A regiment of Army soldiers, known as Killer Blue has returned home after fifteen months deployed in Iraq. They have returned to self skepticism about every day life. Some can’t trust people they see because they are no in uniform. While some question their ability to be husbands and fathers. Two dozen of the Killer Blue soldiers died while many came back with purple hearts (the award no one wants to earn). In the article on MSNBC.com many of the members of Killer Blue discussed life in Iraq, being attacked and being home. Many found it different and difficult.
This article brought me to think about Ellie Weisel and the father from Maus. It must have been very difficult to return to normal, everyday life following the Holocaust it is tough to know what they went through because these two books were strictly on the Holocaust and not life following; but with the developed characters from these books I think it is safe to assume that it was very difficult for them to return to life. They came back missing friends, family members and homes. They came back with no money or valuables. And worse of all, they came back to people knowing where they went and I can not imagine the lack of pride one took in oneself following returning from a concentration camp.
During the article the men of Killer Blue talked about the death of a sergeant changed everything. Before that people enjoyed the time they had together to bond, trading cigarettes and food rations. After a roadside bomb took the life of that sergeant (Caldwell) one member said that’s when the laughter stopped and they realized the seriousness of their situation. The companies motto became “baptized by fire, came out steel.” I feel this motto fits as being shot at is seen as being “under fire.” Derrek Griffard said that he will live his life to the fullest before something else happens. I feel this is what it would have felt like after the Holocaust for the survivors, to live every day to the fullest.
Back from Iraq, Killer Blue looks ahead. MSNBC.com March 16, 2009
klynchmorin said
It is very strange to think about making the adjustment from war to “real life”. We all make transitions all of the time, even the simplest ones can be very difficult and draining so I cannot imagine the toll a transition such as this could take on a person. I have read several articles about the difficulties faced by soldiers upon their return home from Afghanistan or Iraq and the little help they receive to become readjusted and comfortable in their new (yet old) circumstances.
I think more help should be available to soldiers returning home. If our government has the money to spend on sending them into war then they should make arrangements for them to receive the help they need upon returning home.
It is sad to think that survivors of the Holocaust received very little help, if any, to become readjusted to everyday life and I believe many of them suffered for it. Even today, Iraqi and Afghan civilians will probably receive little or no help in terms of dealing with the things they faced or will face during the wars America is leading in their home countries.
I suppose no one will claim responsibility for the casualties that cannot be measured.
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