Try Being One of Us

By Janice Walker



An I look back over certain times in my life, I can recall much suffering and pain.  I have experienced so much, no one would ever believe it.  it came before and after the military.  About this time many years ago I was in the army hospital, Dwight D. Eisenhower Medical Center, in Gordon, Georgia.



I never went overseas being directly in combat.  Years within me was a war going on and still is…schizophrenia, PTSD and physical problems and illness.



It takes courage just to join.  When they would swear us in there is a phrase that states, “I am willing to die for my country.”  That dream came to an end.  I became disabled while on active duty.  Much of my suffering is 100% service connected.  All my past and present challenges move my mind to thinking it is a big deal to be classified as a veteran, combat or not.  It takes a lot just to join.



It is amazing all the work the military does.  We all want peace yet, I am thankful for those right here in harms way, fighting and standing to protect us and hoping to preserve our peace and freedom in our country and others as well.



I love my country, I appreciate work at the government military and lawmakers.  Those who work for our military.  Those who work for our freedom rights and Divine Justice.  It’s all so amazing what armed forces have done in the world and are doing.



I am so thankful to be DAV having benefits and income.  I am also aware how my life has changed.  It is not the same since the military and becoming disabled.  I gave it my best shot and came out honorable discharged service connected.



My thoughts do out to my military and veterans for all they sacrificed, endured and suffered.  Some gave their life, limbs in the line of duty.  It is totally different once you serve, at least it was for me.  How precious is the land of peace, peace without war, but sometimes duty calls us.  People have to leave the comfort homes, jobs, loved ones to serve.



I am thankful for America for all its rights and freedom that I have.  I thank God my survival and all the military veterans that served, some became disabled, my scars are not visible.



I used to not think much about being a veteran.  Now I realize it is a great privilege and honor.  Thankful for our country and the laws that govern us and the advantage given us.



Serving stateside and overseas is not a cake walk.  It makes its mark life lasting.  Not that I am bragging, I am thankful being a woman and the VA privileges that I an others have.  All because others before and after me have served.  My heart goes out to those in dangerous war zones, those who are engaged in combat, standing up for our rights.  I want to give honor to those who have served and are serving still.  It can be a dangerous job.  Try being one of us.