May
28
2012
Life & Death, War & Peace By Jeff Courter | 1 comment

What Would The Fallen Ask Us to Remember?

(Post 2 of 2 – Memorial Day 2012 – Read post 1 “Chicago Honors the Fallen”)

I’ve spoken here before about the history and gravity of Memorial Day:

5000 Reasons to Remember Memorial Day (2010)

Memorial Day: Remembering the Price of Progress (2011)

Of course, having served in three branches of the military, I believe it’s important to honor those who’ve sacrificed life and limb to protect democratic principles.

However, it’s even more important to support their families and their communities – those who must find a way to carry on without their father or mother, son or daughter, sister or brother, colleague or friend – and those who must find a way to rebuild their lives around a loved one’s debilitating war injury.

What Mattered Most to Me

Military mother crying and embracing child as they reunite

Five years have passed since I was in harm’s way on a Memorial Day. But I can tell you – without a doubt – if I had been killed in action while in Afghanistan, I would NOT have wanted you to spend this holiday remembering me.

Instead, I would’ve wanted you to remember the family I left behind. I would’ve wanted you to help them in whatever way you could. Nothing fancy or extravagant. Perhaps just a hand of friendship, comfort and support – a presence that I could no longer provide.

Our nation asks so much of its military families, without offering much in return.

But we can fill that gap. We should fill that gap. It’s the least we can do for a fallen warrior’s loved ones who must carry on alone.

Human Toll: Let’s Do the Math

Relative to past wars, which involved active commitment from a larger proportion of citizens, many Americans may feel untouched by Afghan and Iraq war casualties. But here’s what statistics show:

Since 9/11/2001 – 6,440* US troops have died and 48,253** have been wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq operations.

That’s almost 55,000 US lives lost or disrupted by war in the past decade.

Now, imagine how many other lives have, by association, been irreversibly altered by those casualties. This is the legacy that fallen servicemen and women leave behind. Broken family and community circles in every state. Ripples that stretch far and wide across our country – cutting deeply into homes, neighborhoods, businesses and other institutions. It’s a loss of human potential that we can never fully calculate.

What Can We Do?

This Memorial Day, I ask you to remember those who sacrificed so much for us in recent years, by reaching out in some way to military families you may know, or by supporting one of the many organizations devoted to making a difference. It won’t restore what has been lost, but it can make a genuine difference.

Below is a short list of resources that exist to help military families who are facing death or disability. You may want to connect with one of these organizations. But of course, it doesn’t take an institution to offer a helping hand. As Mother Theresa recommended to those hoping to make a difference among the world’s neediest people:

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”

Whatever you choose to do – may your goodwill bring peace of mind to others, and may it return to you in abundance.

Thanks for keeping the spirit of service and sacrifice alive.

- Jeff

Organizations Serving Families of Lost & Wounded Troops (short list):

Sources of Statistics – Afghanistan/Iraq Operations Casualties:

* Deaths – from “Faces of the Fallen” statistics published in The Washington Post
** Wounded in Action – from statistics published by the Department of Defense

P.S. Would you like to discuss this topic further? I invite you to join me on Facebook or on Twitter.

May
27
2012
Life & Death, War & Peace By Jeff Courter | 1 comment

Chicago Honors the Fallen – Memorial Day 2012

(Post 1 of 2 – Read Post 2 “What Would the Fallen Ask Us to Remember?”)

Yesterday, here in Chicago, a crowd of more than 1000 gathered in Daley Plaza for a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony -  including a 21-gun salute, a stirring rendition of Taps, and a parade through our downtown streets.

Pat Quinn (Governor of Illinois), and Rahm Emmanuel (Mayor of Chicago) shared officiating responsibilities – while CIA Director General David Petraeus (US Army retired) served as the Grand Marshal and featured guest speaker.

General Petraeus spoke about how honored he was to lead our troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where servicemen and women have been required to perform not only in defense roles, but also as diplomats, community developers, and ambassadors of freedom.

Honoring the Ultimate Sacrifice

Urging Illinois citizens to help those who served, Governor Quinn called service “the rent we pay to live on this great planet.”  Mayor Emmanuel referred to those in uniform as “the 1 percent” who truly serve, and emphasized that the city of Chicago stands ready to help those who have lost loved ones in battle.

The three dignitaries presented Gold Star flags to relatives of those who have died in battle since last Memorial Day – young widows, or mothers and fathers whose children were killed – each embracing the presenter with tears in their eyes. These Gold Star families will forever be proud of those who, as Lincoln once said, “have borne the brunt of battle.” And yet, for families who are left behind, life will never be the same.

What Can You Say?

The Gold Star program director was the last person to speak. He addressed a question that many people hesitate to ask: “What do you say to a person who has lost a loved one in war?”

He encouraged us to let survivors know that we are sorry for their loss and offer our thanks for their sacrifice, while embracing them or shaking their hand.

Then he added one last thing: “Ask them to tell you about their loved one.”

I struck-up a conversation with a woman whose son died in Iraq in 2008. She told me how much her son loved the Army, and explained that he died in an ambush along with three other Soldiers. When she noted that he died doing what he loved, her conviction seemed to comfort her.

In recent years, I’ve been to many military funerals for Soldiers killed in battle. I’ve attended in my dress uniform, saluting the flag-draped caskets, and offering condolences to families I do not know. I’ve wished I lived nearby, so I could help them when needed.

Four years have passed since I came home from Afghanistan, but I still remember how my wife struggled to make do while I was away for a year. I can only imagine what it would be like if I never returned. That’s exactly what these families are dealing with – many of them, like my wife and kids, are the only military family in the neighborhood.

It’s worth remembering that Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines enter the service from all over – small towns and rural countryside, big cites and suburbs. Their families are all around us. They are our neighbors, our church colleagues, our fellow employees. And when they experience loss, we should step in. It’s the least we can do.

I’d like to write more about this topic. Stay tuned to this channel for another post tomorrow. Thanks for joining me on this Memorial Day weekend riff!

- Jeff

P.S. Would you like to discuss this topic further? I invite you to join me on Facebook or on Twitter.

Photo credit: The Chicago Tribune

May
20
2012
War & Peace By Jeff Courter | Comments turned off

NATO in Chicago – Times They Are a-Changin

Changes in Personal Perspective

I’ve been silent on this blog for almost 6 months. But with the NATO Summit in my backyard this week, it seems like a good time to break that silence.

First, an update. I no longer serve as an active-duty recruiter for the Illinois Army National Guard, while trying to pursue theological studies in my spare time. Early this year, I flipped my focus – now I’m a full-time seminarian and part-time citizen soldier.

In this next chapter of life, I hope to win hearts and minds in a different way than I did in Afghanistan. That means what I write about will shift somewhat too. I hope you’ll join me as I move forward in ministry. But I’ll understand if you feel “LifeLoveandTruth” no longer fits on your reading list. Regardless, everyone’s always welcome here.

For those who choose to roll with me on this next mission – thanks! I’m the same person I always was – but now I have more experience, and perhaps a bit more insight. I still hope to make a difference in the world, in whatever way I’m able. But I expect to share more of what of matters to me as a believer, a lifelong learner, and a person who wants to make a difference in the world – whether it’s in Afghanistan, or right here in my own back yard. (And as everyone knows, Chicago has its share of issues to address!)

Changes in Global Security

Speaking of Chicago, you may have heard that the NATO Summit has arrived in town – along with the congestion, protests and general disruption that accompany high-profile confabs of this nature. If you’re looking for some background and perspective on the NATO alliance and the summit, I recommend two articles:

“Smart Defense for an Austere West” (from Chicago Magazine)

“Showcase Chicago: The NATO Summit” (from the German Marshall Fund Blog)

Here’s my point-of-view:

Increasingly, NATO/OTAN looks like a “United Europe Self-Defense Agency” – largely underwritten by the US in the same way we underwrite the United Nations. In Afghanistan and Iraq, it was NATO that intervened, not the UN. NATO was also the driving military force in Libya’s recent ouster of Kaddafi, so it remains a potent defense force. But its future is uncertain.

As the Chicago Magazine piece notes, China and Russia continue to spend heavily on their militaries, as do we. But Europe – not so much. Is this what’s driving the NATO protesters? I don’t think so. Instead, the protests seem more like a vocal, visible “Leave-Afghanistan-Now” campaign, with NATO as a backdrop. But the core message is similar to what many Democrats have been saying for years – nothing new.

There actually are more important questions: What is NATO’s real purpose? And is that purpose still relevant? This conference won’t address those questions – it’s presumed that there is still a good reason for NATO to exist. And right now, the “War on Terror” seems to be its biggest justification. But as the complexion of world security continues to evolve, it’s only a matter of time before the more strategic issue must be addressed.

Until then, those who protest against war in general are likely to continue. And to be frank, I am with them. After all, in a civilized society should anyone truly be “pro war?” Death and destruction for its own sake is counter to the core principles of our nation.

However, I don’t believe there will be a day when bad guys simply vanish from the planet. (At least, at my advanced age, I don’t believe I’ll see it in my lifetime.) It’s a sad fact that, to maintain order, we need our police, and we need our military.

Think of schools today. They’re like a microcosm of the world. Bullies don’t quit bullying just because they’re asked nicely to stop. It takes consistent monitoring, clear consequences and appropriate incentives to reverse their behavior. Similarly, armed thugs around the world will not stop committing atrocities against others, just because we claim that it’s uncivilized. With both bullies and terrorists, greater force is necessary. I say this, even though I lament it. Perhaps one day we will learn. But I don’t believe we’re ready yet.

Let’s Look Forward to More Change

Clearly NATO doesn’t have all the answers. And eventually, developed nations will have to embrace new ways to cooperate in addressing the realities of an unstable planet. So whether we protest publicly – or only at the dinner table in the privacy of our own homes – we should all hope that the transformation happens sooner rather than later. A peaceful world depends on better solutions.

Do you remember the song, “The Times, They Are a-Changin?” Bob Dylan wrote it almost 50 years ago, as the world ushered in a new era of civil rights. It’s an anthem worth remembering today – because it reminds us that, even when change isn’t easy, it happens. It happens with or without us. So let’s not just settle for letting change happen to us. Let’s own it. For the sake of future generations, let’s own it.

- Jeff

P.S. Would you like to discuss this topic further? I invite you to join me on Facebook or on Twitter.

Nov
11
2011
Celebrating Life, Everyday Living, War & Peace By Jeff Courter | 1 comment

More Than 20 Million Served – Salute to Veterans

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.

-Helen Keller

11-11-11. It’s an auspicious day – not only because our calendars reveal a unusual alignment of numbers – but because it’s Veterans Day. It’s not a “Hallmark” holiday. And it’s not a church holiday. It’s an occasion that our government created to honor the ~25 million U.S. citizens who have served in uniform, on active duty.

Recognition for those who’ve served has a long tradition, dating back to our very first General, George Washington. He gave purple strips of ribbon to those who served with extraordinary merit in the Continental Army. That was the precedent for the “Purple Heart” we know today – the medal that military leaders have awarded to those wounded or killed in action in the nine wars of the past century.

Of course, very few veterans receive a Purple Heart. As the saying goes, “All gave some; some gave all.” And all deserve some recognition for standing strong to ensure we maintain the freedoms and blessings that are uniquely American.

So today, at Chicago’s Soldier Field, I’ll be marking the occasion with others who’ve served. Men and women who sacrificed in times of war – as well as in times of peace – to preserve the freedoms we cherish.

Interestingly, it seems that because Iraq and Afghanistan have been a reality of our post-9-11 lives for 10 years, people link the term “veteran” to young people who’ve been involved in the War on Terror. It’s understandable. After all, these soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have fought the longest war in U.S. history. However, the veteran community is much more multifaceted.

Vets are just as diverse as our nation’s population. They come from all generations and all walks of life. Some volunteered. Others were drafted. Some are heroes who displayed uncommon valor on the front lines. Others trained tirelessly to be ready – but never were called into action. And many served in desk jobs at home or abroad, keeping the military’s administrative gears turning in countless ways.

Regardless, they’re all connected by a common thread:  None of them walked away from their responsibility to do what our nation asked of them. No matter what role they played in the fabric of our armed forces, they showed up. It’s impossible to defend a nation’s principles on any battlefield unless someone is willing to show up.

For more than 200 years, our veterans have been willing to do the heavy lifting wherever the military required them to be. And for that, I am honored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my sisters and brothers in arms – today and every day.

In short – a world without veterans would be a world without any real chance of a lasting peace. By that definition, every time a person in uniform has reported for duty and simply followed orders –  it was a small but noble act that protected our way of life.

May God bless every one of our veterans – and watch over those who are deployed until their mission is complete.

- Jeff

P.P.S. I invite you to discuss freedom, faith, troop support and related issues with me at my “Afghan Journal” Facebook Forum: http://Facebook.com/AfghanJournal.

P.S. To read about my experience in training Afghan security forces in a remote region near Pakistan – see my book at Amazon.com: “Afghan Journal: A Soldier’s Year in Afghanistan.”

Sep
12
2011
Life & Death, Spirituality & Science, War & Peace By Jeff Courter | Comments turned off

After 9/11/11 – Calling on Our Better Angels

“Be bold, courageous, and act…” – King David

So, here we are, on the other side of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on U.S. soil. And today, one very obvious question remains:

What next?

Sensory Overload

In recent weeks, traditional and social media have flooded us with reminders of that day’s horrific events. The nation has paid tribute in countless ways to those lost in the maelstrom. A stunning memorial opened at the World Trade Center site – and our hearts ached for victims’ family and friends, as they publicly paid their respects. Meanwhile, in private conversations across America, we’ve exchanged stories about where we were and how we reacted when time stood still on that fateful morning.

The memory is burned into our individual and collective psyches. And yet…we’re 10 years removed from those moments.

Time to Tune Out?

A lot can change in a decade – especially in a shrinking world, struggling with massive economic and cultural upheaval. And so, we remember the difficult events that temporarily unified us as a nation. But we also must stomach the tremendous discord that has followed – from those who find the War on Terror an ideal springboard for heated political conflict – to those who stir the pot over Muslim rights in a country founded on religious freedom – to those who cling to an array of destructive conspiracy theories.

The noise is enough to make anyone want to tune out. But if 9/11 taught us anything, it taught us this…

We can no longer afford to live in this world with our heads buried in the sand. If we simply choose to ignore what happens around us, the consequences will eventually come knocking on our door. And the force of that knock may be far more of a jolt than we can bear.

Let’s Seek Our “Better Angels”

So, what do I suggest we do, as we begin the NEXT 10 years after 9/11?

Those who know me as a soldier may assume I think the only answer is to fight our way to a solution with military strength. But it’s not that simple.

Perhaps we can learn some lessons from another dark and uncertain time in our nation’s history. At Abraham Lincoln’s first inaugural address, he offered this wisdom to a country on the brink of civil war:

We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.

Isn’t it time for us to call upon our “better angels”?

For inspiration, we need look no further than those whose legacy is defined by 9/11:

  • Those World Trade Center employees who carried others down the stairs and out to safety.
  • Those firefighters and police officers who knew they would likely not survive – but ran into the towers, anyway.
  • Those airline passengers who mustered the courage to take down Flight 93′s hijackers when Todd Beamer cried “let’s roll!”
  • Those who spent countless hours clearing and restoring the sites of each attack, despite tremendous health risks.
  • And those who’ve struggled to recover from devastating physical and emotional trauma of that day.

If we choose a different lens, perhaps it won’t be so hard to find our better angels, after all. They are somewhere inside each of us, just waiting to shine. All we need to do is take a step in the right direction, and allow our actions to make a constructive difference.

If each of us were to choose this path, imagine how much we could accomplish in another 10 years!

It may seem wildly idealistic. But it’s a prescription that allows us to find peace in our hearts – if not in the world.

May we all find the inner strength to act in others’ best interests – and ultimately serve our own.

- Jeff


P.S. Would you like to discuss this topic further? I invite you to join me on Facebook or on Twitter.

Jul
4
2011
Life & Death, War & Peace By Jeff Courter | Comments turned off

Heroes & History – Truth vs. Myth

Notes from Jeff:

July 2011: A lot can happen in only one year. The Afghan War surge made tremendous inroads. Osama Bin Laden was killed. Restrepo went on to become an award-winning film. But tragically, the film’s photographer, Tim Hetherington, was killed while chronicling an emerging conflict in Libya.

I am reposting this on July 4, 2011 – the 235th Birthday of our nation – as a reminder that it is important for us to preserve the truth about our history. And I invite each of you to support that cause by searching for facts as the basis of information you share with family and friends. Whether we tell stories from decades past, or only days ago, each of us as Americans, are responsible for “keeping it real.”

July 2010: This is the 2nd of 2 posts related to the documentary “Restrepo.” (You can read my initial reaction to the film here.) As a soldier, I was deeply moved by this film – it flavors my perspective on other issues. The film is important enough to warrant this treatment. But to clarify – I’m not affiliated with “Restrepo’s” producers, and I don’t receive promotional consideration. The views expressed are entirely my own.

- Jeff

So, July 2010 is now officially history. With Independence Day and Bastille Day on the calendar, July is the one month we most closely associate with ideals like democracy, patriotism and freedom.

Declaration of Independence SigningAs the saying goes, freedom isn’t free. That’s why we honor those who have sacrificed so that we can enjoy our liberties.

But a friend reminds me of another saying, “Never let the facts distort a good story.” And the cynic in me increasingly wonders how often our collective reality is shaped by the desire to believe in a myth.

Let me explain:

A lot can happen in a month. Perhaps most Americans will remember this July for its record-breaking heat – or unrelenting joblessness. But for those paying attention to our military presence in Afghanistan, it’s notable for:

  • The war’s most deadly month yet among U.S. forces
  • A major transition at the top of the chain of command
  • The unauthorized release of classified defense documents that put Afghan informants at risk

I’m not sure if the terms “good PR” and “war” should ever appear in the same sentence. But clearly, this month, those two terms seem as far removed from each other as possible.

Regardless, I think this leads to a more important question. Why should “good PR” matter, anyway? Must the realities of war be systematically sugar-coated, in order to win public support?

Consider this:

RESTREPO_FILMSTILL_GroupA month ago, I wrote about my reaction to the extraordinary Afghanistan war documentary, “Restrepo.” Since then, countless others in our nation have also had profound reactions, as the film has rolled-out across the country. People from all sides agree that this film does a tremendous service by showing in a raw, unvarnished way, the challenges our soldiers faced in Korengal Valley.

Curiously, “Restrepo” stands in stark contrast to another war story that has proliferated recently. It’s a viral email called “The Price They Paid.” It claims to tell the back story of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence.

According to the email, “History shows us that they paid the price for their bravery.” It recounts many tremendous personal sacrifices the signers endured after their courageous act. It all sounds very plausible.

There’s only one problem. According to an analysis by Snopes.com (the site famous for busting urban legends), many of these historical “facts” are misleading, undocumented or untrue.

What should we make of this? Well, clearly, those who signed the Declaration of Independence put themselves at grave risk on behalf of fundamental American ideals. So did many other Revolutionary-War-era citizens whose names are not immortalized in that document. But why have these core 56 men become such an important symbol?

John Adams holds a key to the answer. According to author Joseph Ellis, Adams believed that, to help others embrace American independence as a “foregone conclusion,” it was essential to simplify and solidify the concept with “events and heroes that fit neatly a dramatic formula…”

Apparently, Adams would’ve made a Hollywood director proud – because his vision certainly is burned into the American psyche! Was he wrong to be so savvy about the power of persuasion? Was he wrong to “promote” independence in this way? And where should we draw the line in “dramatizing” events of national importance to achieve the greater good?

The moral conflict begins when we realize that everyone’s definition of the greater good is NOT equal. What’s more, after decades of commercialization, our increasingly cynical culture now seems to assume that a margin of error always exists between fact and fiction. Therefore, a more jaded public is becoming less willing to give a true story the benefit of the doubt.

But that’s the refreshing beauty of a film like “Restrepo.” It’s clear that there is no façade. It is what it is – a soldier’s-eye-view of life and death in the Afghan War. No need to embellish this story with grand Hollywood plot lines – or intensify it with spellbinding special effects – or recast it with heroes who have superhuman powers.

And this “keep-it-real” approach is cutting through the filters that often make today’s Americans skeptical.

The men of “Restrepo” rightfully stand on their own merits. In the same way, the men who signed our Declaration of Independence can stand proudly. We should honor the purity and truth of their courage – raw and uncut. No additives or preservatives required. No need to rewrite history.

- Jeff

P.S. Want to learn more about “Restrepo”? Don’t miss these resources:

Restrepo on Facebook – Find a theater and follow all the latest news
Restrepo movie site – Get official information, clips & more
Sebastian Junger’s online forum – Interact with director, Sebastian Junger, and his fans

P.P.S. Interested in my experiences and thoughts on Afghanistan? Check out my book at Amazon.com,  “Afghan Journal: A Soldier’s Year in Afghanistan.” Or join me on Facebook at http://Facebook.com/AfghanJournal.

May
30
2011
Life & Death, War & Peace By Jeff Courter | Comments turned off

Memorial Day: Remembering the Price of Progress

Last Memorial Day, I underscored several sobering milestones in the War on Terror. 5000+ troops had died in the longest war our country has ever seen. And the fight for Taliban strongholds was escalating across Afghanistan.

How could we have known that one year later the NATO surge would be gaining traction?

And who would’ve predicted that Osama bin Laden would no longer be alive as the penultimate symbol of Islamic extremism?

Yet sadly, in the past year, 1000+ more troops have fallen. In wartime, casualties come with the territory. They’re never easy to accept. But every Soldier recognizes the potential of death, and must put it into perspective. Ronald Reagan spoke very eloquently about this in his famous 1982 Memorial Day speech, as he honored those lost in World War II…

“…Each died for a cause he considered more important than his own life. Well, they didn’t volunteer to die. They volunteered to defend values for which men have always been willing to die if need be – the values which make up what we call civilization. And how they must have wished – in all the ugliness that war brings – that no other generation of young men to follow would have to undergo that same experience.

As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation. And let us also pledge to do our utmost to carry out what must have been their wish – that no other generation will ever have to share their experiences and repeat their sacrifice.”

It was a worthy ideal. But nearly 20 years later, those hopes were dashed in the shattering smoke of 9/11’s diabolical terrorists.

Although it’s customary to speak in sweeping generalities about remembering those who gave all, today I’d rather focus on a handful of fallen Soldiers. Specifically, I’d like to salute the 8 US trainers and 1 civilian contractor who were ruthlessly murdered by an Afghan pilot from their team late in April. (Learn more in this report.)

Why focus on those who died in that attack? Because we live in an environment that too easily forgets! In this case, the media quickly moved on – even before the bin Laden news surfaced. But these soldiers deserve much better, because they were shot without warning or provocation – by someone they trusted and trained.

I know what it means to train Afghans. I’ve been in those shoes. I understand the risks. But I also recognize the importance of empowering Afghans to defend themselves – even if Taliban try to infiltrate the ranks of those we train.

We can’t afford to forget that we remain at war with terrorists – people who believe that lethal violence is an appropriate way to resolve differences. Whatever the motivation, this was nothing short of murder. We should continue NOT ONLY to keep it top-of-mind – but also to remain outraged.

Certainly, we can argue that Americans have harmed and killed others as a result of warfare, or weak policies in areas such as human rights or environmental issues. But American Soldiers have no strategy or policy that justifies killing civilians – or even Taliban warriors who attempt to surrender.

There is never an excuse for cold-blooded murder. It shouldn’t be tolerated under any circumstances – on either side of the equation. And anyone to tries to rationalize the intentional murder of American Soldiers should be considered guilty as a conspirator.

When I was deployed as an Afghan Border Police trainer, we fought the Taliban. But we never threatened local Afghans. In fact, we helped them. We provided food, toys, medical and school supplies with villagers. Soldiers there today continue to share these basic supplies. Strange weapons – but they’re very effective at building trust!

In stark contrast, the Taliban continually threaten and rob Afghan villagers, in a campaign of coercion. In fact, they seem willing to put civilians in harm’s way as human shields and decoys – a brutal mindset we can barely fathom.

Unfortunately, fairness, tolerance and respect for human life are in short supply across Afghanistan – and in many other areas of the Muslim world. But respect must be earned. And if any Muslim thinks that respect is earned only at the point of a gun, they will never have my respect. They will only have my commitment to defend the values I hold dear – life, love and truth – by whatever means available to me – by pen or by sword.

I will continue to fight for these principles – not just for myself, my family and my friends – but also for the honor of my fellow Soldiers who have fought and died before me. Those nine trainers who were denied an opportunity to fight for their lives – and all those who have answered the call to serve, but were lost in the battle.

I will always be ready to fight on behalf of those we honor today, and the progress they stood for. They deserve no less.

- Jeff

P.S. To read about my experience in training Afghan security forces in a remote region near Pakistan – see my book at Amazon.com: “Afghan Journal: A Soldier’s Year in Afghanistan.”

P.P.S. I invite you to discuss freedom, faith, troop support and related issues with me at my “Afghan Journal” Facebook Forum: http://Facebook.com/AfghanJournal.

Apr
5
2011
Life & Death, War & Peace By Jeff Courter | Comments turned off

Healing “Hidden” Wounds of War – You Can Help

I’m just one of nearly 2 million U.S. military personnel who’ve served in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2001. The vast majority of us return home, alive and intact. But among those of us who do, too many suffer serious “invisible” wounds that threaten to take lives back on the home front.

One of those who couldn’t shake those demons was a Marine Scout Sniper and humanitarian, Clay Warren Hunt. I didn’t know Clay personally, but I was sad to read recently in the Blackfive milblog that Clay had taken his own life.

Update: On 4/9, AOL ran a powerful profile of Clay – it’s worth the read…

That news made me more determined to raise awareness about PTSD and other conditions that take down even the most hardened among us. So, you can expect to see more action from me about these issues. Starting now.

It’s in Clay’s honor that I hand over today’s space to a military supporter named Tim Elliot – who asked me to share his thoughts on this topic. Tim is paid to write by a law firm that represents troops who need help to treat these injuries. While you deserve to know the source, I believe Tim’s message is no less legitimate. So I hope you’ll give him your attention, and share this message with others.

By shining a light on these conditions, we can be sure America’s warriors stay safe, even when the fighting is over. Thanks. – Jeff

Healing “Hidden” Wounds of War – How You Can Help

Lately, it seems our nation is increasingly divided. Conservatives vs. liberals, hawks vs. doves, Tea Partiers vs. Beltway Insiders – on and on. We’re debating the economy, the budget, health care, global warming, energy issues, revolution in the Middle East, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – the list goes on and on.

Photo: MilitaryMinistry.org

But even if we don’t agree about our country’s military presence abroad, it’s hard to deny that U.S. troops deserve our support. The best way to offer support isn’t always clear. But at the very least, we should focus on this – anyone whose health has suffered while protecting our nation’s interests deserves support to recover.

Invisible Wounds

Each year, thousands of soldiers suffer injuries that are commonly called “invisible wounds.” Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and mesothelioma are considered invisible because they aren’t as physically obvious as other war wounds. But I think it’s also fair to say that they’re invisible because they receive surprisingly little attention from the public. And yet, they’re very real – very profound – and sometimes just as debilitating as classic “war wounds.”

Each condition is distinct:

PTSD is a deadly serious anxiety disorder triggered by exposure to traumatic events. All military personnel who serve on the frontlines during wartime face the risk of acquiring combat PTSD. The onset can be immediate or delayed. Common symptoms include overwhelming nightmares, emotional numbness, hyper arousal, and severe, sudden mood swings. PTSD often goes undiagnosed, because soldiers often feel shame about experiencing symptoms – or seeking treatment.

TBI is most often caused in soldiers when roadside bombs detonate, and the reverberating shockwaves bruise fragile brain tissue. Many TBI victims suffer severe mental damage. These injuries are usually accompanied by headaches, persistent ringing in the ears, and trouble with memory, concentration and cognitive functions.

Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of the lungs, heart, and stomach. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. This condition is prevalent among veterans because the military used asbestos widely until a strong link between mesothelioma and asbestos was discovered in the 1970s.

The most disturbing fact about these “invisible” wounds is this – they occur much more often among our armed forces than in the general population. The facts are sobering:

Supporting Our Troops

New measures, such as The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act and the Veterans Benefit Programs Improvement Act of 2010 are aimed at improving measures for injured soldiers, veterans, and their families. But the picture still remains far bleaker than it should be. It’s estimated that half of all PTSD cases go undiagnosed. And the average mesothelioma life expectancy is little more than one year – even though this condition can be treated successfully with proper early diagnosis.

We can do better. We owe it to those who’ve served selflessly for our nation.

Right now, we can stand together as a country to raise awareness of these conditions and their link to our troops. Each of us has the power to support those who are suffering today – or may face these lethal conditions in the future.

It starts by paying more attention to the plight of our soldiers. But we can make bigger changes. We can support policies that make diagnosis and treatment more accessible. We can help raise awareness about the symptoms of these “hidden” wounds. And we can work to prevent fatalities among our troops – not only one frontlines, but also here on the home front.

Our troops and their families are willing to sacrifice everything in service to our nation. They deserve a unified America doing its best to support and heal them, when they need it.

Shine a Light By Sharing This Message

Numerous organizations can put our time, talent and funding to good use in making healing a reality. For example, the Wounded Warrior Project and the Fisher House do groundbreaking work to help troops rehabilitate and recover. They welcome all forms of assistance.

Also, organizations like the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America provide fantastic resources to connect struggling veterans with health benefits, job opportunities and community support. Or, if you unsure what you can do to help, your local Veteran’s Administration office is also a good place to start.

At the very least, perhaps you can start right now – simply by passing this message along to others you know.

Knowledge is power. And the more of us who know about PTSD, TBI and mesothelioma, the more powerful we can be in exposing and healing these “invisible” wounds of war.

Mar
17
2011
Life & Death, Spirituality & Science By Jeff Courter | Comments turned off

After the Earthquake – Shock, Awe & Burning Questions

NOTE:  Only one short year ago, we were stunned by the impact of nature’s power, as an earthquake leveled much of the urban landscape in Haiti- a country whose infrastructure was woefully unprepared. Now, we look at Japan – a country that is one of the world’s most sophisticated in terms of building codes and engineering. And yet, we are asking similar questions.

Even though the locations, cultures and circumstances are different – there are clear parallels. We are all human. We all share the same planet. Our lives are all equally fragile.

It’s in this spirit that I am reposting the following message – written in January 2010. And in this spirit, I hope we will all do what we can to support our brothers and sisters across the Pacific. If these events teach us anything, it is that we are truly part of the same, small global family of man.

- Jeff

As first responders and U.S. military relief arrive in Haiti, the implications of last week’s earthquake are just starting to sink in.

The geological magnitude of this event is overwhelming enough. But it’s so much more than that. It’s also a horribly harsh reminder that human life is fragile and fleeting. That’s a lesson we all seem hardwired to ignore – until moments like these literally shake us to our core.

It’s stunning to see how, in the blink of an eye, the earth can so randomly shatter even the most humble infrastructure. And it’s overwhelming to imagine the human toll:

  • First with lives lost in the rubble,
  • Then among those struggling to overcome injury,
  • And finally, among those who will not be able to escape disease.

As with other disasters, this will no doubt send psychological and spiritual shock waves throughout the world for a long time to come. And the primary question people will ask is, “Why?”

God – What Kind of Wakeup Call Is This?
At moments like this, it’s natural to look to a higher power – for strength, for comfort, for answers. And yet at times like this, rhetorical questions seem far more prevalent than answers. Even among believers.

Pat Robertson? Not a Clue
The dust hasn’t even settled. So who can explain why someone like Pat Robertson would claim that Haitians deserve to suffer, as a result of making a “pact with the devil”? Worse yet, who can explain why broadcast media would bother giving airtime to such an unhelpful message? I’m horrified to think that this judgmental rant distracted us all from what matters most right now. Worse, it supplied ammo to those who enjoy portraying Christians as self-righteous pinheads.

So Then, What Does it Mean?
None of us can possibly know why things like this happen. But there’s one thing we DO know for sure. Disasters are part of the human condition. They have been throughout recorded history. They apparently go with the territory.

Sometimes those disasters are natural – as with Haiti. Sometimes they’re man-made – as with the war in Afghanistan. Regardless, they force us to face a disturbing fact. When disasters strike the poorest and most vulnerable people on our planet, the devastation is far more profound.

Think about it. The poorest victims are always hurt most deeply. On one hand, those of us in developed nations have more to lose. On the other hand, our relative wealth affords us a far more resilient “buffer.”

Meanwhile, even in the best of times, some people barely subsist. So, when circumstances beyond their control yank their already threadbare rugs from beneath them, the poor and the weak fall into the abyss far more easily.

Why Haiti?
Perhaps the best question isn’t “Why Haiti” at all. Perhaps a more appropriate question is this:

Why haven’t those of us in “developed” nations paid better attention to Haiti until now? Why does it take an earthquake of epic proportions for us to notice their need? And in Afghanistan, why does it take a war that costs dearly in U.S. troops and treasure for us to look in that direction?

Truly – how many of us even knew where Afghanistan or Haiti were until the U.S. could no longer look away? Even today, how many of us know even basic facts about the geography or culture of these nations?

Prayers Help – But What Else Can we Do?
Especially for those of us who believe in God – do you wonder if perhaps He’s trying to send us a message? Maybe He wants to remind us that we have a responsibility – not just for ourselves, but also for the welfare of those who are less fortunate. After all, we aren’t that far removed from one another.

We all look up at the same sky. We all want a safe place to lay our heads at night. We all wish that our children will grow up healthy and strong. We all share the same planet.

The poorest inhabitants of Haiti and Afghanistan didn’t ask for the added burden of natural or manmade disasters. So let’s not leave them to sort it out in isolation.

Early relief efforts seem to be making a small dent in the chaos following Haiti’s quake. Perhaps if we dig just a little bit deeper as we send donations to aid organizations (see list below), we can help improve their odds?

Perhaps, bit-by-bit, assistance can make a constructive impact. And perhaps we can move beyond “why” – and instead focus on “what next”?

Jeff

Here’s a “short list” of world-class relief organizations that would benefit from support. All are top-rated by charity watchdogs. I encourage you to share what you’re able. As I’ve seen first-hand in Afghanistan, even the smallest donation can make a big difference.

A more comprehensive list of relief resources is at CNN.

And to be sure your contributions go where you intend, check out CharityWatch’s list of most efficient non-profit organizations.

Feb
4
2011
War & Peace By Jeff Courter | 3 comments

Egypt – A Case Against Haste

Politics involves ideology – but it also involves the real world. Real decisions and real actions create real consequences. It’s complicated. And if history has taught us anything about international affairs, haste makes waste. Or as the proverb says, “Act in haste, repent in leisure…”

Egypt at a Crossroads
The whole world is watching Egypt’s meltdown – thanks to omnipresent digital and broadcast media. Prompted by Tunisia’s recent uprising that led to a change in government, demonstrators have been publicly protesting for days. Long-time Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, has been besieged by calls from many of his people to step down. Mubarak has essentially replied, “not now, later.” However, this response only seems to fuel more protest.

Sadly, lives have been lost in the violence. But what is the right path forward?

Surprising Alert from a Christian Leader

Egypt - Protesters in Prayer - Huffington Post

Source: Chris Hondros/Getty Image

Today, I read an article that concerns me. It’s an “urgent call” for President Obama to demand Mubarak’s immediate resignation. While the topic isn’t uncommon, I’m surprised by the source: The “God’s Politics” blog at Sojourners – a publication that advocates faith-based civil action. Although I respect Sojourners and its CEO, Rev. Jim Wallis, I’m deeply concerned about the tone and urgency of this alert.

Even President Obama has called for a swift transition to a democratic government. On the other hand, he has called for restraint and non-violence – on all sides. Meanwhile, American media seems fixated on showcasing the struggle in the streets, without doing much to explain the history, context and implications of these events.

What’s the Rush?
In my opinion, it’s in our best interest to support a slow, deliberate transition. Rushing to install a new government simply to appease heated protesters could produce a situation that’s worse than the status quo – for Egyptians, for the US, and for allies such as Israel. Why? Foremost, because we’re at risk of weakening worldwide efforts to neutralize radical Islamic terrorism.

Finding Perspective from the Past
Let’s take a peek at history. President Mubarak took power 30 years ago, after the sudden violent murder of President Anwar Sadat. Sadat was assassinated because he was bold enough to sign a peace treaty with Israel. And although Sadat paid for that treaty with his life, it helped stabilize the region. When Mubarak took power, he continued to enforce that peace agreement. And today, although Egypt and Israel aren’t considered “BFFs,” at least they aren’t at war, as they were in the 1960s.

Since taking power, Israel has granted autonomy to the Gaza Strip, and Egypt controls part of that border. After winning power in Gaza by popular election, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic political party, has fired rockets at Israel. Sometimes this has prompted open warfare (as recently as 2008). To help stave-off the flow of arms to Hamas, Egypt has kept the border of Gaza closed.

Mubarak’s Egypt Attracts Strange Bedfellows
As we’ve seen and heard recently, President Mubarak is unpopular with pro-democracy Egyptians. But more importantly, as a result of his policy in Gaza, he’s also unpopular with the Muslim Brotherhood – an ultraconservative, Egypt-based Muslim organization, dedicated to imposing strict Islamic fundamentalist Shariah Law. This isn’t my personal opinion – it’s actually the Muslim Brotherhood’s stated goal.

The Muslim Brotherhood dislikes Mubarak because he doesn’t support radical Islam. He has distanced himself from terrorists organizations – while the Muslim Brotherhood embraces these violent fundamentalists.

How does this translate into the “freedom fight” on the streets of Cairo? We need to be aware that Egypt’s demonstrators are not a unified whole. Rather it’s a mixed bag that includes both secular, pro-democracy advocates, as well as ultraconservative Muslims who would gladly unseat Mubarak and impose Shariah law if possible. The unintended consequences could be felt around the globe.

Another Reason to Proceed with Caution
There’s another important quandary for the US. We can’t abandon an ally today without losing credibility with other countries, and jeopardizing the potential of future alliances.

Mubarak and his government have long been aligned with the U.S. against terrorist organizations, both in Egypt and in other parts of the Middle East. (While I was in Afghanistan, I saw an Egyptian Army field hospital in Bagram Airbase.)

Imagine our President conversing with another head of state, being casually asked why we ushered Mubarak out of office, after he supported us for decades! Doing business that way is unlikely to earn us new friends – or help us retain the confidence of existing allies.

While I personally admire and support Egyptians who want to see true democracy in their country, I also think Mubarak is absolutely correct when he cautions against a too-swift transition in Egypt that leaves a potential power vacuum.

Lessons Learned from Iran
History has shown what a Middle East power vacuum can create. Remember the Shah of Iran? After he fled his country, the world watched as the Ayatollah Khomeini took control with an iron fist. Now Iran is almost as far from democracy as any country can be.

We can help this from happening in Egypt. We should emphasize restraint, and focus on helping the Egyptian people move peacefully from an autocratic government to a true democracy, where civil liberties and rule of law prevail. If we throw our support behind a chaotic drive to push Mubarak from office, the Muslim Brotherhood will be only too happy to fill the void. And sadly, those  everyday Egyptians we hope to help could be left with a social, economic and cultural environment that’s far more bleak than today.

It has happened before – in the not-too-distant past. We can help prevent it from happening again. As the saying goes, “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.”

I pray that cooler heads prevail.

- Jeff

P.S. I invite you to discuss faith and freedom at my “Afghan Journal” Facebook forum.

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