Twenty Years After the Iraq War: How TMF Has Helped Me Continue Serving

2023-03-10T13:34:58-05:00

It’s been 20 years - and, in many ways, a lifetime - since the start of the Iraq War in March 2003. As that anniversary approaches, I have found myself reflecting on where I was at that time and all that has occurred since then.

In January 2003, prior to the invasion of Iraq, I was deployed to Kuwait. Like most people, the politics of the war were irrelevant to me. I was called to serve, so I did. I had a duty to my country and my fellow Marines, so I followed through. I didn’t realize at the time that the war would change my life completely.

In early 2004, my brother deployed to Iraq, followed months later by my fiance, both of whom were stationed in heavy combat in the Al Anbar province. On August 17, 2004, my brother died by sniper fire. One day later, on August 18, 2004, my fiance was killed by a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) and never returned home to my son and me. As a result, I dissociated with everything. It didn’t matter what was happening in Iraq anymore; the war felt over to me.

After my separation from active duty and while in the process of grieving and healing, I accepted a position at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) as a way to continue my service. My goal was to care for those who were fortunate enough to come home. I also regularly volunteered in my community, trying my best to pick up where I left off when it came to serving my country. In 2019, 15 years after my brother and fiance were killed, I found Travis Manion Foundation (TMF): https://rly.pt/TMF

By 2021, I was heavily involved with TMF, participating in Operation Legacy service projects and attending Expeditions that empowered me to connect with others through service. Alongside other veterans and families of the fallen, I helped build a deck for cancer patients, I climbed a mountain, and found a way to fill the void that had existed since the deaths of my brother and fiance. Eventually I was accepted into TMF’s Spartan Leadership Program (SLP), about which you can learn more here: https://rly.pt/tmfslp

Through that immersive, 7-month program, I found a new path through my grief journey. I broke out of the comfort zone I had established and found a community of people I could trust. More importantly, I developed a deeper understanding of myself.

Ultimately, my time with TMF, the connections I’ve built with other veterans and families of the fallen who share my passion for service, has helped me continue making a difference. Despite all the challenges I have experienced personally and all the changes I’ve weathered since the Iraq War, TMF showed me I can still serve. I can still create impact where I am.

It’s also helped develop my resilience. During SLP, I lost a fellow Marine to suicide, and rather than disassociate after that loss, I leaned in. Because of the personal development and growth I had experienced with TMF, I was inspired to rebuild relationships with Marines from our team I had not spoken to in years. We had forgotten how much we needed each other.

The world and our country have changed a lot since the start of the Iraq War, and the same is true for me. But with TMF, I’ve found a way to use my experiences to continue serving, to continue making a difference.

I have served in the U.S. military and would like to learn more about Veteran benefits from the VA: https://rly.pt/3lO6ju4

If you are searching for a path to serve or space for healing, I encourage you to connect with TMF as well. You won’t regret it. Find out more here: https://rly.pt/TMF

Travis Manion Foundation - "If Not Me, Then Who..."

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2023 2:01 PM

2023-03-10T14:01:46-05:00

What a moving story!

This organization sounds awesome

Thank you for helping operation Iraqi freedom and operation enduring Freedom veterans.

I'm sure you have veterans from other instances of global war on terrorism and I'm sure you're still helping veterans who helped in drug wars throughout the world. Looks like we're going to be doing it again if Mexico doesn't do anything to stop the Fentanyl and Other Drugs coming into the USA.

This video was censored for decades but I'm sure you can relate to those World War II Veterans as recent veterans.

https://youtu.be/RRqgpSpDdp4

JOHN HUSTON'S LET THERE BE LIGHT BANNED WWII SHELL SHOCK / PTSD FILM 29694

Let There Be Light is a 1946 American documentary film directed by John Huston.The film, commissioned by the United States Army Signal Corps, was the final e...

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Mar 10 at 2023 2:56 PM

2023-03-10T14:56:20-05:00

Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this Sergeant.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 11 at 2023 10:11 AM

2023-03-11T10:11:02-05:00

Some of us have no choice in the matter of helping others because we have a good understanding about the travails of PTSD. This gives us empathy and compassion for others. I work with veterans with PTSD on my own dime and time. Message me if you want to find out more about this endeavor. My approach is radically different. I take a complex issue and distill it into simple concepts and paradigms people can understand.

Irony is the VA is looking for high tech means to apply to PTSD which is significantly complex. I rode in black helicopters and 70-ton tanks. It was incumbent upon me to take the complex and simplify it. I need quick methods of painting the picture in order for the soldiers to visualize the environment and understand it with rapidity. Examples are using sector sketches of Engagement Areas and map overlays with symbols of the Area of Operations.

Having said that, I have come up with a paradigm for people afflicted with PTSD. The mind is a box filled with trauma, symptoms, and much negativity. I ask people how can we make the box healthier to which they reply the box has to be emptied of those 3 things. Then I ask how do we achieve that? Some of the people state that positivity has to enter the box. BINGO! THEY F@CKING GET IT! Since they understand the mechanics to healing, they are confident and have hope of healing. The people I help don't need to see therapists and nor do they need to be subjected to Artificial Intelligence. The VA does not care to listen to what I do, but it won't stop me. I will continue to help veterans that the VA can't. That is a must in my life.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Mar 11 at 2023 10:45 AM

2023-03-11T10:45:43-05:00

I feel so sad about your losses and I admire your dedication and resilience. I conduct clinical research on combat trauma and all of it is published on Research Gate.
Rich

Response by SPC Cody LaBorence made Mar 15 at 2023 8:52 PM

2023-03-15T20:52:19-04:00

Hello, I am Cody, a combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan. I have recently started a talk-show with a friend of mine called the PatriotView. We are looking for Veterans who still impact those around them with ther post-service service. You and your story are compelling and I'm wondering if you'd consider donating some of your time to our show? Thank you in advance, and thank you for your service.

Response by SPC Cody LaBorence made Mar 15 at 2023 8:52 PM

2023-03-15T20:52:57-04:00

Response by Sgt Lauren Torres made Mar 16 at 2023 12:11 AM

2023-03-16T00:11:23-04:00

I’m so glad that TMF has helped you in your journey. You’ve always been not just a friend but an inspiration for all. You’ve got the biggest heart and always give your 100% no matter the day. I’m glad you have found a new tribe with TMF to help you heal and continue growing and helping others. Oorah this is some motivating stuff!

Response by Sgt Melinda Pamphrey made Mar 16 at 2023 9:41 AM

2023-03-16T09:41:14-04:00

great story. glad va at least recognized you as a REAL vet by hiring you. i had similar aspirations to work at va but i wasn't good enough to hire apparently. i served during the original gulf war '90-'91, but like korean war vets i'm ignored. all of you who served after i did get all the help with transitioning to civilian life, help getting jobs, help with education. you are equal to the vietnam vets who were so badly seen after that war, they are also the vets who get everything and the only vets that are heard about. i have a really hard time using the va for my healthcare because i wasn't good enough to hire. my second time around applying and interviewing, i was discriminated against because of my age, less qualified people were hired. i got nothing from mediation except (i felt) laughed at. my experience through all of this is that va only hires people with masters degrees or family members of employees who already work there. i'll say it again, i have a really hard time using the va for my healthcare. Going there depresses me because of how badly i was treated when trying to get a job there. think you could help someone like me?
also, there is no description of this foundation you mention, that would have been helpful. anyway, keep up the good work.

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Apr 13 at 2023 5:16 AM

2023-04-13T05:16:54-04:00

Thank you for the link to(TMF).