Soldier To Civilian
“The Life”
In this story, we visit a place that is very dark to almost every soldier returning from deployment or a tour of service in the Armed Forces. It’s called “The Return!” In this story, I speak with retired service member SSG. Christopher E. Taylor of Dillon County. This story is one that is really overlooked by the normal world. Well, I decided to give you a brief insight into what returning soldiers deal with and what they go through from being misunderstood by normal civilization. Even though we are speaking about what it is like returning home from a deployment, I would still like to inform you about PTSD. This is something that happens when any said individual experiences a life-changing event or trauma. According to Salute America’s Hero’s, it’s not about focusing so much on the travesty, but focusing on giving thanks to those who gave their all to protect and serve their country! In a recent study for the past several years, 13.5% of deployed and non-deployed soldiers screened positive for PTSD! According to Miriam Reisman, PTSD exists in the general population but is more prone to surface in combat soldiers who served in Iraq/Afghanistan War Era. Next time you see a Vet show respect and resolve by giving them their space and respect their boundaries. Thank you for your service to all who have given their time in honor of their country!
National PTSD Awareness Month is observed annually in June. The month is dedicated to raising awareness about the condition and how to access treatment. Vector EPS 10
In this story SSG. Taylor takes you on a journey by telling us how he felt and what it was like to return home from a long deployment. “Drink water drive on,” says Taylor as he gives his closing statement in this story which really resonated with me as he tells his experience of a soldier to civilian life. I really was heartfelt in the interview as you probably are by this portion of the interview from Taylor as I know the feeling of returning home and everything feels different but everyone thinks it is you, the soldier, who has changed. This is one of the biggest problems among returning soldiers and already acclimatized civilians. Not having an understanding and giving labels of what PTSD is has been a real issue in the past several years as the rate of PTSD diagnosed soldiers increase. Well, grab some popcorn and a cream soda as SSG. Taylor and I give you a brief peek as to what it is to return home to the normal day-to-day activities as a soldier civilian! This is a feature to warm you up for this series of “ The Life.” Special Thanks to SSG Christopher Taylor II, and all who have served in the name of the United States of America! Salute Hooooah/Oooorah!
Written By: Willie Manning
