Sobriety.... One year later... Please Read.

My journey paralleled much like yours. 4 years army medic / 18 years helicopter rescue swimmer/6 years paramedic. I thought i was bullet-proof. then one day i couldnt filter the scenarios out in my head and no room to push it down anymore. Alcohol and depression...and all that made for bad. Congrats..god bless and never fear to share when you suspect emotional trauma. Blue skys..!

 

Thanks my friend!

 

B.Turner- how have you got that 30" RI mounted? On the RI mounts? Sits nice.

BTW, you guys that did something to remedy your situation and then share it here- thank you! You may never know where inspiration to others for that 'moment of clarity' is given.

 

It's a 40" mounted on the inside tabs of a N-Fab Light Bar.

Thanks! That is my hope for this thread.

 

Thanks for the post brother.

 

No problem

 

salute

 

Wow...thank you for such an open, inspirational and well written testimony. I'm not a fan of hero worship, but you might be a rare exception. Please accept my gratitude and admiration.

By giving us all a better understanding what you and others deal with, as you have gracefully chosen to share here, you make me appreciate even more those like you who do for us what most of us cannot handle doing for ourselves. As you have shown, the price we'd pay and continue to pay is very high and because of people like you, we never know what it means to get that bill. To my thinking, that is true sacrifice for others, no matter the cost, any day, every day. Again, please accept my gratitude.

I've been through only a very small part of the things you found on the road you've chosen and I still suffer some of those memories. I have some experience climbing out of the pit, but what knocked me down that low barely compares to what you've described. Suffice it to say, I do know what the view from the bottom looks like and I also know that many once there never see a better view than the walls that surround them and eventually close in on them.

For those of us who think we are tough enough or strong enough to handle it alone, thank you for showing and telling us of a better way.

Bless you for your sacrifices and for your example! Whatever your motivations for your career and for sharing this private side of yourself here, may your reward be everlasting.

 

First... Thank you for the kind words. They mean a lot!

Second... Thank you for a very well written post. Using such a small amount of words you put into context everything that has been posted thus far.

Take care my friend!

 

Just found this thread.
We hear all these stories about members of the military coming home from war with PTSD, we often forget that there are tons of people right here at home that witness horrific things every day.
I've definitely gained a lot of respect for firefighters and EMTs after reading this thread. Thank you for posting this and I wish you the best of luck.

 

B. Turner I just joined a few days ago and just now reading this thread/post. THANK YOU FOR POSTING BROTHER. I'm often around guys from L34 (I play pipes for the Jonesboro FF's Pipes n' Drums) and would like to meet you if I haven't already. Ty D.

 

I'm sure we will meet. I'm pretty active in our union.

Stay safe Brother!

 

Great post buddy!!! Im going thru something myself right now and it will be the hardest Ive done. Its good to read others peoples perspective.

 

I hope this helps you in some small way. If I can do anything please feel free to shot me a PM.

 

THANK YOU for posting your story/experience.
I will definitely keep the bolded part in mind-- I'll be going into the USMC infantry here this weekend (leaving for basic) but know that military especially those involved in combat such as my desired field will have an increased chance of experiencing PTSD.

Again, thanks for posting this as well as your choice of career.

 

Mark! 0311 huh?! Nice! Maybe you will run into Mr Grimm at SOI. Anyways, Good luck brother, stay motivated

 

Thank you brother!

Yes... There is a increased chance for you to develop PTSD being involved in a combat arena. But I think you are going in with the right attitude.

Thank you very much for your service!

Stay safe my friend!

 

Most likely yep! It's just an 03xx contract right now so we'll see. I'll keep my eye out for good people when down there. Thanks!

You as well

 

My dads a firefighter, he comes a lot telling me some really crazy stories on the job.. I'm really sorry you've gone through with all this.. I'm proud of you for not drinking or using in 3 months!! Good for you man.

 

Thank you!

But I've been clean and sober well over a year now