In the category called, "Something Good We've Been Missing," here's a story we entirely missed, in an online publication called "GOOD," which profiles a number of veterans and their experience in wartime. Again, apolitical coverage -- just a little consciousness-raising that the vast majority in this country is sorely in need of, about what it really means to go to war. It's a photo series, with commentary, introducing us to a number of "typical men and women" who served in combat. Their stories, and the photos that accompany them, are compelling. Do yourself the favor of acquainting yourselves with these cool Americans. The pull quote alone that introduces the article,tells the story: "One-and-a-half million Americans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Not one of them came home unchanged." In the introduction to the article, Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, writes:
The statistics are shocking: more than 11,000 soldiers have been wounded by roadside bombs; more than 50,000 have sought treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder; and 150,000 have submitted a claim for disability. Undiagnosed brain injuries—serious concussions that can cause memory loss, vision problems, and even depression—are affecting as many as 300,000 troops who have come home.
But when you look at the numbers, it’s easy to forget that they represent individual stories: lives put on hold, families under strain—above all, tremendous personal sacrifice.
He also says, compellingly,
I’ve found that the faces of the troops tell us the most about the war. Their eyes reflect their pride in their service, pain at the loss of friends, and the memories that linger long after they return home. In a way the numbers simply can’t, the faces of combat veterans bring the reality of a distant war home. That’s why images like these are so important; they remind us that “the troops” aren’t some abstraction to be supported by a bumper sticker or a catchphrase. The troops are America’s sons and daughters, a diverse group, coming from all parts of the country and every walk of life.
This is great writing, with heartfelt concern behind it, as impetus. There's kind of a harsh joke circulating lately, with its origins in a photo on a wall in Ramadi, Iraq, that says, in paraphrase, "America isn't at war -- the Marine Corps is at war. America is at the MALL."
As we get ready for Veteran's Day in America on November 11th, it's not a bad idea to prepare for it in our own hearts, by actually giving a damn about those who served, not only in these wars but in previous ones as well, and what their quality of life is like now. "Support our troops" can and should become more than just convenient lip service. It could become heartfelt concern and caring, and best of all, for the veterans' sake -- actual constructive action on their behalf.
