Real Strength

Soldiers can go for days without sleep, perform night patrols in the rain, carry crippling heavy loads of gear across multiple miles of treacherous, rugged terrain, and fight heavily armed enemies with complete disregard to their own survival. And they can do it repeatedly for months, or even years on end, holding the line until the war has been won.

When Soldiers finish their watch, and are able to return home, they often find themselves unable to settle into domestic life.  People can leave the military, but the military never fully leaves them. A piece of the Veteran will always be a soldier.

Difficulty in transitioning can range from being merely uncomfortable, to being totally devastating to one's life.  Relationships usually suffer, employment is often unstable, and isolation is commonly suffered.

This is where REAL Strength is required.

Often, the stronger a person has been in their life, the more difficult it is for them to admit they need help.  The more a person has been the protector, the sheepdog, the leader, …. the more challenging it is to swallow their pride and ask to be protected, helped, and led out of the darkness.

Sadly, most never find the strength to ask for help.  As a result they become even more injured.  The Soldier tends to turn to either Alcohol or drugs for comfort, and addiction becomes the price they pay for refusing to ask for help.  Addiction creates more isolation, the increased isolation creates loneliness and hopelessness.  The despair too often results in suicide.

The best way to help others find the strength to ask for help, is to let them know that other Sheep Dogs have suffered in similar ways, and have found the courage to ask for help, and walk the healing path.

If you are a Veteran of the Military, or a former first responder who has walked the healing path, you have an opportunity to be a beacon of hope to others.  You can light the way out of the darkness for those who may be watching you in quiet despair.  By “Recovering Out Loud” you can shine your light for others to draw strength from. By recovering out loud, you are trumpetting reveille for those who are yearning to wake from their nightmares.

If you are a private person, you can still light a signal fire of healing for the wounded to follow.  Simply share episodes of Operation Tango Romeo on your social media pages. Or, share posts from any Veteran or First Responders support organization which you believe in.

Active duty Military, First responders, Veterans and their families need support year round,... not just in November.  The more aware they are of support, the more likely they are to reach out for it.

If you support Veterans, First Responders, & Their families, please share this, and please share posts from support organizations. Doing so may very well save a life, and a family from suffering from the loss of that life.

#veterans, #firstresponders, #support