Two posts tonight - back with a vengence

First post:

My friend - Aviation Commander, father, husband, PTSD sufferer who I have repeatedly promised to tell you about called yesterday to thank my wife and I for our service.

She deserves it - as does he.

I, a glorified whirlybird bus driver, do not.

I'll bypass his story for now and share our conversation.

Him: Dude how are you? Hey, sorry we haven't talked in a couple of weeks. Wife had the baby - she's beautiful and amazing (Baby and wife).

**NOTE: He gave me the stats and all I can remember is baby girl, name is normal, and she was 19.5" long - I am pathetic and I apologize to mother and father. Remember me as a caring friend with the memory of a toad.

Me: Congrats brother. You must be so proud - two beautiful daughters.

Him: I am - she lights ups the room - lights up me.

Me: How are you doing? Writing much lately?

Him: Fuck no - I just can' get into it lately (sad for an award wining Columbia MFA). I try but it just won't come. I'm a slacker!

Me: You OK otherwise?

Him: Kinda - the nightmares are really bad. Almost every night. At least I'm up when the baby cries though.

Me: Any luck with the VA? (his disability package is in the purgatory of the VA process. So much for reducing their average wait time down from 173 days. I'm a six sigma black belt and guarantee I could cut it by 30% but they have declined my offers to help)

Him: No - I'm kinda giving up on that. I get to see someone from my wife's health care program. They have no clue what war is like but at least its someone to talk to.

Me: I'll make a call on Tuesday to my wife's VA therapist she'll get you in.

Him (resigned) Sure dude thanks - whatever you can do.

As god is my witness, I will call this therapist tomorrow morning first thing. She is overwhelmed with troops in need and probably has no life outside the VA but she'll get him in. She cares and will go the extra mile. I owe her my life, my wife's life and our marriage and I'll ask for one more favor. She'll find a way to get him in. The VA is filled with folks like her. They care and give to the detriment of their own lives

My friend needs help and it isn't readily available. As an Army Officer this shames me. As an American this shames me. On this Memorial Day, we owe our freedoms to good men like my friend yet very few are doing everything they can - except for the overburdened caregivers at the VA - they do it until they become casualties themselves. Unable to bear the weight of so many and still take care of themselves.

If you read this, do me a favor and send a copy to your congressman or senator. Ask them to ensure this stops happening. Share it with your local newspaper or your neighbor. We need to get the word out and keep it in the headlines until it stops - until all get the help they need, We owe it to them.

TIA

Earl