I had this experience a few months back at the VA...I wasn't sure I should post it because I don't want folks going down the dark memories of their Service. I was lucky and never got Orders for Combat. And for some reason, I thought you had to go to Combat to suffer the consequences of War. I met this Nurse at the VA. She worked on those flights that brought the severely wounded from Iraq and Afghanistan. She said even though she had never been in Combat, never saw a shot fired in anger, she saw the results of everything from Sniper Fire to IED's.
She said many of those wounded weren't sure they were going to make it...and some did not. So they -if they could speak- whispered to her secrets, goodbyes, and: "Tell my Mom I love her."
She said they would give you a week or so off before you had to do another Flight. They had another Nurse and his job was to sit in reserve in case they needed an extra hand, or if one of the Nurses had a breakdown because of the heavy emotional load. She told me therapy was helping. I told her I wouldn't repeat any of the actual stories (I couldn't anyway, I would break down crying).
She was only in her twenties back then, and she said just like Combat Troops, she focused on the Mission first. The feelings came later. She said holding herself to high Professional Standards, kept her going when she felt it was a bit much. Those memories are with her for life. I gave her a hug...thanked her, and wondered how many other Soldiers had jobs that saw the results of war. And came home and built a life again...like her. Heroes. Just flat out Heroes.