible marks it leaves on their minds.”

And a big thank you to National Geographic for “Brothers in War,” for bringing The Boys of ’67 to life with that documentary, the story of Charlie Company.

To the draft board, we forgive you, but we hope and pray the draft board will be eliminated."
- Willie McTear

The Giant Killer book & page honors these incredible war heroes making sure their stories of valor and sacrifice are never forgotten. The book which features the incredible life of the smallest soldier, Green Beret Captain Richard Flaherty (101st Airborne & 3rd SF Group 46th Co.) and several of the other heroes featured on this page is available on Amazon & Walmart. God Bless our Vets!

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-tim-murphy_veterans-trauma-ptsd-activity-7158155963672248320-rqnc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

Thanks DocTimMurphy for your leadership.

Hello brothers and sisters.

There are many silent sufferers out there dealing with their own internal storms with regard to combat and/or any/all trauma.

I was a pretty high functioning dude. At some point, I dropped a fill somewhere and the internal Comms stopped transmitting properly.

I went to Mexico and received Ibogaine and 5MEO/DMT treatment.

I won’t bore you, you can read the article below, published by Stanford University of 30 SOF veterans who went to the same place I did.

Changed my life. If you are interested in treatment, check out the Non-profit : VETS (veterans exploring treatment solutions)

They give grants to SOF to participate.

Take care of each other this year, kind words and helpful moments.

#mentalhealth #TBI #ptsd #psychedelictherapy #endveteransuicide #nsdq

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02705-w.pdf

https://www.c-span.org/video/?532486-3/tim-murphy-discusses-book-the-christ-cure-mental-health-crisis-us

Fall In Veteran contributor and Mental Health professional receives recognition as TOP 10 in PTSD genre.

Know who you are, your role and your responsibility. Join your tribe and help start the Fall In Legacy!

The importance of the veteran community and its impact on American society is a multifaceted topic, worthy of deep exploration. Veterans, having served their country in various capacities, hold a unique position in the societal fabric, contributing in numerous ways that often go beyond their military service.

### Historical Context

The veteran community has been an integral part of American society since the country's inception. From the Revolutionary War to recent conflicts, veterans have shaped the course of American history. Their experiences in service and the skills acquired therein have often been transferred to civilian life, enriching various sectors.

### Economic Contributions

Veterans are known for their discipline, leadership skills, and technical expertise. Many transition into the workforce, bringing these qualities to the private sector, government roles, and entrepreneurship. Their presence in the workforce helps to diversify and strengthen it, driving innovation and economic growth.

### Social Impact

Beyond economic contributions, veterans often engage in community service and advocacy. Many work with organizations that focus on issues like homelessness, mental health, and veterans' rights. Their firsthand experiences lend a unique perspective to these issues, facilitating more effective solutions and raising awareness in the wider community.

### Educational Influence

Veterans in educational roles, whether as teachers, administrators, or students, bring a wealth of real-world experience. This perspective can enrich academic environments, fostering a deeper understanding of global affairs, civic responsibility, and leadership among students.

### Psychological and Health Perspectives

The veteran community also plays a critical role in advancing the understanding of mental health and physical challenges associated with service. Their experiences have led to increased awareness and advancements in treating conditions like PTSD and combat-related injuries, benefiting broader society.

### Bridging Civil-Military Divides

Veterans act as a bridge between the military and civilian populations, helping to foster mutual understanding. In a society where a small percentage of the population serves in the armed forces, veterans provide a crucial link, sharing their experiences and viewpoints, thus enriching the national dialogue.

### Cultural Contributions

The stories and experiences of veterans have deeply influenced American culture, from literature and film to art and music. These narratives not only preserve historical truths but also offer insights into the human condition, resonating with broader audiences.

### Policy Influence

Veterans often play pivotal roles in shaping policies related to national defense, foreign affairs, and veterans' benefits. Their insights, born out of real-world experience, ensure that policies are grounded in the realities of those who serve.

### Conclusion

The veteran community is a vital part of American society, not just in terms of past sacrifices, but in ongoing contributions across multiple facets of life. Their experiences, skills, and perspectives enrich the nation, fostering a more resilient, informed, and cohesive society. The purpose and impact of this community are dynamic, evolving with each generation, but its significance remains a constant, integral part of the American narrative.

PJ’s Veteran’s Day Sermon:

TO THE WARTIME VETERAN:

There is a saying that says, “The war is never over in the mind of the warrior”.

I sincerely believe that! When I returned from the war, I went “nuts” for 9 years. Life was difficult, as I experienced nightmares and daymares. I could not quiet my mind as visions of the unthinkable raced through my mind. Today, they call it Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD}.
I tried everything the world offered for help;
visits to the Psychiatrist, meds, alcohol, sex, and anything I thought would help. Sometimes I would pretend that it helped. In reality, nothing helped, nothing. I felt so alone, even in the midst of a crowd.
Now, if you are a Wartime Veteran, EMT, Police Officer, etc., that has “experienced the unthinkable”, reading this, please hear this truth and cognitively receive it, THERE IS HELP! Help is not in what the world offers, but rather in what God offers you.He offers you what you are really looking for, Healing and Peace.

The Lord says:

“For I will restore health unto thee, And I will HEAL thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD”. Jeremiah 30:17

“You will keep him in perfect PEACE; Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You”. Isaiah 26:3

Jesus says:

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls”
Matthew 11: 28-2

How do you “Come unto Jesus”? Here is what worked for me. I simply prayed, “Jesus, if you are real, HELP”. And with that simple prayer, the help I was seeking began!

Thank you for your service. You’re not home yet, but with Jesus, one day you will be Home!

From one wartime veteran to another:

PJ