Category: PTSD

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There is Hope for Those Military Who Have Come Home Battling PTSD, War Wounds, Etc.

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Military news…

Guantanamo Bay prison has outlasted the War in Afghanistan and it’s not going anywhere.

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The best part of the Army-Navy game on Saturday took place off the football field, when the victorious midshipmen put the youngest son of fallen Navy SEAL Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois in the middle of their celebration.

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The Marine Corps has released the service records of two former special operators who are accused of taking part in a kidnapping and murder scheme that eerily resembled a military operation.

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The Navy has little direct evidence tying an accused sailor to a fire that destroyed a $1.4 billion warship last year, But that did not stop prosecutors from calling several witnesses to talk about how he could be a cocky braggart at times.

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Nearly 17 months after a training accident that cost the lives of eight Marines and one sailor, the Marine Corps announced that it will no longer include its aging fleet of amphibious assault vehicles for regularly scheduled deployments or for waterborne training

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America’s three newest Medal of Honor recipients have very different stories, but there are a few things all three share: a relentless focus on the mission, an undying loyalty to the soldiers they served with, and an unhesitating willingness to sacrifice themselves for others.

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“Because people don’t like you doesn’t mean you did what the government has accused him of … In fact, it makes you a target.” That’s from Gary Barthel, the defense lawyer for Seaman Apprentice Ryan S. Mays, the sailor who the Navy has accused of setting the fire that destroyed the USS Bonhomme Richard last year.

“You’ve seen this airplane come and go countless times since the beginning of the deployment but this time your name is on the manifest. It is your ‘freedom bird.'” That’s from Jonathan Lenz, who wrote about the emotional roller coaster of finally going home after a deployment.

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I have been sharing endorsements for my new upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life. It will be sent to the publisher in January. Here is another endorsement:

In the current conditions of our military, there is a need to find realistic affordable sources to reach out and help our veterans and current military. Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of life, is that source. Doug Bolton spends many chapters on showing the veterans and military ways to cope in this not so friendly world.  Sadly, he feels and knows of the pain from his volunteer service and sacrifices for our great country first hand. Being a seasoned registered nurse and a battlefield Air Force flight nurse, I have seen many young men and women coming home sick, injured wounded and highly depressed. This book is a must for many. I highly recommend this book without hesitation to all those who have served and currently serving.  I am also advocating for the loved ones and families to read this read, as well.

Colonel Dona Marie Iversen-retired

United States Air Force

NYC, New York

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Checking in on you my friend. How are you doing? Do you have dreams about your service time? Are they nightmares?

FEAR NOT!!

There are over 13,500 fellow veterans subscribed to this site who have your back.

If the dreams just too much for you right now, GET HELP!

Here is a toll free number to call 24/7. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will not hang up until the know you are OK.

1-800-272-8255..texting 838255.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.

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Iran is sneaking in Nuclear Building Behind Our Backs

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Military news…

Alwyn Cashe was a hero to his soldiers long before he charged into a burning vehicle in Iraq.

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Austin sending deputy to Hawaii in wake of tainted-water crisis that displaced thousands
Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks is slated to visit Hawaii this week to see firsthand how contaminated water has affected more than 3,000 displaced residents of military housing residents.

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Blinken calls out China’s aggressive actions during first stop of Southeast Asia tour

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip abroad touches on countries often at odds with China, the assertive presence in the region, and his speech reflected that atmosphere.

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Sailor accused of burning US warship faces 2nd day in court

Navy prosecutors alleged that a sailor charged with setting the fire that destroyed the USS Bonhomme Richard last year was “disgruntled” after dropping out of Navy SEAL training, while his defense lawyers said there was no physical evidence connecting him to the blaze.

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Senate advances compromise defense policy bill

The Senate easily advanced the compromise defense policy bill Tuesday, voting 86-13 to end debate on the measure, which would authorize $768 billion in spending.

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West warns time for talk is ending as Iran nuclear work advances

Stern warnings from U.S. and European officials suggest the window is closing on nuclear talks with Iran, with frustration boiling over after two weeks of negotiations marred by allegations of Iranian backsliding.

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Navy veteran among 6 who died in tornado at Illinois Amazon facility

Clayton Cope, 29, of Alton, was a decorated Navy veteran and the first of the six victims of a tornado in Edwardsville to be identified.

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I promised you some more endorsements in my last post and here is another one:

Signs of Hope for the Military: in and Out of the Trenches of Life, is a must read book for any military, which are hurting from PTD, TBI, anxiety, depression, etc. It has extensive valuable and doable suggestions for successful cope mechanisms. I have also enjoyed Doug Bolton sharing his own stories about his time in the military. He shows that he has been there and done that. This makes him very qualified to offer his advice, guidance and support.  

I applaud Doug for his insight and wiliness to share. I know you will too.

Colonel Dona Marie Iversen (Retired)

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The book will be sent to the publishers some time in January. Keep coming back to check on the progress. Better yet…go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do all future posts will go directly to your inbox.

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Checking in on you my friend. How are you doing? Do you have dreams about your service time? Are they nightmares?

FEAR NOT!

There are over 13,445 fellow veterans subscribed to this site who have your back.

If the dreams just too much for you right now, GET HELP!

Here is a toll free number to call 24/7. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will not hang up until the know you are OK.

1-800-272-8255..texting 838255.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.

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Being on a Plane Heading to the Bay of Pigs Was Frightening

+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.

_____________________________________________

Military news…

Turns out, the reason the Army fired its head of Installation Management in 2019 had nothing to do with Army housing being plagued by mold and insects.

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An investigation into an Air Force colonel found that he failed to promote a culture of safety and failed to maintain a healthy command climate, according to leaked investigation results.

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For the first time in nearly 15 years, Marines can have “sleeve tattoos” that cover most of their arms and legs under the latest revisions to the Marine Corps.

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If you’re going to jump out of a plane, you might as well do it with the best of the best. Woman shares about her experience jumping with the Golden Knights, the Army’s performance parachute team.

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An Air Force lieutenant general warned airmen to get vaccinated against COVID-19 after she contracted a ‘breakthrough’ case of the virus herself.

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The Marine Corps is investigating how several artillery projectiles at Camp Pendleton wound up closer to the barracks than a live-fire range.

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Another excerpt from the upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

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Sitting on a Military Plane Ready to Fly to the Bay of Pigs

I know of some of the fears you face or have faced as a soldier. I have had my share of scary times while in uniform for my country.

I had put in three years of active duty, and was very near to my discharge date while at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. As a matter of fact the discharge date was just days away.

It seemed like a normal day of “putting in your time,” but then there came a sound that I never want to hear again. It was the intercom in our section of the company I was stationed with saying, “This is an alert.” This is not a drill, all personnel report to headquarters for a briefing right away.”

I couldn’t think of why there would be any problems that serious happening, and still thought it was a drill as I ran towards the headquarters building.

When we all assembled, the commander went to the podium and spoke.

“I am here to inform you that all leaves and weekend passes are concealed. We have received a message from the commanding General of the Army to stand by for a possible mission to the Bay of Pigs. This is a very serious mission, which will put you in combat and in harm’s way. Our unit is being deployed, to help monitor the security of the communications while there. We will serve in the field headquarters of the mission. You have about two hours to go home to pack your full field clothes and equipment. Dismissed!”

That was it. No more explanations or chances to ask questions.

I drove home quickly, packed all my gear in a duffel bag.

I got back to the headquarters, and it looked like pandemonium and chaos had sat in, with soldiers running everywhere.  

A few minutes later everyone had made it there and we were all in formation. The commander then told us to come to attention.

We all headed to buses that were waiting to take us to the military airport on base. When we got there, we unloaded and marched to the area of several planes. They had us board the planes with full gear and field uniforms on. The pilot came on to tell us that we will be in a combat area when we land at the Bay of Pigs.

I sat down in my area, and was holding my weapon (M-1 rifle) between my legs. I was numb with fear and anxiety. I had never thought I would actually be in a conflict where I could die.

The plane started its engines. The plane shook as the engines roared to get up to the speed they needed to get off the ground. It taxied to the runway and stopped.

Then we waited for the pilot to push the throttle. We sat there for what seemed like hours. I could see the fear, in the eyes in the soldiers around me. I was only about twenty years old then, and began to see my life unfold before me. I had thoughts of not coming back. I had thoughts of my loved ones I would never see again.

The plane was shaking from the vibrations of the motors. I said a prayer because it looked like we were going to take off. The plane was moving. However, it was not going done the runway. It was heading back to the area where we boarded.

The pilot came on the intercom and said that the mission had been aborted, and we were going back to our companies.

I felt such relief along with men and women around me who were yelling for joy. We were safe and heading back to our homes.

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I only shared this story because I know some of you have gone through the same thing. You also have been sent into combat, and faced the fear of not coming back. I was very lucky, but many of you actually left the ground in your plane, and headed into harm’s way.

Fear is something that is hard to control. Even the most-brave face it. We all have been there in some capacity.

It could be the doctor’s appointment that has information on your health. It also could be the times when you have to leave your loved ones for any mission. It may be the crises of your marriage when your spouse is tired of going through the pain of wondering if you will come back alive.

Did you know that Jesus faced fear? He even asked God to take away the fear by relieving Him of the cup of the responsibility God had placed on Him. He sweated blood during that prayer. God heard the prayer, but let Jesus go through the fear, pain and agony of going to the cross and dying for you and me. 

I am not making it sound like we shouldn’t be afraid. I know we are quite often. I am not saying you are a bad person if you are afraid of something. We all have our spots where we fear the unknown.

I think that is the key. It is the “unknown.” It’s not knowing what will happen next.

What I have learned from so many times of facing fear that 99% of what we fear never happens. We just need to give the other 01% over to God.

Is it that simple? I can honestly tell you that it is. God has big shoulders. He wants to take the burdens of our day away from us. We just need to depend on Him to keep His promises and know that He will never put us in a situation that we can’t handle with His help.

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There are many other chapters in this book. It will be full of my time in the military, plus reaching out to help soldiers with PTSD, TBI, war wounds, and much more.

Keep coming back to see more excerpts. Better yet! Go to the top of this page and click on “subscribe.” When you do all future posts will directly to your inbox. Do it now, and you will also receive up to date news from the military.

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Bed check… How are you doing today? Too many dark storms coming your way? Having a hard time sleeping?

FEAR NOT!!

There are over 13,290 fellow veterans subscribed to this site who have your back.

If you are just too overwhelmed, GET HELP!

Here is a toll free number to call 24/7. There are highly qualified counselors there to help you, and they will not hang up until they know you are OK.

1-800-273-8255..texting 838255.

________________________________________

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

________________________________________

+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know.