Been going down memory lane this Veterans Day and flipping through old pictures of my Marine, John, during his two tours in Iraq. The trials of homecoming took their toll on him and the family for awhile but he has worked hard to rebuild himself and now volunteers to work with teens as part of making amends to the children who have suffered in Iraq.
PTSD and TBI are forever but seeing his transformation and the effort he puts into it has shown us that while he may never be the same he will still be wonderful.
John also made a fantastic best man at his brother Gabe’s wedding and looks as good in a tux as he does in uniform. Here he is with his three brothers in August.
John still looks like a Marine to me but seeing him in these photos it is hard to believe just how debilitating his time in Ramadi was and how much his experiences changed him. He has worked hard to deal with PTSD and now resides in Roseburg near the VA Hospital where he attends therapy from time to time. All our veterans need support and understanding everyday of the year but especially for today, please know how much I care for you all.
Your kind words mean more than todays 10% off to vets offer of Freddy Meyer. Wouldn’t it be nice if all people were understanding and appreciative every day.
And, speaking of understanding. Perhaps you can persuade your favorite newspaper editorial board to stop trying to convince their neighbors that we are an island.
I am inclined to agree that Coos County is ignoring its real assets focusing upon an expensive and fruitless goal to be something it isn’t