Are you tired of these PTSD signs... and the Discussion?

I'm a veteran diagnosed with PTSD also my step father is a Vietnam veteran also diagnosed. We didn't put up any pussy signs..... Every year when the fireworks start you know what we do? TURN UP THE RADIO AND JAM OUT!! Until we fall asleep when our meds kick in. Nobody pays attention to a damn sign.. You are right our stuff is our problem to deal with no reason to display it to everyone else and ask them not to enjoy their holiday for the benefit of us, they are celebrating their freedom and the people who protect/ protected it!!!

Seriously, as long as I'm expecting it, it doesn't bother me. A few weeks ago, (way before I was expecting it), someone set off a whistler that surprised me and my wife(she's not even a veteran). I ducked and said a few choice words but no harm was done. I wouldn't put a sign in my yard. I don't have my military record plastered on my back window. I know what I've done and I'm proud of it, but I'm not a drama queen.

I'm not really tired of Col Williams. I just couldn't resist pushing the button.

I have yet to be bothered by the fireworks. I have not had any go off in my area that are the size of a VBED or IED; those might have me startled. The signs are just a way for a Veteran to seek additional attention (right or wrong) and do less damage than the media. I personally do not display such bullcrap. I try to keep my issues to a selected few (you all are included) that actually impact my life and help in my healing.

I have not seen the signs as I don't get out much, my PTSD is keeping me in! Just kidding, while i do have PTSD it doesn't keep me in and it doesn't keep me from watching fireworks. I remember at a family gathering about 30 years ago, fireworks were being set off in the backyard, my twin brother and i, both Vietnam vets were there and well this one fireworks instead of going up as planned started going off all around us. I guess the rest of the family thought it was pretty funny when the two of us were the only ones diving for cover as they couldn't stop laughing.

The signs did make the news in Rhode Island recently just before the fourth and i felt like saying, give me a break! Dakota Meyer, MOH recipient had on his Facebook page something about this and he said that they are usually the ones who have these signs are ones who have some Rambo, killer type shirt on where they are promoting all things war but want to hide from it on other ways.

I've never seen one of these signs in someones yard, so there is no reason for me to be tired of the signs. If I did see one in a neighbors yard, I would avoid using fireworks simply because I would hope others would do the same if fireworks caused me problems.

I think it's even more common in the reserve components of the total force as well. A lot of them get back from a deployment and instantly expect to be put on a pedestal. Similarly, non-combatant MOS/AFSCs are often the biggest culprits.

Granted, and I say this with confidence, this is NOT the majority. It is a small percentage of veterans, but over the past 14 years our number of veterans out there seems to have increased and/or it has been more popular to be a veteran. When I hear a 4 year navy veteran without a single deployment on a ship or otherwise, flaunt his service as if it were more than what it was, then surely I suspect he wants some sort of pat on the back and special recognition.

There is nothing wrong with pride in your time served or a solid military career. And it's definitely okay by me to show your pride after deploying. I get it and I've been there. I am proud that I was able to contribute to the GWOT.

That said, I do think that our nation as a whole has maybe gone too far in trying to reverse the experiences the generation before mine experienced; that of the Vietnam era. Following Desert Storm's swift "in and out" the pride of our military was back, and we showed up with flags and banners welcoming everyone home. Then the GWOT, after America was attacked, it became cool to be American once again; and even more cool to support the troops. And it practically became normal to get a free meal if you were somewhere in uniform. I have personally had at least 7 meals bought for me.

Some may say the American public is partially to blame, but I think those few veterans that are out there flaunting their status and getting everything they can based on that status; from goods and services, to personal recognition, has gone too far.

Regardless of blame though, I would hate to see the whole thing turn the other way and resort back to the Vietnam War era mentality. Because of idiot Veterans and a handful Gung-ho civilians with the same "look at my patriotism" attitude; it can over value what it means to have simply served.

There needs to be a balance and I think a good start would be for us "average Joe veterans" showing that we are not special, we're just veterans. By "average Joe" I mean we are simply veterans, maybe with a deployment, maybe not. Maybe with combat experience, maybe not. The thing is we need to not alienate anyone who may need some extra attention for whatever reason, be it PTSD, apprehension, depression, alcohol or drug dependency. Those things are real and they exist among us. We don't want someone to be afraid to reach out for help or even a helping hand, but we also don't want to encourage every veteran out there to simply take a handout because it's easy and "it's okay."

Not everyone automatically gets PTSD from a deployment or even multiple combat engagements; everyone is different. But we have gotten to the broad assumption that if you were in combat, or even near it, that "oh, you must have PTSD".

Again, collectively we need to strike a balance. I hear of veterans being told there's a one year wait at the VA (or some relevant story), but that veteran may be 40, did a 3 year enlistment in the nineties, but after 18 years still relies on the VA for healthcare. Meanwhile, the story of an Iraq War veteran with severe PSTD and some undiagnosed rash can't get an appointment.

I am so tired of the signs; they are yet another component of the American desire to sub-categorize and divide us as citizens into disparate special interest groups and voting blocs, which the politicians of one party in turn will seek to pander and cater to while the politicians of the other party will seek to ignore and rob so that they may give a bigger slice of the budgetary pie to their preferred special interest groups.  Why can't we all just be "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" for one day?  If fireworks bother you, find a way to cope.  It is possible.  I've done it myself in the past.

As for you 8% who are just tired of COL(R) Williams, meet me out at the wood shed, it's time for an attitude adjustment!  ;-)

Your ending was fantastic! LOL. COL Charles Williams I could read it over and over. It's true. I wouldn't ask my neighbor to change anything for me. But then again, I am too proud to ask for help. That's just my bad.

In my experience, most prior-service men and women with PTSD do not share it with every "swinging Richard" under the sun. It is usually an issue that is kept off the radar and only shared, if at all, with the few people that they trust and confide in. Also, most individuals that would raise a flag like this for all to see are either looking to play the sympathy card or are setting up a excuse to be a dick later on to their friends and neighbors.