Comments on: One Step At A Time

By: Alicia

Alicia — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:20:20 +0000

CJ,

I've delved into a lot of your old posts on PTSD. You articulate so clearly what you are experiencing. It is simultaneously a pleasure and completely heart-wrenching to read your posts. I admire what you are doing for yourself, as you are assisting others with your example. Hang in there!

By: P.J. Tobia - Afghan Desk – A Soldier With PTSD: “We Don’t Have To Feel Like Monsters…” - True/Slant

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:17:22 +0000

[...] July, CJ wrote an incredibly moving essay about his struggle with PTSD and trying to come to terms with the demons that followed him home [...]

By: Ken

Ken — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:35:22 +0000

CJ – I just ran on to this via a Facebook link and want you to know its happened to a lot of us. Maybe not to the same severity, but its there. I too have many sleepless nights as well as memory loss and and an inability to concentrate on one thing for too long. It was a part of the reason for my decision to retire. Funny enough, I too have taken up geocaching and have had a number of alias along the way. Currently, I'm Bug&Bonzo along with my second wife. In the mean time I'm reading a number of your posts to catch up with you.

Hang in there brother, it does ease down after you move out of the environment. I cut my anti-depressants a few months ago because I didn't feel they were doing anything. Things have been ok. Tomorrow, I meet with one of my former soldiers for the first time in years. I'm a bit nervous about it, but it should be good. Seems you never out live the title "Top" but you wonder if you can still live up to it.

By: Flopping Aces » Blog Archive » Flopping Aces Writer Major Chris Galloway Dead at 36

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:55:18 +0000

[...] writing on June 30th, the very day ChrisG committed [...]

By: True Cost of War Reflected in Soldier Suicides, Widespread PTSD Illnesses « This Tumbleweed Life

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:21:22 +0000

[...] read this excerpt from CJ's blog over at A Soldier's Perspective. He's no mama's boy, having served 14 years and 3 deployments, receiving the Bronze [...]

By: P.J. Tobia - Afghan Desk - On Courage and Soldier Suicide - True/Slant

P.J. Tobia - Afghan Desk - On Courage and Soldier Suicide - True/Slant — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:55:42 +0000

[...] is an excerpt from his essay, the entirety of which can be found here. Read every word: I am always tired. No matter how long I "sleep," I NEVER wake up [...]

By: JD

JD — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:29:27 +0000

I know exactly what you mean. I felt the same way for much of 2008, after having spent 2007 deployed to Iraq. Now being retired from USMC for 4 months, life has never been sweeter. My previous life is gone and almost forgotten, but it is a well of inspiration.

Best wishes to you, CJ. And hang in there. It gets better on the other side.

Peace and Semper Fidelis…

By: Donna

Donna — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:40:37 +0000

CJ,
Thank You for pouring your heart out to us and telling us what is going on with you. I have read your blog for a long time too and I throughly enjoy reading here.

All I can say is hang in there and know that there are those of us out here who are praying for you. I'm glad that you are seeking medical help as well. We respect you so much and care about you! Take care of You!!

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:46:04 +0000

Ditto to what the T-meister said, you have the #'s and they are ALWAYS on for you. Love you, am immensely proud of you and always behind you. And just to add a little levity, Peter would be so proud of you, you said “arse”, LOL, it will tickle his Kiwi heart when I tell him tomorrow morning.

By: jenny

jenny — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:19:23 +0000

CJ, I've read this blog for some time and I don't remember if I've ever commented, but I just had to say something this time.

I'm a civilian, but a Soldiers' Angels member and a supporter of our troops. My dad and grandpa both served during times of war. First of all, thank you for your service.

You're right about suicide. My younger brother killed himself when I was in high school, and the impact of that on the rest of the family…we've never been the same, and it's been more than 20 years now. It breaks my heart every time I hear that a soldier has done the same, and I applaud you for properly counseling your brothers-in-arms in that respect.

And thank you for having the courage to talk about your own struggles; so many people need to know they're not alone. "Army Strong" is not only for the battlefield. It's encouraging to see there's movement to end the stigma about getting help when necessary.

I pray your words will bring hope to others. Praying also that God will fill you with the peace that passes all understanding, and that hope and joy and healing in Christ will be yours now and always, and that He will also uphold your wife and family when they need lend their strength to you.

No pity here. Just thanks.