• Iraqi Youth allow me to continue to help and heal

  November 23, 2010

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  Tags:  

  iraqi   army   strong   ptsd  

  
  “Thanks for your Service!” Many of us who’ve served in combat have heard these heartfelt words from well-meaning Americans. Many veterans humbly acknowledge the kind gesture with gratitude and humility. I’d served honorably in harm’s way yet found myself with one prevailing emotion when I returned: Guilt. I had all ten fingers, all ten toes, and a beautiful family. Yet I was confused, quick to anger and often withdrawn. I could not find answers, and at times I came close to losing my life, as close as when I was in Iraq. My first year home was the hardest year of my life.

  Over the last two-years, I’ve come to grips with the fact that PTSD is a part of who I am and I know that my counseling and the never yielding support of my family have given me a second chance. Still to truly heal I feel compelled to do more, more for other veterans and more for the youth of Iraq.

  Speaking candidly about my experience is one small way for me to give back to my fellow Soldiers, encouraging them to seek the same support that has given me my life back. Now, I hope to do more for the young people who have suffered a generation of violence and war as innocent victims. A chance meeting with a fellow veteran with “Iraq in his story” and a non-profit called EPIC have given me the opportunity to do just that.

  EPIC’s (Education for Peace in Iraq Center) charter has focused on promoting peace and stability in Iraq since the late 1990’s. EPIC is not about politics, or about ideology, and that’s why I’m honored to be the Chair of its Board of Directors. EPIC is about helping Iraqis shape the future of their country and one group that will play a vital role in this future are those millions of Iraqi youth whose resilient spirit touched my heart. How can you help the children of a nation? You can start by giving them a chance to be children. That’s why EPIC is working with other organizations to establish a first of its kind Youth Camp in Iraq. Our vision is to work with those who know best, both here and in Iraq, and by the summer of 2012 turn this vision into reality.

  I believe that supporting this cause can help many other veterans who feel as I do. We’ve seen Iraqi children smile with no reason to smile, seen them cope with situations no child should face, and seen them remain optimistic in the face of so much adversity. Yet nothing is forever, and the kindred spirit of the young people of Iraq is fragile.
  
  I am forever tied to the struggle of the Iraqi people. My travels with members of the Iraqi government, and my associations with the courageous members of the Iraqi media, translators, and cultural advisors I worked with will ensure that a part of me will always remain in Iraq. In the north of the country in Erbil, I met children who reminded me of my own. They hope that one day they would have a chance to live a better life every law-abiding human deserves. In Baghdad I’d share daily tea with an Iraqi translator who worked in our facility. One day he simply disappeared and we realized soon after that he was tragically killed, leaving his children behind. Many other young Iraqis I knew and know have names and faces that will forever resonate with me and thousands of Americans who went to Iraq with the goal of playing some small role in helping Iraqis develop a better way of life for their children. I went, like so many others, knowing little of Iraqi culture, and returned with immeasurable appreciation for the uniqueness of all things Iraqi.

  We are an amazingly giving country and I’m honored to be both an American, and a veteran. Regardless of politics, Iraqi or American, there is a sense of "being Iraqi" that I feel most of us may not have an appreciation for, and in order to truly appreciate the nuances of our world, of their world, we have to walk a mile (or even a few feet) in their shoes. We can do this by helping create a place where Iraqi youth can share, grow and heal.

  I am proud of my service in the military, proud of is that it was through a first-hand experience that I had to learn about a culture, a people, and a passion for life that I will never forget. This passion for service has carried me through the toughest of times, including my struggle with PTSD and the guilt associated with leaving so many behind. My eldest son had an incredible opportunity to attend an Operation Purple camp this summer with many other children of veterans who’ve served in harm’s way. It was an incredible experience for him and an opportunity he will never forget. Through EPIC’s efforts, I hope that we can create something that young Iraqis can call their own. Seeing these young Iraqis achieve a sense of youth and optimism will help veterans heal. So, I say that if you want to thank me for my service, for my sacrifice, in lieu of a handshake and a pat on the back please hear my plea to help the youth of Iraq and the future of a nation.

  Sincerely,
  Andrew Morton
  Army Reserve
  President of the Board of Directors, EPIC
  www.epic-usa.org
   

  submitted by Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Morton on Nov 23 2010

Comments

• Marianne Dagher

  Dec 8, 2010 8:30 PM

  Thank you for all you do. I have a son who was in harm's way many times. He also has a heart for the Iraqi children as do I. Let me know if I can help. I often think what would that war in Iraq and indeed in Afghanistan have been like if there were no IEDs? Their army didn't put up much of a fight. it would have all been over in a few days and very few on both sides would have been caught in the crossfire. So wehave lost our sons and their sons. Why not choose life and peace? Their bombs did nothing to change the course of events, it only added unspeakable death to the story. How hateful.

  
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• C.L.

  Jul 16, 2011 8:28 AM

  PTSD manifests itself in the strangest of ways, but seeing as how you got this far, I commend you on your achievements. God Bless.

  
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