Survivors Guilt, PTSD, and Heroes

[griffin]

Today, I watched again, a series of videos on CNN.com on a true American Hero; former S/Sgt. Clint Romesha, US Army, who was awarded the Medal of Honor last February. You can this series of videos using the CNN search tool and type in Clint Romesha.

The show starts with a news report with Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper. Jake did an incredibly good job interviewing Clint Romesha who is quite clearly dealing with survivors guilt. Yet he performed with great heroism as Outpost Keating came under attack and at one point had enemy 'inside the wire'. There were only 53 Americans on the base and they faced upwards of 400.

I highly recommend those reading this to take the time to see the videos - it has over 6 separate video covering the fight at Outpost Keating. Jake Tapper wrote 3 books and made them into 1 called 'Outpost'; with the 3rd book covering the reckless action of senior officers who located the outpost in a valley surrounded by 3 moutains, with only air assests to replenish them with supplies. The QRF had a hell of a time getting in and then moving down a mountainside to relieve the troops.

I highly recommend both the book and the CNN special.

Additionally you may wish to see about Staff Sgt. Sal Giunta, and former US Marine Dakota Meyer. All of these heroes have had to deal with the 'emotional blowback' from their service. You will also find books on both Giunta and Meyers. Meyers co-authored his book with former US Marine and respected author Byng West.

Paul

[mcnoch]

Yes, the problem is that all mountains are controlled by the Taliban, so you can set up bases only in the valleys. And as you have to go where the enemy is, this means that you are placing yourself right into their cross hairs, see Op. Anaconda.

[Deleted]

It is possible that these outposts were placed in a vulnerable position to draw the enemy out . Though its not always successful the French position at Dien bien phu is a good example of how not to do it .

[Deleted]

I suppose if we want to look for Heroes we to look no further than AZ where 19 firefighters lost their lives trying very hard to control the all consuming fire .

[jerryfmcompushaft]

Amen, Mule, amen....

[Deleted]

Other than it was AZ, I agree.

[Deleted]

This Country seems to reaching out for heroes when they're all around us , In a war zone you get shot that's hardly heroic , in a marathon you get blown up that's hardly heroic , its what you do after you get shot or blown up you shake it off an move on that could be considered heroic .

[Sir John]

I have heard it said that real courage is knowing fear and controlling it.

I have always regretted not making that point to my great uncle when i asked him what it was like the first time he went over the top. "I was terrified" he said, and that is what true courage is. He had a strange look in his eyes that day I spoke of it.

Like a bloke going into the jungle crawling with 'bad guys', and doing what had to be done.


JMO



SJ

[jerryfmcompushaft]

It takes no bravery at all if you are not afraid. To fear and perform anyway - that takes bravery. Which brings me to another point of my philosophy = I can't understand why there is so much hoopla about a Purple Heart. All it takes to get one is to stand up at the wrong time....

[Deleted]

Perhaps this is unrelated, but I can remember only one time in my life where unusual courage on my part was required without concern for self. I witnessed an accident and rushed to get a lady out the car before it exploded (which it did about three minutes after she was out). I truly don't remember even thinking about what I should do before I did it. Probably not as dangerous as someone in action under fire, but it's the closest thing I could equate it to in my life. I shook for hours after it was over.

[Deleted]

Denny what you did was a good thing , you weren't thinking about your self you were thinking about the lady and her predicament , you were tuned into helping , as I said there are heroes all around us we don't need to any further than Our Neighbor .

[Deleted]

Sir said the soldier I don't want to be a hero , I don't give a damn what you want soldier Col. Blimp said he wanted a hero sent to him ASAP to meet some visiting dignitaries , you're it , now move out . Though this was meant to be satire you'd be surprised how much truth there is in it .