“Blessed” Chapter 38

When I joined the Army at 19, I was a cocky New Yorker who only knew a very little about life. From a broken home to a foster home and then to living with my mom and step dad, we were by no means rich, but we got by. By American standards, I would say that over time, I went from poor to lower middle class latch key kid.  Hell, I joined the Army in two weeks because I did not have $500 for rent the next month.

After being in the Army for just two years, I changed duty stations to Deagu, Korea. In 1989, Korea was still a second world country at best. This was my first trip out of the US as an adult, but I was so blinded by my American mindset that I did not really see or appreciate what was around me. Sure, I saw huts and basic structures that were no more that three stories high, but I was too focused on drinking than anything else when I was off work.

Then in 1991 and 1992 I deployed to Panama and Honduras. Both countries were underdeveloped and Panama was coming out of the invasion. I was separated from my first wife and really didn’t care much about the communities around me. I did not see how these countries had limited medical capabilities. I just knew it was inexpensive to eat and party. Once again, I was the cocky American thinking we were better. To be fair, military service instills in you that we are better. The truth is, we really do have the best military in the world.

It wasn’t until marrying Laura while stationed at Fort Cavazos (Ft. Hood) after being inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC) that I really started seeing the community around me. We volunteered at food shelters, schools, picked up trash and other events. This was the first time I truly realized the need had by some Americans.

Then, while stationed in Hawaii, I was deployed to East Timor. The country of Timor had recently gone through an internal war with attacks by pro-Indonesia militia groups on civilians, and expanded to general violence throughout the country, centred in the capital Dili. The violence intensified after a majority of eligible East Timorese voters chose independence from Indonesia. We were there fort a joint services humanity mission. East Timor was totally devastated. Schools and hospitals were destroyed. Professionals were killed trying to leave the country. You remember the stories your grandparents told us about being so poor they played with a stick and a tire? I literally saw kids playing exactly that way. I was there to lead the security for the mission.  The Navy sent in optometry and dental teams to help the people of East Timor. It was then I realized just how blessed we really are. Our poorest citizens are rich compared to many countries. Hundreds of people lined up for free glasses, cataract surgeries, and dental services. When traveling across East Timor no buildingss except churches were left standing.

As I was reflecting back over my military time, I realized how blessed we are in our current situation. At the very minimum, PALS have access to Medicaid. PALS qualify automatically for SSI and Medicare. We have access to facilities and doctors to help us. We also have expectations of standards. What do the PALS in those underdeveloped countries do? Do they have access to the standard of care that all PALS need? Can they get one of the four recently developed medications? I can't image that they do. For me to get through the day I need a ventilator and feeding tube. Without them I would die. So do the PALS in countries like East Timor have the equipment or do they hang on as long as the can before the die? So I ask myself How can I help?

I can see clearly that I am blessed to have everything I need. I am in a better situation then other Americans as well due to my veteran status. I use this blog to teach others and create awareness. I also support the ALS Association through fundraising for the ALS CEO Soak and ALS Walk. I invite others to ask me questions and have an open conversation about ALS.

I pray that through my blog you have learned something about ALS, something about me, and that I have sparked a giving heart in you to see how blessed we are.

I also pray for your support of my fundraising efforts so that those who need assistance can get the help they need, and that these efforts make ALS a livable disease.

https://donate.dc.als.org/team/492102

Love and blessings