Good Morning From Sunny South Florida!

[SpcRhaviland]

Morning everyone.

My name is Alex. I was an artilleryman in the 101st out of Ft. Campbell, KY. Deployed in 2010 to Afghanistan's RC South; an artillery battalion with a light infantry mission.

It was pretty awful. Lost a lot of good men to Taliban ieds and small arms fire. Lost a really good friend from AIT to a Chechnyan sniper. Lost even more guys to suicide once we got home.

I've been receiving treatment for combat related ptsd since 2011. Got through my substance abuse and alcohol dependence with the help of my infinitely patient wife and a handful of phenomenal social workers.

Sorry for being long winded. I'm pretty isolated so I get out as much as possible when I get the chance.

I hope to use this forum to link with other vets that can actually relate to my experiences and maybe even make some friends.

 

[BaMuoiBa]

Welcome Alex,

You're in good company here, good to see you made it back. Pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable and don't be shy.

Many folks here from the Iraq/Afghan campaigns and a few from Nam like myself. We're pretty much scattered across God's green acre but gather here to give comfort to each other and learn the tricks of the craft of dealing with the PTSD, the Beast as we like to call it .Lot's to read - so get started.

Ba

 

[Friday]

Welcome. Climbing into a long cold winter up here. I don't miss FL often, but have a CubanSammie and layabout the beach for me, yeah? Unless you're inland. In which case, effing gators, layabout the pool.

 

[dutchiedelta]

Hello Alex, make yourself at home.
Feel free to join in.

 

[JarHed]

Hey Alex

Welcome and I'm glad you made it back. It's no consolation that you're not alone in your feelings. But at least here people do understand.

JarHed

 

[OldDoorGunner]

Hi Alex,
Welcome.......One of the old Nam farts here.....You found a good place to be....Lots to read and don't miss the videos....

J R

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Welcome Alex.
Good to have you here!
We may have crossed path's in Kyrgyzstan.
09' RC South. TF T.H.O.R
I too lost a brother to a sniper who was brought in.


Black

 

[SpcRhaviland]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I really appreciate it.

Black it's a possibility. We got there like third week of June in 10 so you were probably leaving as we were coming in.

 

[Jimmy1]

Gidday mate

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Ah ok, early Feb here.
Regardless, Welcome again!

 

[atilla]

Welcome Brother. 101st grunt here, 2-187 Rakkasan . Desert shield and Storm. Welcome. Grab a paddle Brother. You're definitely among friends. Listen to what these fine people have to say. Especially our Nam Brothers. They've dealt with the beast longer than any of us. Welcome home.

 

[SpcRhaviland]

The groups I've participated in at the va were mainly comprised of Vietnam vets. Funniest and saddest stories I've ever heard