Posted on Aug 3, 2014
CPL David Riopelle Spencer
4
4
0
I enlisted in 85 and entered service in 86. ETS'd in 92 after Desert Storm. Served in an Infantry unit that saw combat several times. When I got out, I put all the experiences in what I call my foot locker in the back of my brain and never discussed even serving until 5 years ago. When I brought all those memories front and center, it disrupted everything I know as life outside the military. Today I spend my time going to Vet Centers and trying to stow it back where I left it years ago. Curious if anyone is dealing with similar issues? Thanks for reading. Hooah
Avatar feed
Responses: 7
CPT Richard Riley
5
5
0
Many of us put it in a box and avoid opening it ever again - sadly it's not always our choice when the lock pops open with 'hello' to everything we crammed into that box.
Work to find a way that is successful for you to alleviate the type of actions you've described. I've heard it said many times the service is just one huge dysfunctional family. We do the best to take care of our own.
Hang in there and reach out when you need to.
(5)
Comment
(0)
CPL David Riopelle Spencer
CPL David Riopelle Spencer
10 y
Roger that Capt. Richard. I'm searching for more coping tools through the Vet Center and right here.
(2)
Reply
(0)
CPT Richard Riley
CPT Richard Riley
10 y
Go to the Thread started by Col (Join to see) https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/resources-for-veterans-service-members
on the first page you'll find a section "***Veteran Crisis & Caring for the families of the fallen *** then toward the botton of the same page you'll find "*** PTSD & related issues ***

If you need additional on-line resources, send me a message and I'll do what I can.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
MAJ Deputy Director, Combat Casualty Care Research Program
5
5
0
I've been back from Afghanistan for 8 months now and I'm still surprised when something bothers me. Just yesterday I was having a conversation with a girl at the hotel front desk and telling her a few stories about working in the combat hospital and caught a massive lump in my throat. You forget a lot over even a pretty short period of time and it takes you by surprise when it pops back up. The dreams stop and you go on with your life, but boy are there triggers.
(5)
Comment
(0)
PFC Robert Straw
PFC Robert Straw
10 y
I have been out of the army for 20 plus years and i still slip back into those days ,it sounds like your doing good .
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Joseph Dienstag
4
4
0
When you find the way to deal with it that works for you, then you wont have to try and keep it locked up. What can be hard at times is knowing that you only feel 100% at ease when your around others who were there. Call any time or drop by any time bro. My door is always open to my brothers.
(4)
Comment
(0)
CPL David Riopelle Spencer
CPL David Riopelle Spencer
10 y
THANKS JOE!. In many ways I look up to you and a few others. We all have our problems and deal with them differently. thank you for the phone and home offer. Same is extended to you bro, you have another home in Dallas if you ever want to get away.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close