This year, I remembered the death of a class mates who served but did not pass on the battle field

[MichaelSoE]

My friend Mickey who overdosed on heroin.

My friend Gary. He closed the garage door then sat in his car with his dog, started the engine, snort more smack and exorcised his demons.

Jim and John, both who survived by taking the 12 steps necessary to avoid the fate of of Mickey and Gary.
The horrors they suffered still haunt them and though they are still alive, some part of who or what they were, died while serving.

There were others from my home town that were killed in action and a memorial is erected in the town center. Deservedly so. But there are so many others who's lives were cut short as a direct result of serving. Today I will reflect not so much on what they gave, rather what was taken from them.

[mitch96]

1. Friends and family went down that path... Some made it and some did not... nt

[Martin Eden]

2. It is our duty as citizens

To not only provide the needed care for our veterans wounded in body and mind, but to prevent those wounds in the first place.

How many of our wars in the last sixty years were justified? Were the sacrifices made by our people in uniform really necessary to protect our freedom and security?

In Vietnam?
In Afghanistan?
In Iraq?

[DownriverDem]

3. My Brother

served in the Air Force in Vietnam and Thailand. He came home and had a good life with a wife and 3 kids. Then in 2015 he was diagnosed with lung cancer (He hadn't smoked since his 20s.) He had a mass on his lung and died not lasting a year. It was ruled by the VA that is was because of being exposed to Agent Orange (He would go on the planes that sprayed it.) His widow is receiving a monthly benefit because of it. We are heart broken.

[MaryMagdaline]

5. I'm so sorry for you and your family.

Same death for my friend’s father - lung cancer. Never a smoker. Vietnam Vet exposed to agent Orange.

[MaryMagdaline]

4. Wonderful tribute to your friends

You are so right. Many die in war and some are slow deaths.

[sheilahi]

6. feeling sad

Well great! Now I'm sitting here feeling so sad.............about Gary's dog. Talk about an innocent victim of the drug world.