A few thoughts

[deburg2000]

The years have passed all to quickly and with each year we get a little older. In all reality the years have been pretty good to me even though Vietnam is a constant in my thoughts and on my mind. I must admit that my first nine years back were not that good at all.
Because I have made P.T.S.D. a lifes work I have found many answers to the complexities that have followed us through the years since we returned from Vietnam.
I believe that above all else that there is a plan which is constantly unfolding. A divine one which is not at all to clear while series of events unfold all around us each and every day of our lives.
There have been many tyrants that have attempted to rule the world for thousands of years. All tried and all failed. Gangus Kahn, Kubla Kahn, Atilla The Hun, Hannibul, Ming Dynasty, Kang Dynasty, Hitler etc. They all had the power and a plan and as we all know, they all failed.
So I looked to religion for a foundation of thought and a purpose and direction in the series of events that have past and are yet, unfolding.
I stated with the 'Tower Of Babel' because that is when all of the earths peoples were broken down into nations and tongues (languages). As those nations were forming religions were impliments to form foundations for social stability, moral solidity, and to form foundations for beliefs in that divine power and belief in a/the/our creator (GOD).
In knowing and believing in this process that was a planned composition from the beginning then I must believe that; as a human being of that creation I am meant to know, learn, and understand the depth of God's Own Image, of which we are. To prove that we as a creation are worthy to be a social creation for the betterment and progress of the universe that we will eventually be part of.
There must be universal laws which govern all those who reach the technological ability to travel through space.
At present we are fighting for the accomplishments that we as a nation have achieved. Battling forces so negative that the only force that they know or think will overthrow America is genocide, through placing fear and aggression into the free world. An enslavement that we as a nation cannot and will not ever accept. "Freedom is not free" but a gift that we cannot give up nor, could we, or can we ever accept the slavery that would go along with such terrorist acts. I believe that we have come to a point in history where the only alternative for a world of peace and progress is to get rid of the factions that would enslave all those that do not conform to their sadistic attacks and murderous ways.
I saw and lived around the enslavement of the Vietnamese communists during my six and a half years as a P.O.W. but, is happening in the middle east is a crime against all of humanity.
I will stop here and let your feedback tell me if I should write more, or if there are any questions or opinions.
Take Care and G.B., The Burge

[Sgt. Duffy-USMC]

Dear G.B.,

First let me take a moment to thank you for your most provocative post. In a short statement you opened several doors of subject matter that have been questioned by mankind since the first caveman picked up a rock and smacked someone in the head with it.

Your years as a POW most certainly qualify you to devote the time you already have to PTSD and trying to work with it and help others do the same. It goes without saying, that you have chosen a most commendable lifes endeavor.

You said, "Vietnam is constantly in my thoughts." I seriously doubt that anyone involved in the Vietnam War has, or ever will, be able to rid themselves of those memories. I helped train the men and women of that war, in the many times I have been to the Wall I search each name and try to tie it to the face of a person who may have gone through my training. I can't. I don't remember the names... I don't remember the faces. But as the names blurr in my vision from tears I wonder... did I fail that person? Is this the name of someone that I worked with daily? Could I have done better? Did I do enough? How many of the names on the Wall are there because I failed them? How many? Which ones?

Oh, yes my friend, Vietnam is constantly in my thoughts as well. So too, is the shame and guilt of not only my own deeds in war, but my possible failure as a leader and instructor. May God, forgive me... for I am unable to.

[deburg2000]

Duffy,
Up until a few years ago I had thought that I was the only one that was in harms way the day that I was captured. I was told (like I wrote) a few years ago one of the guys (brothers) from my old unit Third Bn. 4th. Marines (Thundering Third) told me that two of the men from/in my team (I was a team leader a week before I was captured) (30% down on troop count and teams were broken down bla bla bla you know the story) anyway two men that were in our squad went out to try and retrieve me/my body/ and were killed in the attempt and two others were wounded. I had been working on my composition on P.T.S.D. and had avoided survivor syndrome for some reason. Well I cried every day for a week and off and on for a long time after that.
When I joined the Marine Corps I took an oath to serve our country in time of war and peace. I did that and I did it with honor and dignity. I had nothing to gain from the war in South East Asia, I did not plan it nor did I have anything to gain from it in any way, shape, or form. Just a proud young man doing his job, fulfilling his obligation and an oath to God and country. To fulfill that oath was my honor, dignity, integrity, and a testimony to the country that I love and cherish.
I lived because I was meant to, because I have and had a purpose to fulfill in this life that I have been given. Although the answers are not always clear they are there and they are very real if only I have the faith to look for them and know that there is a purpose in all things for the faithful. Sometimes the journey seems like a struggle and that there just aren't any answers but, if we look around us and what has passed since we returned home we find that there are some very profund things in relation to other people that were miracles, in their own right. Had we not have been at a certain place and time certain great events would never have happened. Those little miracles happen every day if only we watch and look for them.
A well of souls where people need people, we need people to confirm that we belong, that our convictions are stable, that there is a connection among the majority, and that we are here because we have a purpose, direction and are part of that composition that is constantly unfolding before us.
Take Care and God Bless, The Burge

[danausmc]

to the PTSD thread from welcome because it is very good, and speaks to our conversations here.
Dana