It is true that I have anger issues when I write about what I saw in Iraq. and it is for a variety of reasons. The primary being my respect and love for the Army of which I have been a part of since 1980. The U.S. Army has secured and provided our freedom since 1774 and deserves nonthing less then my full measure of respect and admiration. Todays Army has a sysytem in place to gaurentee our future freedoms, the problem is that that the enforcment of that system is dependent on "Indivivuals". and when indivivduals fail to support and enforce that sytstem and its policys people die. I am going to detail some of the flat out "Wrong" things that happened while I was there and my personal opinion. If the indivivduals that have been given the authority and responsibilty to maintain Army standards, policys,customs and regulations I wouldn't have issues. I will try to explain in a few new entries.
As far as continuing to adjust to civilian life I am getting a few suprises that I am sure other vets a getting. We were told when we left Hawaii that all of us would get six more months of full medical coverage, it's called Tri-care. When I went to the local military post to check in I also asked that since I am now in my home town is it possible to use my MD, Optometrist and Dentist I was told "No". It seems to make the most sense to be able too since these same three people cared for me before I was activated but this is not the case. I must go through a long process and drive out of town if they feel it is needed. I was hoping to just maintain a steady flow with my own doctors but will not be allowed. What makes it even more frustrating is that I will be back on my own cicilian coverage as soon as I return to work. I was never given dental care in my last twelve months thanks to MSG Morrill not knowing his duty and it doesn't seem the Army will have to provide me that benefit. I really do not want to play "Musical doctors".
I aslo payed a visit to the local VA office and was told that the "VA Mortgage" people left my county since it was now pretty much impossible for the average veteran to buy an average $750,000.00 home in this county.
I went to the local college and found out there would be no veterans counslers available for one week. It is still one heck of alot better than being in Iraq. I will finish my schooling and try to enjoy each day home.
Pictures will be posted soon and I will follow up on some of the worst leadership I've ever seen but want to say one more time that the fast majority of those that I served with were and are some of the best this countries got and it was an honor to serve with them. The truth has to be known.
"Veritas Vos Liberabit"
The power of the web is limitless. There are many "Takfiris" back in "country" that will use information to manipualte the truth in order to win the hearts and minds of the mass globally. There are many Americans who want to hear the truth from you. Be mindful that your enemies do as well. Remember your last briefing. Remember it well.
“Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.”
- Sun Tzu
Anyway on a lighter note, here are some info that will help you in your quest for VA Benefits. I hope this will help you. Exercise Patience and Persistence.
VA WEB SITE
www.va.gov
VA FACILITIES LOCATOR
www.va.gov.sta/guide/home.asp
VA EDUCATION
www.gibill.va.gov
VA LOAN GUARANTY
www.homeloans.va.gov
VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
www.va.gov/vso/default.asp
STATE VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE
www.va.gov/partners/stateoffice/index/.htm
One more thing SSG Elias Banales, TFK Driver. Remember what we were told. The enemy we fought in Iraq are dynamic. If they think we are important enough based on their tactical and strategic assessment, the takfiri will find us at home.
Damn Leonidas - That sounds an awful lot like a threat!
SSG Elias Banales...my intention is not to threaten you or anyone who will tell it like it is. It is NCO's like us who need to tell the truth. I urge you to speak your mind, your heart, and your soul. It is when we start to began our stories is when we can somehow let go of all the anger, pain, and fustration. I can't wait to read what you are going to write about MSG Morrill. However, it is NCO's like us who will let you know who and what is out there lurking. As far as "Homefries", if you wasn't there, I suggest you sit back, keep reading, and begin to understand what we Konohiki members went through.
"Veritas Vos Liberabit"
- The Truth Will Set You Free
Leonidas I am definitely awaiting to read the next blog here. I'm sorry that I thought you were threatening him but it just seemed that way.
By the way who is this Morrill person that everyone keeps talking about? Was he over the enlisted and if so, who was over him? Officers? And if thats the case, I'd like to hear about the officers over him that allowed him to do some of the things I've been reading about. I want to hear about it all. I've gotten bits and pieces here and there from a few people in the Konohiki group but I know I'm not getting the whole story. I like hearing all sides.
Keep up the blogs!!
Hey man, welcome home! I've posted a few comments before on your blog, like I said before I left O'Ryan last year. I kept a journal when I got home and I read what you wrote about having anger issues and your frustration dealing with the v.a. it realy brought me back! the ting I'm geting at is that everything sort of worked its self out for me. I know everybody is different, but I think that for myself and most of my friends I think its just a time healing all wounds soft of thing. I thought I needed anger managment and cousoling. I went to the V.a. and as disatisfied to say the least. I thought about paying for my own thropist but I never got around to it. I know they say that ignoring your issues is the wrong way to go, but I just found projects to get involved in, worked a lot of over time and just tried over and over agian to get back to my old life. It takes a while, but slowly you get back to the way you were. your gonna be a changed man but you just have to take stock of the changes. for instance, i was a party animal when i left. i work the 3 to 11 shift at the sheriff's office and 3 or four nights a week id stop out for a few beers with the guys, and by the time i got around to going home the sun was coming up! well the biggest change is that im a freaking home body now! I just had to realise that I enjoy different things now. it sounds gay, bt you really have to get to know who you are now, as opposed to who you were then. dont rush anything
john