An article in the Burlington Free Press, Afghanistan veteran honored in Randolph after losing his battle with post-traumatic stress (Link), about young Cory Green, only 31, raises a lot of emotions. There is the utter sadness of his death, and feelings of gratefulness for the kindness of the Vermonters who showed their respect for him and his family.

Cory Green was transported to the cemetery in Randolph for burial with military honors.

Green’s caravan, which traveled along Interstate 89 from Colchester to Randolph, included a police escort as well as fellow veterans traveling on motorcycles and in buses. Firefighters lined the overpasses between Colchester and Burlington with trucks, flashing their red lights.

A small group also gathered on a bridge and waived flags in support. Heartbreaking.

In the sensitive article by Dan D’ Ambrosia, I learned about the Watson Institute of International and Public Affairs at Brown University. Their Costs of War Project released a report with devastating estimated suicide stats:

The study finds that at least four times as many active duty personnel and war veterans of post-9/11 conflicts have died of suicide than in combat, as an estimated 30,177 have died by suicide as compared with the 7,057 killed in post-9/11 war operations. 

Summary (Link)

Full text (Link)

VA 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual
Report

Given the lousy way the DoD handled the Afg. withdrawal, and 9/11 coming up soon, I’m worried about veterans of this, and all wars. My veteran Airman son, was at Dover, bringing the fallen home, during the Obama Administration. We talked about that sad event last week.

Waiting for the federal government to take care of people, or assets promptly–although sometimes they move fast when forced to–isn’t wise. Strong local communities are the best option for solving most problems.

Conflicts–we reap what we sow. My sense is that Americans are fed up with the “costs of war.” And with our endless domestic wars.

Peace, security, beauty, liberty, restfulness, and a refined culture of life is possible for our descendants. Maybe even for the oldies among us.

Laura (Guest author)