Hey guys (and gals)-
I am an OEF I, OIF I, and OIF III vet (just lucky I guess). Did all of my time in the 101st, support MOS, but as I hope some on here will recognize, my MOS made little difference when we were on the road/outside the wire. My first OIF tour was the invasion, and we rolled with 3rd ID on the march up. It was the real deal. After that, without going into too much detail, I'll just say my platoon spent a lot of time personally handling KIAs. This was pre-transfer case/ramp ceremony days, so we were moving our guys out in remains pouches and carrying them on our shoulders. It was a hard time, and as much as I have tried to move on, I spend 70-80% of my time either rehashing things in my head or trying to avoid triggers.
I have been out for five years now, and tried to go to the VA a couple of times. It was just not helpful, mainly because the appointments were so far apart. Anyway, I really just want to connect with some fellow vets who have been through the same thing. Where I work I am by far the only Iraq veteran. People don't know what to make of it, and it drives me crazy. Most people want to just acknowledge the whole thing with a "thank you for your service" and ignore us.
Anyway, I look forward to meeting you guys.
I am an OEF I, OIF I, and OIF III vet (just lucky I guess). Did all of my time in the 101st, support MOS, but as I hope some on here will recognize, my MOS made little difference when we were on the road/outside the wire. My first OIF tour was the invasion, and we rolled with 3rd ID on the march up. It was the real deal. After that, without going into too much detail, I'll just say my platoon spent a lot of time personally handling KIAs. This was pre-transfer case/ramp ceremony days, so we were moving our guys out in remains pouches and carrying them on our shoulders. It was a hard time, and as much as I have tried to move on, I spend 70-80% of my time either rehashing things in my head or trying to avoid triggers.
I have been out for five years now, and tried to go to the VA a couple of times. It was just not helpful, mainly because the appointments were so far apart. Anyway, I really just want to connect with some fellow vets who have been through the same thing. Where I work I am by far the only Iraq veteran. People don't know what to make of it, and it drives me crazy. Most people want to just acknowledge the whole thing with a "thank you for your service" and ignore us.
Anyway, I look forward to meeting you guys.