Ever stop yourself from sharing a story because you think nobody will believe it?

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 21:48:07 -0400

Since I have been out, there have been many conversations where I am reminded of a story about something I saw or did when I was in the Military, but stopped short of telling it because when I think about it, it's just so surreal sounding that I figure nobody will believe it. Has this happened to you?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 8 at 2014 7:23 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 07:23:00 -0400

SGT Hanner, what you are experiencing is very real, very common, and very normal. The Profession of Arms is unlike any other profession in the world, most of us come to this realization very early in our careers and begin to 'compartmentalize' experiences that we feel only those with a similar background could comprehend, and then 'tuck them away'.
The real issue is that no matter how hard we try to keep these memories tucked away, there will be times when things will invoke those memories and cause them to come to the surface.
What you need to know is that it's OK to talk about these things. Find someone who you are comfortable with, a friend, relative, clergy, medical professional, and share.

Response by COL Randall Cudworth made Aug 8 at 2014 8:09 AM

COL Randall Cudworth — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 08:09:25 -0400

SGT Richard H., happens to me occasionally, but what I find myself frequently doing is trying to explain the background of the story so they could comprehend (last time I looked at the stats, less that 1 in 8 of all Americans have had any military service).

Nothing worse then having to explain the 'why' behind what you are saying.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Aug 9 at 2014 5:11 AM

SSG Pete Fleming — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 05:11:13 -0400

Yes, I have experienced this. Your right no one can understand... Sometimes I tell the story anyway, other times I just sit silent. That's where groups like this or the VFW or something are great!

Response by CMC Robert Young made Aug 9 at 2014 5:55 AM

CMC Robert Young — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 05:55:54 -0400

The unfortunate facts are that most people have no point of reference for the things we do, and as such simply can't image anything which so challenges their sense of reality.

Response by SFC Scott Carroll made Aug 11 at 2014 3:52 PM

SFC Scott Carroll — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 15:52:10 -0400

SGT Richard Hanner, There are plenty of stories I used to tell but most people look at me like why the heck would anyone do that? Why would you luagh at someone falling on their butt while jumping out a window when y'all were in a fight? I say because it was funny. And they just look at me like I am a idiot.

There is a program, I forget the name of it now, but they have people that will sit with you one on one and never say a word, they just hear you out no judgment, no note taking. Don't know if it works or not. If I feel like I need to talk about it, I go to the VFW get a drink and talk to the last few WWII vets and the Vietnam vets.

Response by SGT William Howell made Dec 9 at 2014 6:37 PM

SGT William Howell — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 18:37:42 -0500

Every day. People would just never get the circumstances leading up to it. The punch lines takes too much to set up.

Like....."so I stole a Russian crane." or "I never seen a guy poop that much in my life while in a 5 ton."

You can't make that stuff up.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 9 at 2014 7:13 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 19:13:25 -0500

Yeah this happened a few weeks ago. But it kills the story when you have to give back story and why.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2015 1:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 01:50:32 -0500

Either that or I don't feel like they'd understand or appreciate it even though I found it absolutely hilarious.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jan 5 at 2015 3:27 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:27:10 -0500

That is why we only tell the stories to other Vets...

Response by SSG William Patton made Jan 6 at 2015 11:35 AM

SSG William Patton — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 11:35:19 -0500

This has happened many times, but like you, I have not shared the story because those who would hear it, do not have a shared experience for comparison. When you think about it, those of us who have seen combat, share a unique experience that only others with the same experience can understand. You are right, it is a surreal recollection and sometimes I find myself thinking about it in those terms. Did I really do that and live to tell the story? Of course, the answer is yes, but it is so intense, it takes on the quality of a movie, and those who have not shared our experiences, might view it in that context. The only people I talk to about Vietnam are Vietnam vets. We understand what we experienced and saw and can give each other solice where no one else can.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Jan 6 at 2015 3:49 PM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 15:49:48 -0500

This is daily experience, that, and trying to explain military jargon or little things that have made us all laugh in spite of ourselves. Vets, Retirees, and members still serving are our niche and as much as we would like to share the anecdotes with those who haven't served...it unfortunately comes down to the audience.