Marines,

I got to give you all a heads-up on an event that participated in last week that was quiet humbling.

The Midwest Marines Foundation (www.midwestmarinesfoundation.com) headquartered in our area (St. Louis) host a seminar periodically for severely wounded Marines back from the Mideast wars.

These seminars are structured to help these Marines reaclimate into civilian society and help with job finding techniques and opportunities. I was astounded by the number of Marine brothers (and sisters) that are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering severe cases of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Many have this disorder to such an extent that they cannot function in society today. One of the 30-something young men (a corpsman) even required a service dog for day-to-day support for everything he does.

I was just in the kitchen fixing and serving food and later cleaning up (basic KP stuff) for the group. But it was such an honor for me to be in the presence of these warriors that I would have done anything to support them.

I don’t recall PTSD, or battle fatigue being as prevalent from our Vietnam era. I’m sure that many of us suffered from some form of post-combat stress.

At any rate, if any of you have an opportunity to participate in similar events through your local VFW or Marine Corps League I would encourage you to jump at the chance.

SemperFi