Grateful this Veteran shared his story! Soldier's journey to heal spotlights 'soul wounds' of war.

2015-08-15T19:45:29-04:00

Many on this very forum have similar experiences as those in this story, It is worth reading and I encourage you to share some of what you are still carrying with you. It is not easy to share your pain with others, to open your wounds and show your vulnerabilities. The respect I have for SFC Powell to open up and share those haunting thoughts and memories - it is not an easy thing to do.

One of the many dark memories with me was a major mortar and rocket attack while in Anbar Province (at Hit, Iraq) where we sustained 39 casualties during one attack - the bodies of the injured and killed warriors did not stop coming in. We only had a couple medics however, the Medical Sergeant from the ODA that was with us joined in and helped stabilize those he could and prepare casualties for the medevac. That was a very bad day, one that is burned into my memory...as a 1SG in 1-36 Infantry, being with your men in sector and seeing so many injured and surviving gives you a sense of survivors guilt.

The attached link is a great read and I am grateful SFC Powell was mature enough and confident enough to share this with us.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/article30727680.html

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 15 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-08-15T19:48:55-04:00

CSM Michael J. Uhlig Another awesome and inspiring story to share with the RP Community. Thanks

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Aug 15 at 2015 8:56 PM

2015-08-15T20:56:32-04:00

Great story CSM Michael J. Uhlig ... thanks for posting!

Response by 1SG David Lopez made Aug 15 at 2015 9:56 PM

2015-08-15T21:56:40-04:00

Awesome story, thanks for sharing it with us. I wish Mr. Powell peace and relief. He did a good thing for a young girl amidst a horrible situation. He has to know his actions were those of a morally great Christian, Soldier, and Healer.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 15 at 2015 10:15 PM

2015-08-15T22:15:18-04:00

I have heard those who have a moral injury feel forgetting about the person who died is like killing them all over again. I don't if it is true or not.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Aug 15 at 2015 10:27 PM

2015-08-15T22:27:20-04:00

CSM Uhlig my condolences on the loss of your soldiers and their families. Nothing ever makes up for the loss, we just must move on and know we did the best we could at the time.
We are called to do what we can beyond reacting, but to act with thoughtfulness and care in any situation we find ourselves in. I think it is normal to replay combat situations and think through what one could have done differently. I have spent many hours ruminating over if I had planned or executed something differently, perhaps I could prevented soldiers deaths. The reality is we don't get the redo and 100% of the time you'd exact same call.
Peace be with you CSM Uhlig and SFC Powell, thank you for sharing your pain, you are my brother and I am glad to honor your service.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Aug 17 at 2015 9:11 AM

2015-08-17T09:11:00-04:00

This is awesome story. I haven't seen the things a lot have here. I guess God knew that I probably couldn't have handled them. There are a group of soldiers here stronger than I am. Thank you for the things that you have done for this country. And my God help you in your recovery.