I know there have been other diaries about Joseph Dwyerm, but IGTNT, and some mornings I remember what is really important. Today is one of them. This isn't about Joseph, this is about Tom, patriotism, and sacrifice.
It all started with the quote "Joseph never came home."
"Iraq Vet in Famous Press Photo Dies from Overdose"
Check out the article, it has good links to more information about military suicides and drug use. For one of the most brilliant things I have ever heard about PTSD, check out the Bioneers Podcast with Edward Tick called "War, Earth, And The Soul: The Warrior’s Path Of Redemption".
But again, this is about Tom.
War.
Even our bravest and most honorable soldiers are being corrupted by war. If there is one thing to "never forget", it is that war damages more then life, it damages peace of mind, forever. This was my second reminder this week.
I got my first reminder of this on the 4th of July. I spent it with a Tom, a Vietnam Vet, and his wife. While Tom's wife and I stayed up to watch the fireworks, Tom cloistered himself in a darkened room with headphones and a walkman. Tom can't enjoy fireworks anymore. Ever since Vietnam Tom has had PTSD, and fireworks give Tom flashbacks. But Tom's enjoyment of a traditional 4th isn't the only thing he has given up for America.
Tom also gave his family. Despite his experience in war, both Tom's son and Tom's daughter joined the armed services. Tom's son Michel became a Marine, and was sent to Iraq. This when Tom's 1st grandchild was 2-yrs-old, and his 2nd grandson was just 6-months-old. In Iraq, Michel was in an explosion where he lost 3 of his fingers and had a good chunk taken out from his head. Luckily for his young family he came back alive, and due to the good doctors, can be with his family again.
Tom's daughter joined the Army, although she was not allow to "tell" when she falls in love. She wanted to become a nurse. She thought the military could help her start this career or at least pay for college when she got back. She didn't go into the military nursing program, but she did get to spend time in Afghanistan and get shot at nearly everyday. When she returned to the county she loved the same people claiming we were fighting for freedom were attempt passing amendments like this one to deny her the same civil rights and protections as her straight brother. Yes I am bitter.
Tom and his family have given so much for our country. Tom is an active VFW member and community organizer. When I think of how I can respect him best, I know it is working to end war. Not just in Iraq or Afghanistan, but all war. I need to teach peace. When I've talked to Tom about this, he agrees. Patriotism is more then a uniform and a gun. It it courage.
Peace takes courage too.
It is because of issues like these (war, civil rights, mental health, and family) that I am an activist. If you support my work please think of donating to my Netroots fundraising. I'm a DFA scholarship winner, but I still have other extra expenses that need paid for. You can donate via paypal. Send it to dianamarie13@yahoo.com
You can check out my scholarship profile here.