The  VA, about  the  time  PTSD in mid-80’s    became a  subject to study  not  shun, diagnosed mine but  was 20  years later for  me. Found all that  really assists   is  to talk about  what  you  did with others  have done  the  same or  similar. Only one’s can actually really  understand.    Why  later life  military reunions  are  so  ongoing to the  Last Man bottle.  Since  a lot of it is  “Why  did I survive?” All there  did.  Civilian life  instances do not  usually include choice. Thus  the “I lived  through Katrina” T shirt. If  they’d  known about it ? Would have  left. I remember Jan ’73 end of  the  Draft. after  that everyone working  for me  had to be a  volunteer in  due  time.  Couldn’t  quit and  walk away but  just  a  different  feeling  about  your  troops wanting to be  there not  told ” Take one  step forward, March!”  Then on you  had  to respect a  decision to join  not  simply a  choice of  service to serve under.  To be other  than a  2 year  draftee, had  to have  qualifications.  After much time  you learn to roll with the punches.  I spend  so much  time  wandering  around  large  airfields  trying  to get  somewhere  I can’t that it makes  real iife  security processing a  breeze. When finally back with some unit  I’m the  old  guy my  age, them all fresh and  young.  Funniest  ever  was  dive bombing  training  on  a  roller coaster! Back in  the  day I might  have  won a  cash saving  award!

So I always  tell any  with a  grandpa,  father,  uncle, brother, friend  who wont  talk about  their  service? Draw them out  and  get  them talking.  Just  might  both  of  you have a  good  cry or  a  great  laugh together.   Nothing  strange  about  what  was  real at  sometime  in  a life  both well lived and  worth respect. Those who can’t  respect honor? Not  considered  human, my  book.  Some  animal came  in  with somewhere an open door,  Toss it back outside with others that  ilk and   close  that door. Hang, instead, with decent  folk.

Always get   a  courtesy response  from  MMB.  Best  of  the  arbiter/pontificator  pros. 8

“Dear Don,
Thank you for checking in.  “Mario, Mario”, such wondrous days of yore.  How our culture has found its way into filth all ’round.

Hang onto your Gold & Health,

…m…