Ryan's story: The American tragedy

It was cold and raining on an early fall day. Leaves were
twirling in the wind as Ryan started to head home from school. When he arrived home he was greeted by his mother who told him to clean up and get ready for supper. They dined over some home cooked food. It was dad’s favorite dish, baked chicken, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. They laughed and discussed their daily events. Ryan went on and on about his upcoming football game that coming Saturday, which was the first game of the season.  His mother and father never missed a game and his father always helped him practice. He reenacted all the plays his dad showed him as he sat at the dinner table. He went on about the different plays that he would be running on the playing field. They laughed in delight and reminisced about previous games. 

One game in particular that doesn’t get spoken about often at home was last season’s championship game. Ryan was the star quarterback, and had the best arm in the entire school district. His team was undefeated for the entire season but during the final game, in the second half his team was down by 7 points. All Ryan had to do was fake a pass and run right down to the end zone and score a touchdown for the win. The clock was ticking, the crowd cheering, and his family’s eyes glued to his every movement. Ryan faked a pass to one of the runners which had the opposing team running in the wrong direction,


and then Ryan ran across the turf, sliding in and out of the way of the other teammates as he inched closer and closer to the touch down line. When he approached the end of the field he leaped into the air grasping the football as tight as he could and landed victoriously scoring the winning touchdown. 

The crowd roared with glee, confetti filled the field, his teammates jumped for joy and Ryan gracefully fell to his knees. He kissed his hand, sent it into the air and said “Dad this one is for you!”

Ryan’s dad, a United States Marine, who's served two tours and won a purple heart, died one week earlier in Afghanistan. This was his father's third tour and he was expected to be home in time for his son's championship game. Unfortunately while he tried to escort some civilians to a safe house one of the civilians, actually an insurgent, strapped his daughter's chest with explosives and upon entering the building the bomb went off. It exploded and killed a total of 38 people, 5 of which were United States Marines.

Ryan still holds dreams that one day when he is practicing on the field his father would be on the other side to catch the ball. 

The Sandbox

I wanted to introduce a great website that I've had the opportunity to come across. It's called Doonesbury.

From 2005 to 2014 this blog hosted The Sandbox, a milblog posting over 800 essays by deployed soldiers, returned vets, caregivers, and spouses. 

Within this website is a blog section called The Sandbox. This  blog hosts written letters authored by military service members and families who have their loved ones in the service. It’s inside access to the personal views of these soldiers and their experiences, is astounding. The posts are captivating and intriguing. It’s a first hand account of the struggles and sometimes the laughs that soldiers encounter overseas.

One of the letters that captured my attention and I highly recommend to read, was written by an RN nurse that served in a civilian military hospital in the U.S. She depicts her view on having to take care of dying soldiers and the pain she had to endure emotionally as the years passed and the memories wouldn't fade. She continues to described the meltdown of her own mental state by constantly having to witness death and yet still have to console the families of these soldiers. Midway through her story I was able to take myself out of the Marine platform and see things from a different point of view, one of which I never really thought of. This letter was powerful in that it even made me internally connect with her and feel her sorrow. Making the choice to fight for your country doesn't only impact you but many others that you surround yourself with. Clara Hart, the name this RN likes to go by as to conceal her identity, was always plagued by the ending of one's life and all the depression that came along with it. Although it was a great weight on her shoulders, she always vowed not to quit. Unfortunately she was let go, and although finally free of proving this strenuous service, she was still imprisoned by the thoughts of all those she had to lay to rest. Sleepless night and reoccurring nightmares were a repetition. She was convinced this way the way she would live the rest of her life, until the day she was called upon from a widowed mother about to give birth to her unborn child. With the father no longer in the picture, as he died and was one of Nurse Clara Hart's patients, she needed help. 

This nurse whose real name is Susan decide to gather all her her energy and be there for this woman in her time of need. She was in the patients room with her as she gave birth, the same way she was there for her husband's passing. When the baby was born, and Susan held the baby she was finally able to have a heart warming memory fill her heart, and new life fulfilled the room. 

Susan became a changed woman and went on to continue helping others that encounter the same dilemmas. This blog has helped her created new bonds and friendships with others like her. There are many other stories that will send goosebumps up your arms and down your back. I  have learned quite a few things since encounters The Sandbox, so this is why I wanted to spread the information and hopefully someone else will be inspired to.

The creator of this blog is Garry Trudeau, when introducing  The Sandbox , he did it with this Doonesbury strip:

 This blog is riveting, you get the wonderful opportunity to read through these real life stories as I had the opportunity to do. The Sandbox's focus is all about the military member's, their families and letting them have a voice. You relive experiences and get to put yourself in their shoes. This by far is an exemplary blog, great for those in or out of the Armed forces. As a reader, you get to become familiar and related with these powerful emotions of these individuals who are writing their story. It is a way for them to involve the civilian world into their own world. 

My only down fall to encountering this blog is not having enough time to read all the entries. There are some great values to be gained in reading these stories. Some individuals even included their own poems, this creative outlet is great for soldiers and family members who are missing there loved ones or who just need to relinquish their feelings. It allows them to express themselves freely and without restraint as you can post anonymously. To anyone reading my post, I highly recommend this blog and enjoyed every post I could get my eyes on. I hope you will enjoy and take from this as well.

The interview

  I wanted to get some insight on the military through another veterans perspective. So I went on a quest to find a former veteran who has been through the process of being a soldier. From the early stages of  being a recruit to going on their first tour over seas. I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing a gentleman named Phil Carlos Contreras. He is a former Marine and enlisted straight after high school as myself. He is doing well for himself after being honorable discharged from the Marines for over two years now. He served a 6 year term, and served a tour in Iraq. Below are the questions I asked him:

1   Why did you pick the service branch you joined and what made you decide to enlist?

It was a challenge that I wanted to fulfill since it was a branch that many did not want to join as it seemed to be a top competitive branch. I joined the United States Marine Corps because of my family not feeling as they were Americans when they came to this country, especially when my parents were at work or around many Americans. Joining the military gave me a prideful moment that my parents were now Americans and they can always walk around their work areas honorably that their son is a U.S. Marine.

2   How did your service and experiences affect your life?

It affected my life by opening myself  up to others as I was very shy with an introverted personality. The U.S Marine Corps helped me see who I am and changed the views of many of my family members about joining the military in a positive way.

3   What recommendations can you give a soldier entering into boot camp?

The one recommendation I can give a soldier is to take the fear as a positive sign.  Take each moment as a challenge, embrace it and let it make you stronger. The only person you should worry about is yourself. Also try not to complain about this experience as one day you will want to look back on it and remember the good times. It is always mindful to view everything that you are doing at boot camp is for the sole purpose of becoming part of something bigger in life. Always remember the reason you joined and use that to motivate you.

4 What were some of the most memorable experiences while being deployed?

One of the most memorable experiences that I had while being deployed was when we parked our convoy at night, in the middle of nowhere, in the dessert of Iraq. We stationed a 360 perimeter so we can sleep that night. LCPL Yoon, a very particular guy who was my best friend, laid on a cot next to me as we were trying to fall asleep with the Humvee next to us. Our buddy was on the Humvee turret gun as a security watch. We looked at the stars and just talked for a while about life wondering what we were doing there and then suddenly we began to quietly sing Christina Aguilera’s song in reference to the stars.  It was like, we didn’t care about what was going on around us and the song just made us strangely happy. 

 5   How has your relationship with your significant other/your family been affected by deployments, if at all?

My family and I are still very close, we have been apart for so long that we are now used to the time. It took time to get used to the separation and my parents experienced a lot of anxiety while I was deployed. At times you can say our relationship was strained because there were constantly stressing and worrying about me. As time progressed and I came back home we were able to build back our relationship to where it was at before I left.

 6    What did you go on to do as a career after being discharged?

I took some time off and decided to go to school and finish up my degree first. After I graduated with my Bachelor’s, I began working as an independent contractor and started my own business. There is only 6 men working in my company and two of them are former Marines as well.

7   Is there anything you would like to add that we have not covered in this interview?

Yes, I noticed on your blog you mentioned The Sandbox, I don’t know if many people know this but there is also a book out as well. Someone referred me to this book and at first it must have sat on my nightstand for a month or two until the day I decided to crack it open. When I did I couldn’t seem to put it down. This book had allowed me to make connections within myself and others.

8  Is there any advice that you can give me that I can post on my blog that can help other soldiers or veterans?

One piece of advice that can be helpful is suicidal awareness with other veterans and soldiers. I have met some men and woman who experience deep depression after leaving the military. Any additional support or information that can be provided for these individuals is greatly necessary. Even if you’re a veteran yourself, it is great to reach out and help each other when needed.

Phil brings about some interesting key aspects in his responses. I interviewed him in person and his demeanor described a lot more than just the words written on this post. What struck me the most was when I asked him about a memorable experience while being in the military. He seemed to be at peace, his posture relaxed, as he stared in to the distance and begins to answer the question. As the interview continued and eventually ended, each question aroused different emotions. Being apart of the military is just that, a roller-coaster of events and emotions. I enjoyed getting to hear about another veteran's experience and outcome to becoming a part of the U.S. Armed forces and hope you did to.

Ever wonder how to enlist?

 Ever sit back and wonder how to become a member of the U.S. Military Service? Many individuals learn of the benefits and advantages of becoming a soldier, but not too many know where to start. It isn't as simple as meeting with a recruiter and instantaneously becoming an active Marine, Navy Seal… etc. There are a couple of requirements that must be met first in order to enlist. Here’s the how to, to enlist into the U.S. military Service:

1.   First thing you want to do is make an appointment with a recruiter, it’s in your best interest to meet with one that deals with the same military branch you want to serve under. If you’re not sure or haven’t made up your mind, start with the closest one to home.
2. Once you have decided for yourself that this is the path you want to stay on, you will make an appointment Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to finish the enlistment process.  You will need to bring a Social Security card, birth certificate and driver's license, remove all piercings, bring  any eye wear that you may need or use to see, and most importantly get a good night’s rest.
3. At MEPS, you will first take an exam called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. This exam can take up to three hours and is multiple choice with questions ranging from Math Reading, English and Science.
4. Next you will be required to take and pass a physical examination; this is somewhat similar to what you family doctor does. Your height, weight, urine and blood samples will be taken, you will also submit to a drug and alcohol test. They will review you muscle group and joint maneuvers as well.
5. Once the above has been completed you are now ready to meet with a counselor and determine a career. I think this is the most important part, everyone has a different preference and your job will be determined in regards to the needs of the branch. They also take into consideration the availability of specialty jobs. This is also where your test score form the ASVAB comes to play. Your physical capacity and of course your preference are factors as well.
6. You will be fingerprinted and now take the Oath of Enlistment. This is undoubtedly understood as being very serious and to be adhered to. You will have to vow to defend the U.S. Constitution and obey the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

 I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

7.  Atlas you have completed the enlistment process. There are two ways in which the recruit proceeds. For recruits considered a direct ship, at this point you report to Basic Training between 2 days to two months after completing all the requirements previously stated. The recruiter will provide you with all the transportation and any additional information you may need. The second option is the delayed entry program, where the recruit commits to Basic Training but within a year time frame. All of the same information follows thereafter.

Now that you are fully informed on how to enlist all there is left to do is to decide for yourself if this is the path you want to go on. I was young when I decided to enroll and being as such I would highly recommended to fully consider the true impact of making such a life altering decision. Entering into this lifestyle will change you forever and is never the same experience for each individual. Although it is a grand opportunity in my perspective, it never hurts to be fully equipped with as much knowledge as possible.  Good luck!

Giving you a little background

I wanted to use this post to express the meaning of being a Marine and what it means to me. I want to share some of my experiences with you. The reason I decided to focus on the military for my blog is because that is what I feel has influence my life in the most excellent way. Before joining I just graduated high school and couldn’t decide what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I stumble across an old friend who was an Army reserve. He explained his duties and the respect he has gained for himself after joining. After listening to his words and seeing how passionate he was about the decision he made I decided to look up some information myself. I made an appointment with a recruiter and weighed out all the pros and cons. I didn’t even consult my family when I decided to go forth with joining. I didn’t want to join just any part of the military but instead The United States Marines. I wanted to be on the forefront serving my country and make a man out of myself. It was time to let go of my childhood and embrace being an adult.

After joining and upon entering boot camp, I was hit with the harsh certainty of what molding a Marine consisting of. Numerous training's, obstacle courses, and far away enough from the civilian life a reality dawned on me. 

At first I was scared but never showed it on my face. The first week by far was the worst for me. Eventually I realized in order for me to be the man I wanted to be I have to grab the bull by the horns and ride on. I completed every training giving nothing but my all. I was the best sharp shooter in my platoon, and became to go to person for other members of my platoon who found themselves struggling. I lost 40 lbs during my time in boot camp and gained much stamina.

Upon graduating, I felt accomplished and ready to create new challenges for myself. I had the privilege of being stationed in many different countries and shaking hands with many influential people.

 Being a Marine comes with much respect and creates a lot of opportunities. Nothing comes in comparison to when I served my first deployment in Iraq. I tend to believe everyone has the same preconceived notion when it comes to battle in Iraq. Yes, it isn’t all rainbows and butterflies, but the whole purpose of a Marine training in boot camp is for this exact reason. I was anxious to get this tour out of the way and see what it had in store for me. There are many events that occurred that made me humbly appreciate my life and the path I have 

chosen for myself.

I won't divulge into much detail because my main reason of this post is to have my audience see who I am and maybe give them a better understanding of the purpose for this blog. 

The passion I have for military members in every branch is insurmountable. Risking your well-being to help spread across a better cause for our country is truly the purpose of enlisting and fighting those who try to go against us. I hope my little snippet may influence someone and understand although there are many causalities of war these soldiers are never forgotten. As as we say Hoorah!

One Marines View: Semper Fidelis

I wanted to introduce a great blog that I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to come across; it is called One Marine’s View: Semper Fidelis. One Marine’s view is a tell it like is kind of blog. It depicts the view of a former Marine, Maj Pain, which comments on today’s current events that surround the military. Maj Pain is a former veteran; he was once an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corp and went off to become an officer. Through his many deployments and multiple combat tours he has gain a respect and admiration for former Marines.  Each of his posts displays his high regard for the Marines. He gives us his in-depth view and unfiltered commentary on the political and social events concerning our members of The Armed Forces. 

I particularly took interest in his post titled “36 Marine Heroesof the Pacific WWII Theater Found 71 Years After Death.” This post encompasses the sometimes horrible truth about the dangers of war. During WWII Marines fought long and hard in a violent Battle of the Tarawa in November 1943. Do to some unfortunate events many Marines died in the battle, 36 of whom were never brought back home until this year. The post goes on, in detail, describing one of the Marines, the intricate role he played in the war. I decided I wanted to add my own commentary to this post because as a former Marine I know the importance of returning home whether it is safely or not. Under no circumstances do we leave any Marines behind. It is heart wrenching to know that there is a grave stone with these gentlemen’s names on them that blatantly lie, stating it as their final resting ground. I am pleased to hear that after proper identification of these bodies, they will return home and to be placed to rest as they should have been many, many years ago. I go on to write: 

I enjoyed reading this post and admire the importance of bringing our Marines home under any circumstances. It is very unfortunate these brave men have been so far from home through all these years. They died defending our country and deserve to rest in peace in their own home. I am comforted to hear the tale of 1^st Lt. Alexander Bonnyman and gleam with joy that he is finally going to make it home. He has earned the great Medal of Honor amongst other praises, with doing so he has also earned the respect of a final resting place. The dignity I have for all my fellow Marines holds true even up to their very last breath, and it is great to know the same holds true for others as well. I hope my blog; Welcomehomemarine.blogspot.com can be as empowering as yours. Semper Fidelis!

Although  each comment is accepted at the discretion of the author on whether it will be posted, I hope when I check back in I see my comment, it lies right under this wonderful post about these heroic Marines. I surely recommend others in viewing this blog and getting an eagle eyes view of a truly exemplary blog. This blog has went on to win many awards including the Patriotic Website Award, which I can only dream of doing so myself one day.

Reflecting back to wikipedia

Reflecting back to my post about my Wikipedia adventure, it brought up some interest. I wanted to see whether or not the information I posted is actually still posted. To my surprise the information I posted was still up and there weren't any changes to my addition. I am ecstatic to know that my information will hopefully aid readers and spread awareness to other potential benefits. I feel that my addition is vital because of the substance and the path it leads.

As I stated before, many military members are unaware of programs that they are qualified for. It is imperative for these programs to be more recognizable and easier to access so it's mission can be accomplished. I only wish I would be able to see my posts effect in real life, to be able to see someone researching the specified information that I posted and it making an impact of their lives. I am grateful enough to have been informed on veterans benefits and feel blessed to be able to share it. Again if you are interested in this information please visit wikipedia.

Now that I have had the ability to make a change and see it last, my hope for the future is to be able to further the information and delve deeper into other categories that surround the military and its member's. Even if all I affect is one person, than my goal has been accomplished. Never underestimate your impact to help someone.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq have brought post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD ) among military personnel to the attention of the American people as never before. Coinciding with my previous post, "The hardest part of going to war is coming home", Many soldiers endure a lot of mental issues. Coming back home into the civilian world isn't the easiest for soldiers to adjust to. Some military members undergo what is called Post-traumatic stress disorder, otherwise known as PTSD.

PTSD can occur through nightmares, trying to adjust to daily routines when returning to life back home, and through hearing loud noises that may sound like gunshots or bombs going off. Veterans are known to exhibit these symptoms occasionally. Not everybody experiences it but those that do have a difficult time with it. 

There have been many cases where these veterans don't want to speak about it and actually leave all this pent up hostility within themselves to deal with. At times it can seem unbearable and they begin to see themselves as the root of the problem. Instead of trying to figure things out on your own, any one experiencing PTSD is advised to see a medical professional or at least discuss these occurrences with another loved one. Sometimes just talking about it helps.

For individuals with a more severe case of PTSD and contemplate suicide should go to a medical professional that may be able to administer medication to hep subdue the mood swings and memories that trigger these emotions. Those of  you who have military members in your family or as a friend, reach out and speak to them. Sometimes the hardest part is opening up or finding the right person to talk to. 

PTSD can affect individuals of all ages at any tramatizing part of their life. Veterans are at high risk due to the simple fact that they were in a very hostile environment and now have to transition from battle field mode to being in a tranquil environment back home. The littlest of things can become a trigger. The most important thing to do is to find help. You are not alone, unfortunately this is a common issue among individuals who have been in war and witness some harsh realities or even witness death first hand. 

There should be more awareness out there for veterans and even those who are still active within the military. Due to the high risk of being diagnosed with PTSD, veterans should try and takes things one step at a time. Starting a routine and taking time out for oneself can help assist in transitioning and prevent further signs of depression or worse, PTSD.

Paying the price: uniforms

Upon entering the Armed Forces, you recieve a stipend which is used for an allowance. You can use this allowance to buy yourself some stuff from the gift shop or food store on base. You must also pay for a haircut, which your only allowed to have a certain type of style, or you may even purchase some hygiene products. 

What some individuals fail to realize is the fact that they also have to pay for their uniform, down to the very button or decorative ribbon that comes attached. Others may think it is just given to the solider but infact it comes out of their stipend. These uniforms are very detailed and as such very expensive as well. 

An average uniform can rage from a couple of hundred dollars nearing into the thousand dollar range. Yes now I'm sure that caught your attention. Every detail must be accounted and paid for. Even the medals that the soldier or Marine might earn during battle or during training  needs to be paid for by themselves as well.  The total pricing can be quite astronomically after calculating the amount they actually receive per hour. Ofcourse you must have more then one uniform and there are different types of uniforms you are required to wear. You must pay for the each designated uniform that you are assigned. 

These allowances are given to spend soley on uniforms and understand that at minimum there are three uniforms that must be purchased. There is no wonder why upon graduation from boot camp it is recommended to have the uniforms properly kept and safe guarded.

They also allot different cash allowances for replacement uniforms just in the happenstance that a uniform is damaged or badly ruined and becomes inappropriate to wear. As well as an allowance to help properly maintain your uniforms. Uniforms are a vital element in being a Marineor soldier. Each different department of the Armed forces has a different uniform and the costs vary.

Military training

During military boot camp a soldier goes through many training exercises. Some of these exercises may be a bit extreme, but very useful in the long haul. It prepares soldiers for circumstantial situations that could arise during battle. One of these training techniques is called Taser Training. For trainees this class is not only useful in understanding how to use a taser, but also when a taser should be used as an intermediate level of force.

Another form of training that is vital is the pepper spray training. This training allows for trainees to understand the feeling of pepper spray and also be able to learn to fight against the burning sensation so they can still actively defend themselves. Although some find these videos  to be funny, it is quite serious.

Lastly trainees also go through gas chamber training, all for the same reason as the previous two training's. The gas chamber training teaches a soldier how to properly put on a mask to protect themselves. It also informs them of the chemicals used and the effects of them. It is very important that recruits pay attention to this training and listen to the rules because one wrong mistake you can be in more pain than you need to be. 

The gas chamber is a room that has a controlled concentration of CS (orto-chlorobenzylidene-malononitrile) gas, more commonly known as tear gas. Tear gas is the active ingredient in Mace and used for self defense and for riot control by the police. Tear gas is an irritant; specifically, it irritates mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, mouth and lungs, causing tearing, sneezing, coughing, etc. 

All these training techniques increases a soldiers chances to defend themselves. Although it is not the most ideal situation, you will be grateful for the experience and knowledge. You do not have the option to opt out of these training's. They are required unless you have a preexisting medical condition that can have a dangerous effect to your life.