Deciding to Join the Military
Nick's journey into the military began with the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Initially planning to work at a copper mine like his father, making about $30 an hour, everything changed when 9/11 happened. Following his father's layoff, Nick realized military service might be a good option for someone in his small town. So in 2002, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the Army as an 11 Bravo (infantry), a career he remained dedicated to for the next decade.
Family Reactions and Basic Training
The decision to join the Army was met with mixed reactions from Nick's family. His relationship with his brother, once close, became distant after he signed the contract. Although his brother occasionally sends a message on holidays or birthdays, the bond was never the same.
Basic training at Fort Benning's Sand Hill was a challenging experience. Nick recalls lying in his bunk the first night, questioning his decision as he heard grown men crying for their mothers. Despite these early doubts, he persevered through what he describes as the best worst times of his life, ultimately finding relief and pride after completing the final ruck march.
Deployment Experiences and Reflections
Six months after graduating from infantry school, Nick found himself deploying to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 1, which involved the invasion of Saddam Hussein’s palace. Describing it as the "Wild West," he noted the stark difference in rules of engagement (ROE) between then and his deployment in 2009. While the early ROE was more straightforward—anything not in a coalition uniform was a target—later deployments were far more complex and restrictive.
Through multiple deployments, Nick took pride in the big picture of what they accomplished, although he could not point to a specific mission as the most impactful. The collective experiences and the safety of his comrades were what mattered most to him.
Leadership and Command Challenges
Navigating military life also involved overcoming leadership challenges. One particular officer, fresh out of college with a graphics design degree, struggled to make informed decisions, leading to severe consequences, including the loss of soldiers. This experience reinforced Nick's respect for officers who started as enlisted personnel, earning their commissions through firsthand experience.
Mental Health Challenges and Military Response
Mental health was an ongoing battle for Nick, starting from his first deployment. Initially in denial, he found that by 2009, his mental health had deteriorated significantly. Even when he sought help while on medication for PTSD, his requests to see mental health professionals were dismissed by his superiors.
This negligence left Nick feeling unsupported, which was amplified when he separated from the service and faced homelessness for two months. The denial of his mental health needs during his service resulted in a breakdown of trust with many individuals, including family. For Nick, finding ways to cope, like using cannabis and having a service dog, provided some relief from the struggle.
Transitioning to civilian life came with its own set of challenges, particularly dealing with the VA system. It took Nick 11 years to secure his 100% disability rating, which was essential for accessing necessary dental care. The complexity and seemingly insurmountable obstacles within the VA system were a source of frustration and struggle.
Advice for Veterans and Service Members
Nick's advice to fellow Veterans and current service members emphasizes the importance of maintaining comprehensive and duplicate copies of medical records and prioritizing dental care. He underscores the long-term health implications of poor dental care and the necessity for Veterans to have affordable access to these services.
He also advises those struggling with mental health to confide in a trusted friend or family member. Talking openly about these issues can offer much-needed support and perspective.
Helping the Next Generation of Veterans
Nick dedicates his time to helping the younger generation of service members, offering advice and resources via social media. He highlights the importance of preparing for tests like the ASVAB and understanding what to expect from deployments and military life.
Additionally, my own path includes becoming a certified peer support specialist, aiming to lend a hand to Veterans experiencing tough times. The goal is always to be there for those who need someone to talk to, ensuring they know they aren't alone.
The journey from military to civilian life is fraught with challenges, from grappling with mental health issues to navigating the often cumbersome VA system. Yet, through perseverance and finding the right support, Veterans can find a path to a fulfilling post-service life.
