My blog post of yesterday left no doubt that I suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) as a consequence of my time in combat. I am distressed to come across people who consider PTSI as a form of weakness or cowardice. They believe that the brave among us could live through the horrors of combat unaffected.
My belief, based on my experience and that of others, is the opposite. I believe that PTSI is not only honorable but a healthy response to observing and participating in combat. Anyone who does not respond with shock to the savage killing of a battle buddy is sick. Reacting with revulsion is healthy.
More than that, combat PTSI sufferers deserve our respect and honor. These are men (and a few women) who risked their lives for the good of their country. Most of them would do it again if asked. And while they may have learned from their experience, they certainly didn’t enjoy it.
So all of us should honor combat PTSI sufferers. We should tip our hats and bow before them. Saying “thank you for your service” doesn’t cost much, but it can comfort those who were willing to give their all for their country.
Tom Glenn, Writer 