This is kind of a departure from how I regularly write.
Deployments are easy. Coming home is hard. On deployment you wake up and run towards the enemy, then run away from the enemy repeated ad naseum for seven months or more. More recently I got up every day to try and whip the Jordanian military into shape so that they would be viable allies in the War on Terror in Afghanistan. It is difficult, yet easy because it is simple. Homecomings are not as simple.
Deployments are easy. Coming home is hard. On deployment you wake up and run towards the enemy, then run away from the enemy repeated ad naseum for seven months or more. More recently I got up every day to try and whip the Jordanian military into shape so that they would be viable allies in the War on Terror in Afghanistan. It is difficult, yet easy because it is simple. Homecomings are not as simple.
Coming home can be complicated. There are few things greater than the camaraderie one finds from being deployed with their brothers-in-arms. The loss of that camaraderie can cause a return home to weigh heavily on a returning veteran. Dealing with what happened while you were gone with people who weren't with you and who question your having gone is very difficult. As supportive as they may be, they just don't know.
Without that every day camaraderie I find myself somewhat adrift. I continue to lean on the gospel and my Savior. With the Spirit in my life, I know that it is all good.
However, coming home to almost all of my friends having moved or gotten married or both leaves a gaping hole in my life and tons of time to fill with. It's hard when sometimes all one needs is someone to talk to or to go on a walk with and you're stuck trying to make new friends with people you just met.
It is easy to see why so many returning veterans fall into dealing with their deployment related issues with alcohol, drugs and other garbage. Since 2003 there have been five suicides in my company, and at least one attempt. I am grateful for the Holy Spirit and the Atonement of Christ to help me regain my footing here at home.
However, coming home to almost all of my friends having moved or gotten married or both leaves a gaping hole in my life and tons of time to fill with. It's hard when sometimes all one needs is someone to talk to or to go on a walk with and you're stuck trying to make new friends with people you just met.
It is easy to see why so many returning veterans fall into dealing with their deployment related issues with alcohol, drugs and other garbage. Since 2003 there have been five suicides in my company, and at least one attempt. I am grateful for the Holy Spirit and the Atonement of Christ to help me regain my footing here at home.
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| Buddies Left to right: Sgt Steven Young, SSgt Jimbo Larsen, and Sgt Sergio Perez |
It's fine, at least I'm fine. And I know that Jimbo is alright, he has his beautiful family to rejoice at his homecoming which makes coming home easier, even if it's to a new state.
It's tough when I have many things going for me and which I am excited for but which do not start for several months. But, as I stated before, leaning on the Gospel of Christ has helped me. I know many, many Marines and soldiers who aren't as blessed with a testimony of the gospel.
It's tough when I have many things going for me and which I am excited for but which do not start for several months. But, as I stated before, leaning on the Gospel of Christ has helped me. I know many, many Marines and soldiers who aren't as blessed with a testimony of the gospel.
I just want to say that I am extremely grateful for my Heavenly Father for always being there for me when the going gets tough. I am extremely imperfect and routinely sin. I'm getting better and love it. I love the Temple and the peace that I get from that Holy Place.
If you know a veteran reach out to them. No one can know what each of them has gone through, but just being there for them can help loads.
If you know a veteran reach out to them. No one can know what each of them has gone through, but just being there for them can help loads.
