I was part of the US Army 101st Airborne Division and did two tours in Iraq – ’03 to ’04 and then ’05 to ’06. I joined the military just out of high school, before September 11th. I was looking to start a new life for myself, but it was nothing like I could have ever imagined. I was in numerous firefights and there were many times ricocheted bullets passed by my head. I remember having to camp overnight, sometimes for a week at a time, amongst the stench of dead bodies.
Upon returning to Oklahoma, my life has been filled with one problem after the other. I was recently diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and have started counseling and medication. I have extreme paranoia, flashbacks, anxiety attacks and a very quick temper. It’s impossible to be normal after you’ve seen what I’ve seen. I’ve been fired from five manual labor jobs in the past year and a half. Currently, I’m unemployed and live with my younger brother, two sisters and mother, who suffered a stroke a few years back. It’s my sole responsibility to care for his mom. I’ve spent all the money that I saved while in Iraq, and my family is completely broke.
My dream has always been to attend college. My military service entitles me to partial tuition assistance, but it’s not enough to cover my daily expenses. Without a job, it’s been extremely difficult for me to provide for his family. Buying things like groceries and everyday supplies for my family has landed me in serious credit debt. I donate plasma twice a week, for $20 per visit, to keep gas in my car. Even knowing the way things have turned out for me, I wouldn’t necessarily do anything differently. I’m proud of my service. I feel like a real-life super-hero. But, you just never see Bat-Man sitting in a counselor’s office talking about PTSD.