SOLDIERS ARE HUMAN BEINGS…
This post is the first I’ve published using the WordPress iPhone app. I hope that it is readable so that I can continue using this convenient app.
So let me talk about US Army Soldiers being real live human beings…YES…we are! Today I am going to the Emergency Room of my local hospital with the hopes of receiving quality treatment that should be available to me through the military healthcare system. Now there’s a contradiction in terms – MILITARY + HEALTHCARE.
I suffered through two consecutive tours in Iraq, enduring some very stressful physical challenges that severely impacted my physical and mental health. It’s been over 3 years since I returned home, but I am in a more debilitating state of health than I have ever been throughout my entire life. What hurts and disgusts me is that the Army has NOT provided adequate healthcare to make this broken Soldier whole again.
I am not going to reveal all that I am suffering through in this post, but I am in serious pain. I have damaged disks in my back and spine that are causing excruciating pain down my leg to my ankle, and up my back to my shoulder and bicep. The pain is exacerbated by the arthritis/bursitis in my shoulder, a damaged ACL, and…AND…a torn bicep tendon that was identified over 2 years ago. Now the pain is constant. It’s extremely difficult to walk, stand, sit, lie prone, etc. Sometimes it’s so bad that I can’t help but cry…
Now the whole “human” thing is REALLY disturbing. For some ‘inexplicable’ reason, my chain-of-command seems to think that it has the necessary medical credentials to actually make the claim that absolutely nothing is wrong with me. What The F**K???!!! And to make matters worse I was subjected to non-judicial punishment because I am not able to perform any duties…even though I was given direct orders to stay at home until the physicians could figure out what exactly is wrong with me. My list of other ailments includes severe hypertension, accelerated heart rate, aortic aneurysm, tumors, thyroid issues, chronic fatigue AND insomnia, spinal nerve damage, etc, etc… All of this, and more, is well documented in my medical records, but there really is a systemic disconnect among Army leadership, Army missions/duties, and the health and well-being of Soldiers.
I’m disgusted, hurt, and very saddened at how so many of our Warriors are being treated after years of dedicated service. I have served the Army and this country in uniform for 21years…and this is the thanks I am offered? I am so very proud of my achievements and accomplishments, but I am doing my best to forget every moment of the last 21 years of my military life. YES…I’m serious.
But those of you who know me can rest assured that I’m not going out quietly. I don’t want any awards, accolades, trophies, farewell gifts, backslaps, or even congratulations. I simply want to challenge the system – yet again – exposing as much impropriety, unfairness, neglect, bias, and inequality as I can personally identify…and then walk away with my head held high – like a HUMAN BEING should be able to do.
My life has been violated…apparently they haven’t heard about The Spook…I’m jus’ sayin’…
Wow, very heartfelt & well put. I dont have to say this but; Go get ‘em, D. Give ‘em Hell, its a damn shame this has to happen. Your struggles are my struggles, lets get ‘em!!!
July 6, 2011 at 11:06 am
i feel the same way brother-in-law.I see so many veterans in nursing homes,assisted living facility and psych facili
totally forgotten.The extent of care they need is just not available cuz there healthcare doesnt cover the expense. I see all of the awards,accomplishments these people have achieve in there time of service.And now they’re left to die alone,mentally disturb,disfigured…..
what ashame I would be hurt to say I served a country with so little dignity and pride. What happen to never leave a man behind.
July 6, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Luv Ya!
August 11, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Thank you Major Guidry for your Blog. I will pass this on! ’06!
July 6, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Dear D, I will post this on my FB page and ask that others who read this do the same…maybe it can go viral and you can get some well deserved attention…Much love, Rosailnd
July 6, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Derrill, Derrill, Derrill…if I could give/lend you organs to make you whole again I would do it in a heartbeat, little brother, as I am sure just about anyone else who reads your story would. As someone else said before me, your story is so well-written in its candor and straightforwardness I must read it again, in spite of the rage that builds up inside me. I hope you know that you are poster child for the word HERO, and we SALUTE you on bended knee. Thank you, thank you.
July 6, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Thank you for your service, let me give you a few tips.
Make a complete copy of your medical records before you leave active duty.
Find a good service officer to help you file your claim for VA service connection benefits.
Roz knows my contact info.
Good Luck Liz
July 6, 2011 at 5:54 pm
It disturbs me that the U.S. military could treat their men and women like this. I strongly feel that this story should be told and in no uncertain terms the U.S. Government held accountable. I am disgusted by the very thought fighting men and women are being treated thus. Perhaps our Minister of Defence here in Australia should be aware of the thanks our soldiers are getting in good ol’ U.S. of A. Perhaps we would think twice about cementing our allegience to America and joining in with the war games. It has certainly been no game for you my friend and something must be done to ease your pain first and your hurt thereafter. It’s a bit like a kick in the balls from a family member, hurts all the more. I pray for intervention that you can function normally and rebuild the life Uncle Sam seems to have taken from you.
July 6, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Thanks to all of you for your comments and support. My persistence lies in my compassion for all the other Soldiers who experience this kind of thing, and from the support of folks like y’all (smile!)
August 11, 2011 at 3:51 pm
It kills me to read the pain your going through. My heart is breaking for you right now my friend.
November 14, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Derrill I fee your pain without feeling your pain because no one really can .It’s so sad to witness someone who has been so selfless and helpful is made to feel so helpless in there time of need despite your valiant and persistent effort to right this wrong. because of your moral fibers and those things born of you that can only be produced from the DNA of your makers ,you too will get past this ,you to will fight on because that’s what real soldiers do,God bless you my brother in your battles… for victory will truly be yours.
kirk
Ps.. I now understand why my father never wanted us to join the military & i have 4 boys whom i have given that same advice
February 13, 2012 at 4:27 pm