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Archiver > GEN-NEWBIE > 2002-04 > 1018056390


From: "Terri" <>
Subject: Memories
Date: Fri, 5 Apr 2002 20:39:51 -0500


That was great Sandra. I also ran into the same thing with my Dad, his
cousin, my Uncle(Mother's side) and an Uncle on my Dad's side. The Uncle on
my Dad's side Uncle Charlie, told his wife he wanted his records kept
closed. And they have been. I know he was in WWII and the European
Theater. That is all I know. Another uncle on my Dad's side had a man die
in his arms and he was never the same after that. As his son told me. My
Dad's cousin, Lester, was hit by a train and had a metal plate put in his
head. I know nothing of my mother's brother except he was in Korea. And my
Dad who used to make drill like soldiers around the house just said he was
in Korea. He also told me he never saw combat. I have gotten my Dad's
military records and he, well, lied. He was a combat medic. When I got his
medals at that was one of them I looked up what was required to receive that
medal. My Dad saw combat. My Dad saw what haunts my husband to this day
who was in Vietnam. The things my husband has shared with me I am not sure
I wish he had.
Now, it is to late for me to ask my Dad to tell me. I can only image from
the history books say and from what some vets have told me.
Here is a story for you all. I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and
Secondary PTSD from my husband and severe depression. This list has some of
the nicest, easiest going people, not to mention you are not judgmental. I
was placed in the psychiatric ward at the Veterans Administration. Then I
was put into a group with all Vietnam Veterans. Some of you will not be
able to relate to this but all I did for 4 weeks in that group was cry.
Take the worst thing that has ever happened to you and multiple it. I
listened to snipers, hand to hand combat, land mines, body parts, the whole
disgusting thing. The person running the group had no idea why I was
crying. I have never been exposed to anything like that. People from
September 11, 2001 will have PTSD. One man said he saw a man drop to the
ground. It is not like you see on TV. And they don't get up.
It is hard for them to talk about it and some have buried the memories so
deep they refuse to bring it up.
Sorry to have ranted.
Terri

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