Veterans

That point has become a huge one in my mind and is a part of a focus of my conversations with my psychologist at the VA.

I was a good natured person when I joined the Army and I believed too readily that our military was a force for good and would only be used to make our nation safe and to spread democracy and opportunity to the less fortunate. Realizing that I was used and duped into satisfying the American people's blood lust and need for revenge after September 11th has impacted me tremendously.

I was used and tricked by our government and our society into joining the Army and later fighting in war that I never believed in. I grew up watching cartoons like G.I. Joe and believing that the military was the good guys. I believed in the motto of the Special Forces "de oppresso libre" (or liberator of the oppressed) and I believed that we learned the lessons from our previous misguided wars. I saw the wars and conflicts of my youth as examples of this so I joined eagerly and willingly - only to be duped into a war against everything I believed in.

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Unhappy Camper,

Thanks for your private message to me nearly a month ago. I'm wasn't ignoring your offer. I often have a hard time dealing with my issues and find it easier to ignore them than to confront them. You and several other vets on this forum have done a lot for me just occasionally acknowledging and sending me words and offers of support. Thank you.