Veteran’s Day
This is a patch that goes on an Army uniform. Once on my husband’s uniform 21 years ago. It’s an 8th Infantry Division patch. He was in the 12th Engineer Battalion that helped make up the 8th Infantry Division. His best memories are of this time of service in Germany. Echo Hard was their name. I love to listen to the stories and see the look on his face as he remembers the times. The men were really close, like brothers. Reading their posts on Facebook this morning told me that they still have that special bond years later. They still keep in touch and will never forget each other.
It took me a long time to understand why a soldier would want to risk his life for low pay, possible injury and maybe death, not to mention little recognition and support after his service from his country and government. I have seen what war does to the minds and bodies of the men and women who serve, and I don’t like it at all. But thanks to my husband, who helped me, I get it. I understand. So I want to say a special thanks to all of you in “Echo Hard”. And a big thank you to all our Veteran’s today. We appreciate all you have and continue to do for us. You won’t be forgotten.
All soldiers return from service, wartime or not, affected by their experience and/or injuries. Some you can see and some you can’t. A RAND Corporation study Invisible Wounds of War states that there are 400,000 total brain injuries sustained by soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And more every day. Find out about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and how it affects our Vets in these videos from U tube, Coming Home (Part 1) and Coming Home (Part 2). This music video, PTSD by SGT DUNSON says alot about the realities of dealing with PTSD after a soldier returns home. Watch it, you will see. There are soooooooo many stories, I had a hard time picking a few good ones for you. So when you see a vet , thank them, and know what you cannot see.
Get involved and see how you can help. Find your Local Veteran’s Affairs Department here. Find your local State Representative and ask him about the bills in-house that are changing health care for vets. And tell them our soldiers need MORE than they are getting now. But most of all, be knowledgeable and understanding of our vets and all they go thru.
I thank God everyday for keeping my soldier whole. Love you Dan! And yes, I love you too ECHO HARD!!! Keep in touch boys. and Thank you!
our headbangers ball 