Honoring Our Veterans

By: Alexandra Calzadilla

Photograph taken by Wesley Tingey

Last week, I finished the final book in a series by Elsie Silver called Hopeless. The book follows the story of Beau Eaton, who navigates PTSD after going missing on a special forces mission. He went missing for a total of two weeks, and when he returned, he carried severe burns on his feet. However, the physical injuries didn’t shape his life the way the emotional trauma did after he came home. 

Without fail, he woke up every night at 2:11 AM, the same time he had watched the rescue helicopter leave him behind.

The purpose of the mission he went on was to rescue a Canadian reporter who had gone missing. Beau didn’t hesitate when he heard screams from a cave; after all, the whole point of the mission was to save him. The whole town deemed Beau a hero—and he was—but he didn’t feel like one. He felt trapped in the memory of that day, reliving a nightmare he couldn’t wake up from. Even sleep offered no escape. To cope, he turned to alcohol, claiming it helped him sleep better, but it soon became something he depended on. His refusal to acknowledge the emotional trauma he suffered from created a wall between himself and his loved ones.

Thankfully, someone in his life became a strong emotional support and helped him clean up his act. Her name is Bailey Jansen, and she helped him reach a point where he no longer relied on alcohol to sleep. She also provided good listening skills—which, in my opinion, can be one of the most effective ways to help someone. Being open and receptive when someone is struggling can help them feel safe and understood.

Although Beau refused therapy, it remains one of the most effective ways to cope with PTSD. However, many people don’t have access to therapy because of financial barriers— even our veterans and military personnel lack the resources needed to access this type of support. This problem is one that is happening right now, as people read this article. In order to make a difference like Jansen did to Beau, there are many ways to be involved in campus:

● https://mdc.givepulse.com/group/517622-the-salvation-army-miami-area-command: By joining The Salvation Army, volunteers can transform lives and combat long-term homelessness in America. Homelessness is frequently faced by veterans due to injury and trauma.

● https://mdc.givepulse.com/event/306266-paid-americorps-member-position: Support caregivers looking after veterans and older adults who need your help! In just 8 hours a week, you’ll give back to those who sacrificed for us while gaining skills, earning a stipend, and receiving an education award.

● https://mdc.givepulse.com/event/336086-ongoing-volunteer-opportunities-with-feeding-south-florida: Help inspect, sort, and package donated food that will be distributed to families in need.

Make the difference. Make the impact. Make the first step.