Posted on Jan 27, 2017
Veterans with traumatic brain injuries and the realities when returning home - VAntage Point
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While at Washington D.C. I met three Iraq-Afghanistan veterans I worked with on the JASTA law. All three have horror stories that happened to them in those wars. I won't go into detail, but I'll just say they made me cry. I was out of sight of them, but it brought back some terrible memories. They all had TBI plus other injuries, from a sniper, a Humvee being blown up, and catching on fire in an explosion. They are blessed to be alive.
For Veterans, returning home may be a complicated journey filled with emotional, physical, and mental highs and lows, particularly if they are trying to recover from an injury. Although coming home after multiple tours of duty is a dream come true for family and friends, many Veterans struggle to find normalcy upon their return.
For Veterans, returning home may be a complicated journey filled with emotional, physical, and mental highs and lows, particularly if they are trying to recover from an injury. Although coming home after multiple tours of duty is a dream come true for family and friends, many Veterans struggle to find normalcy upon their return.
Veterans with traumatic brain injuries and the realities when returning home - VAntage Point
Posted from blogs.va.gov
TBI
Warfare
Iraq
Edited 7 y ago
Posted 7 y ago
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I had a student today talk about this uncle who was awarded a silver star, purple heart, three tours overseas. IED destroyed his life and now 100% disabled. These stories really are tragic
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SGT (Join to see)
Yes Sir, they are. But all three of these troopers have gone on to make something of their lives. I am very proud of them. One was in the hospital for two years, one for 18 months, and one for one year. One is 100% for injuries, and 100% for 40% burns over his body.
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Thanks SGT (Join to see). It took me a long time to get normal after Vietnam. In fact some might say I'm still not normal! Its always sad when I read these kind of stories.
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SGT (Join to see)
SFC William Farrell, I began feeling like I was going to cry about halfway through the burn victims story. He doesn't look anything like he did before he caught fire. I began to drop back from the conversation, but he moved closer to me so I could hear it. I know I'm still not normal, but I'm greatful he confided in me when he wanted to tell his story. I just felt so fucking bad for him and the other two, just barely 30 years old. I guess this is my way of venting.
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SFC William Farrell
SGT (Join to see) -It tears me up every time Keith. When I went down to NYC this past Septmebr 11th, we were marching in uniform around the WTC area and the guy next to me was severely burned about the face and I dont know where else. He looked like that guy who won dancing with the stars. I can only imagine the horror and pain he went through. And it still bothers me to this day that I came back unscathed.
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Thanks for letting us know SGT (Join to see) that you met with three Iraq-Afghanistan veterans I worked with on the JASTA law while you were visiting Washington, DC.
Kudos to you for keeping us informed on issues related to disabled veterans.
Kudos to you for keeping us informed on issues related to disabled veterans.
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SGT (Join to see)
Yes Sir. I came back home a different person with a different outlook on life in general, and how far behind our Government is on Veterans issues. When we would ask questions if they knew about a particular Veterans concern, some said "I think so" while others answered "No". They didn't understand anything about us, and the reaction I perceived from them is they didn't care either one way or the other, LTC Stephen F..
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