Still Downrange, but in Country: PTSD Parables

For those who have endured the battle; wars, unlike fairy tales, rarely end happily-ever-after. For homecomings, victory speeches, and parades quickly fade and are replaced by the quotidian rhythms of life—rhythms consisting of conscious and unconscious memories that are simultaneously distant but ever-near. These are the memories that both reveal and hide the psychic, social, and spiritual wounds of war. Both the congressionally designated June 27th “National PTSD Awareness Day” and the National Center for PTSD’s designation of June as “PTSD Awareness Month” are powerful and timely reminders of this reality. A thoughtful reading of this book will foster a clear and deeper understanding and appreciation for the all too tragic, but at times hidden, wounds afflicting the lives of over 20% of our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, as well as the lingering trauma of nearly 31% of Vietnam veterans. Awareness and understanding constitute the first step toward healing. A reading of "Still Downrange, but in Country – PTSD Parables" is the best place to begin.