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Topic: A Soldiers Story - Dealing with being home from Kandahar (Read 423 times)
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Dave Brydon
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The orignal post can be viewed at the following site: http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php/topic,51916.0.html========================= It has been 2 month and 2 days since I deployed to Afghanistan, with 8 Platoon, Charles Company, 1 RCR. I was honored, as a reservist augmentee, to be attached to such a great group of probably the best soldiers our country has to offer. In the three short weeks I was in Afghanistan, I learned more about commitment to my military family than most soldiers learn in a life time. It seemed both unfortunate and amazing that it took battle and blood shed to forge such a strong bond. It has been 1 month and 12 days since I was wounded and pulled from the battlefield. When I was in the hospital in KAF, I had hoped that I would stay in Afghanistan to recover. Why would I want to stay in such a horrible place that almost claimed my life? I didn’t want to leave my family. Germany and Toronto (hospitals) were a blur of Morphine, Demerol, Fentanyl, IV lines, wound packing’s, shrapnel removal surgeries, catheters, bad food, and good care. I think back on it and it seems dizzying. But when I close my eyes, only 2 images flash and they take me back to where I’m supposed to be. I see Panjwayi; the fields of pot. Rockets and bullets. The smell of burning and the heat. Then all I see are the bodies of soldiers I helped carry to the CCP. 2 covered by body bags (WO. Richard Nolan, Sgt. Shane Stachnik) and 2 on stretchers; my platoon warrant (WO Frank Mellish), and a soldiers I new only casually from living in the shacks in Petawawa (Pte.Will Cushley) While at the CCP I find out that a very close friend (from my reserve home unit) had been wounded by shrapnel from Taliban RPGs. His sections LAV had been left on the battlefield. For a long while, I didn’t know how badly he was wounded. (He’s still over there, thus no names) I’ll never forget the feeling; the sense and fear of loss. I will never forget those who were lost that day. I try to think of the good times I was privileged enough to have with my Platoon. WO. Mellish made me the unofficial piper of 8 Platoon, (shortly there after; Coy piper) and I played reveille as per his request (and everyone else’s distain) anytime I was able. In dreams I still hear him shouting “Piper!!! Black Bear!!”… The last tune I played on my pipes… at panjwayi. (I still don’t have them back) When I close my eyes, I also see the morning after Panjwayi. Sparks, smoke, fire… then the burp of the main gun of the A-10. I remember the feeling of panic as I crawled for my Weapon and PPE, thinking we were under attack. I can still feel the burning on my legs and back, the shock of thinking my legs were gone. I can see the faces of the injured… the twice wounded soldiers of Charles. I see the face of the soldier who saved my life by applying tourniquets to my legs and stopping the bleeding from my back and arm… (He will remain nameless for now) From then, everything’s a blur until I’m back in KAF. I remember asking if everyone was ‘ok’... Reaching from my gurney to other wounded soldiers walking by, trying to peace together what had happened… more confusion. I asked again and again… Pte. Mark Graham. An inspirational man whom I only really started to get to know shortly before deploying, a brother in our family of warriors, was dead. My heart sank even more. Our CSM (who was also wounded) came over to me and asked if I was going to be able to play the pipes for the ramp ceremony the following day. I held up my right hand, which was numb, and looked at my fingers. The tips of 2 of them looked like they had been chewed up in a blender. I felt tears run down my face. Not because I thought I’d never play again, but because I couldn’t play for my departed brothers the next day… I would have given both of my hands and more for their lives. I had hoped to attend the ramp ceremony the next day, even if I couldn’t play, but I couldn’t move my legs and they couldn’t put me in a wheel chair because of the shrapnel in my back. I was sedated that day, and came to on the plane to Germany. I couldn’t attend any of the funerals of my fallen family, and I feel no closure. It has been a month and 12 days since I lost my brothers in Panjwayi and it might as well have been yesterday. When I close my eyes at night I not only see the ones who have paid the ultimate price, but also the ones who are still there… and I feel as though I am betraying them. My life seems to be dragging me on. My fiancé and I are planning our wedding and future. My family and I get together often. I’ve been able to socialize with my friends… and yet each thing I do here makes me feel guilty, because I shouldn’t be here to enjoy this. I wake up every day and plan and plot. I think of only one thing; how can I get back to my family… How can I get back to Afghanistan? My wounds are almost healed. Only 3 holes left and they’re almost closed. I can walk pretty well now, but I need to run. My family and friends don’t understand. They don’t want me to go back. My fiancé has threatened to end our relationship if I chose to return… and yet this doesn’t dissuade me. I have to get back to my boys. I have to get back and do my part no matter the cost to me. I love my family here in Canada, but no one’s shooting at them. Every time I see more soldiers killed over there a piece of me dies, and I feel the urge to return grow stronger. And each day I enjoy in my freedom here, I feel as though I have betrayed their memory. I need to finish my job over there. I need to go back. I can only think of the families of those who have died, and I can only say this, and hope it provides some solace: A warrior’s sword is made from the finest steel, forged by hammer and anvil to create and edge, baptized in hot coals and flame for strength, then quenched in cold water to harden it. Our brotherhood of Warriors, the finest of men, has been forged by Battle; Baptized by fire and Quenched by tears… We became and will always be a fraternity of blood with a bond stronger than death. Pro Patria I hate to rant, but I need to vent. It’s been a hard road, and I know there are a few others here who have seen it and may or may not feel the same (HoM). To the mods… feel free to delete this post if you find it pointless. - Piper |
"I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom."
-George Patton
Pro Patria
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
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A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
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Hell of a position to be put in, eh?
I suppose the issue could be resolved by posing, and answering, a pair of simple questions.
Am I fit as are my brothers?
Are my combat skills equal to theirs?
I think if the answer is yes to both questions, well, brother, tallyho!
If not, the potential of being, medically, the weak link in the chain in a combat situation cannot be ignored and, regrettably, the time for patience is at hand.
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1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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ranrad
Ron [Andy] Andrews
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Hi Dave, Mike and all: Thanks for this great post Dave ,and i echo Mikes sum up , but would like to say to this soldier, brother... one back here can only imagine what you feel about all this, and you have done an admirable job of putting it down on paper, and i think all your brothers here can feel your"need" to get back and be there for your brothers.. but try to keep in mind.. you were there for and with them... you were, you did, you have been temporarily[i hope] put out of active duty, and now you have to still be there for your pals by relaxing , healing fully and getting your full mobilty back before you can be there for them ,with them... i can only say to you , please, do not feel guilty, you have paid a terrible price too, and you did your duty, while you are healing please do not deny yourself the full enjoyment of life, of what you put your life on the line for.. enjoy your family ,your fiance, your time with one another... none of us know when that will be stopped, so you owe it yourself, your family and yes , your brothers in arms to heal and enjoy... they would all want that for their brothers.. wouldnt you??? ranrad
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RCAF,CAF, converted RCR?,1RCR 74-77 CD: SSM (Nato);CPSM,;UN-Cyp.; UN- Golan
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Online
Gender:
Posts: 3251
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
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I just registered over there and reposted. Interesting site.
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1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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Dave Brydon
Veteran 100+ Member
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George, the story noted above, was from a young reserve soldier, who was attached to C Coy, 1 RCR. I’m simply a messenger, who thought the story was worth posting on our message board.
Since this young man posted his story, it has certainly spread very quickly throughout the military online communities, and is branching ever further out; this is a positive sign that such stories are welcomed by readers, and I feel encourage by the responses.
For this young soldier and the other men returning from battle, you need to continue to move forward in life. That simple statement may not come easy to some, but you are not alone, although you may often feel that way. Many people have suffered, and [unfortunately] will continue to suffer in this world after experiencing their own tragedies…remember the past, but don’t dwell on it.
“The souls of the dead are at rest if we love them. It’s our own souls, which must seek rest in this lifetime”
Keep the faith,
Dave
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"I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom."
-George Patton
Pro Patria
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ranrad
Ron [Andy] Andrews
Ultimate 2000+ Member
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Hi Dave, just read your last and must commend you on your words. I hope it will help some of our heroes who are returning, broken somewhat in body ,mind and spiriit, for war does that to any true human, and i reciprocate to you all, Daves words ," YOU ARE NOT ALONE, THO SOMETIMES IT MAY FEEL THAT WAY" AND " DWELL ON THE , YOUR FUTURE'', remember your comrades as they were and they will feel your caring. ranrad
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RCAF,CAF, converted RCR?,1RCR 74-77 CD: SSM (Nato);CPSM,;UN-Cyp.; UN- Golan
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Online
Gender:
Posts: 3251
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
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I lasted a whole TWO days before getting zapped... snicker.
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1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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ranrad
Ron [Andy] Andrews
Ultimate 2000+ Member
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Gender:
Posts: 2159
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I agree George, i have ,as most heard most verbal tirades, many well warranted under the circumstances , and the language does not matter much to me.. but as you say there are others that might be bothered.. and that is one reason for a moderator.. which i think are quite lenient, obviously reading entire captions carefully, to se whether a 'bit" of off tone is okay, with the context of the caption...ranrad
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RCAF,CAF, converted RCR?,1RCR 74-77 CD: SSM (Nato);CPSM,;UN-Cyp.; UN- Golan
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Logged
; why I don't know