Stereotypes In Iwo Jima
In the span of our existence, humans have always seen soldiers and war veterans as higher than man. Though this is evident in our culture today, we have also realized that those who return come back in different forms. A war veteran is seen as someone with endless amount of courage and infinite power of will. We see it all the time whether it’s a picture, television ad displaying a soldier standing tall and holding their country’s flag proudly, or it’s the iconic picture taken in Iwo Jima (if you don’t know which one that is, it is the one of all the soldiers lifting the American flag on top of a hill). These representations are about pride, honor, courage, and everything great about the United States. The same concept applies to a veteran
…show more content…
coming home (like the ones on YouTube). When we see this we feel all those emotions and sense of patriotism, but will those emotions change if those war veterans who come home are missing an arm or leg? An ear? What about a mental health disorder? The answer should be no because 90% of returning veterans suffer from one or more of these challenges. There are many ways to cope with and face these challenges and there is also help offered to these people. In this particular piece of literature we will be focusing on veterans who are amputees and how help is obtainable. We will also be touching subjects that pertain to “Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing”, and its qualities. Let’s go ahead and learn more about the veterans who come home.
There are many challenges that our war veterans face when they get back home from battle. Nine out of ten veterans have a mental disorder after their return. Two of three suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or known as PTSD, and forty percent suffer from traumatic brain injury (Thompson). Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition of mental and emotional stress that occur as a result of an injury or psychological shock due to recalling a disturbing experience. Nine out of ten are on 100% Disability. Disability is or can be a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movement or daily activities (Dictionary). There are more than eight hundred Veterans who have suffered at least one major amputation that resulted in the loss of a leg or arm (Thompson). Amputation is when a body part is removed due to severe trauma, prolonged constriction, or necrosis. The procedure is required when the limbs can no longer be saved and to prevent spreading of infections. An infection may lead to a greater health risk such as osteomyelitis, therefore, it is important to take proper action when necessary. Osteomyelitis is a bone infection due to the cause of bacteria, mycobacteria or even fungi. Infection in the bones it will spread through your bloodstream harming good tissues or possibly contaminating an open wound (Schmitt). Uncontrolled systemic infections can lead to fatal sepsis.
Not often will we see a veteran living a normal life after an amputation. Coping is the hardest part and it cannot be done alone. The scars from a traumatic amputation goes far beyond than just the loss of a limb. Often it is not only the physical part that can be traumatic but mentally as well (Care for our Veterans). Although they may not suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a brain injury, or show signs of either one, living with a missing limb can be mentally stressful. Therefore, in order to help a veteran undergo recovery it is important to treat both physical and mental disorders (Care for our Veterans). Never let a veteran cope alone, there are dangers to that. Depression and anxiety may often led to alcohol abuse or even suicidal thoughts.
A way to help an amputee veteran recover is through group therapy support. Group therapy is vital and provides benefits not only for the member, but their families as well. There are many different ways to help support a veteran and some of the best ways to do so is through direct support, which comes from family and friends. They are the biggest support system into reshaping the life of a veteran because not only have their lives changed but the people that surround them. The road to recovery is long, it may take months, years or a lifetime so it is important to have both veteran and family go through sessions of recovery together. In many different situations it may even bring the family closer especially if they suffer from lack of communication or connection before.
Although having family members and friends to turn shoulders to, at times it may be very difficult for them to comprehend and understand physical and emotional burden. So what many veterans will do is turn to someone outside and connect with people of similar experiences or situations such as programs and sports. Many will choose this route because they feel that it makes their transition easier, so in a way form their own support family. Support group network also provides a place for amputees along with their family members to connect with those who have overcome similar challenges (Support Group Network). They are able to connect with people all over the states by emailing, calling, or meeting up. Another way to help a veteran who has gone through amputation is to have a service dog with them at all times. Having a service dog can be very supportive, they are highly trained to help a person with a missing limb or limbs do difficult tasks that may involve their missing body part or parts. The dog helps by simply doing things that are out of reach such as turning of the switch, picking dropped items, opening doors, or act as a balance. Service dogs are also known to help alert their owners when they have become too stressed or having flashbacks (Daprice).
There are many programs to consider, but as mentioned before recovery may take months, years, or an even a lifetime so you can only imagine the overwhelming loads of bills for treatments and equipment’s. Not every veteran will be financially stable or have a job that covers such fee. Some may even face difficulty finding a job due to the severity of their injuries, so because of this there are many different ways to financially help support a veteran. Many will ask for donations, apply for a claim, separation benefits, education, financial aid or scholarships (Care for our Veterans).
Out of all the programs to help cope with an amputation the one that stood out the most for me was “Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing”. Fishing has always been a big sport no matter where you are located and this program offers such wonderful opportunities to help veterans get back out into the world to find some peace. If a veteran is interested in the program they can simply look up their website “Project Healing Waters.org”, and choose the nearest location that best fits their daily schedule or destination. For further information they can contact the Regional Coordinator in their area by emailing or calling. Since Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing started their first program it has increased to one hundred and forty-seven programs in just the past few years. Their program is offered in almost all fifty states, they even have one here in Fresno, California located on Clinton Ave (ProjectHealingWaters).
The sole purpose of this program is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled veterans in which they help to educate and engage in outdoor activities. This program is a non-profit organization which means that they receive no government support and is dependent on tax deductible, charity events, donations, sponsors, and even the help from wonderful volunteers (ProjectHealingWaters). Each year they receive generous amounts of donations that range from equipment’s that include fly fishing materials, donated cabin rentals and professional guide services (ProjectHealingWaters). This program is not just for veterans, but families, friends and volunteers also. Families are encouraged to go and support their loved ones. This is a way for them to build a stronger relationship and communication. Volunteers are always welcomed to become a volunteer. They need to go through the same exact procedure as a veteran who wants to join. They will need to contact the coordinators for further information about nearby programs and the application process. This program offers encouragement to expand their program within an area that have not existed for those who would like to join but do not have one offered close by.
I believe veterans should join this program whether they have a disability or not. They provide so many outdoor activities that encourage active participation. Fishing can be very therapeutic in many ways, in which it allows a veteran to get things out of his or her mind and fully concentrate on what they’re doing. Being in the program also allows them to travel to different places and events. This is a way to help deal with their disability and to realize that they can still do the things that they love or try new sports. To help keep track of all the activities that they hold, there is an event calendar that provides monthly information for those who plan on going. Other valuable components of the program are the competitions and tournaments. Currently, there are five tournaments as of now: Healing Waters 2 fly, Battle Boxwood, Mossy Creek Invitational, Star Stripers and Smokey Mountain. These tournaments start off at night with dinner, featuring a keynote speaker, and an auction that contains various items with plenty more fun. There are participants from all around the country that come to compete at these tournaments. This allows veterans to socialize, meet new people from all around and form bonds with people of similar disabilities to help with their transition (ProjectHealingWaters).
Although fishing can be really fun and easy for the rest of us it can be very difficult for a veteran. Many may argue that fishing is simply standing up still and throwing a cast around and that it does not require much work, but when it comes down to someone who has a disability, something simple to us may be their biggest obstacle. They face a lot of challenges in many different ways depending on their condition, although it may seem that they have similar disabilities each and every one works differently in their own ways. We need to take that into consideration when we’re working with different people who have a disability.
These are some challenges that they may face each time they go out fishing.
A veteran who is missing his leg or legs may have a much more difficult time traveling down a steep hill to get to his favorite fishing spot using his wheelchair or prosthetic leg or legs. Not every lake, river, or beach provide the essential ramps for a wheelchair to go around. A veteran who is missing an arm or arms may face a different challenge than a person with no legs. Their obstacles may be putting a hook onto their line, throwing the fishing line into the lake, railing the rod, or casting in his catch. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing has put these obstacles into consideration by providing assistants to help and guide those who are in need of help. Assistants will and may help teach them little tricks to make it easier to throw a line, direct them to a different place with a much smaller steep, introduce different types of baits and much more. Other accommodations that they provided to make it easier to access the desirable locations are kayaks, boats, hand hooks, decks and more (ProjectHealingWaters). Providing a boat means that a veteran in a wheelchair can go out into the lake and feel the freedom of roaming around with no obstacles getting in between his or her wheelchair. A hand hook is designed to attach directly onto the handle of the rod which is secured with the help of Velcro straps. This is why I recommend this program because they really do put the needs of these veterans …show more content…
first.
On the website they also provide clips of veterans who have participated in the different events that have been provided in the past. The clips show the amazing support and assistance that this program has provided. For many, they find this program to be very therapeutic compare to the many other programs that they have been to. Some even say that because of this program it has restored their marriage and life back. “You have offered me another avenue to continue recovering physically and emotionally. I thank you for what you have offered me. Please keep up the good work.” –A. Maine Veteran. “I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for Veterans by coming up with this amazing program. Words can’t explain what PHWFF has done for me and my PTSD problems and for countless other Vets like me.” PHWFF Participant, Johnson City, TN (ProjectHealingwaters).
These are the endless comments on their page that show appreciation within the program and the services that they have given for these veterans. There are also numerous pictures shown on their annual report page that range from different tournaments through different years. With more people being introduced to this program each year the number of participants have increased at the rate of about 30% and up. With more people there have also been more volunteers. Besides supporting their official page veterans, family and friends can also follow their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as well as subscribing onto their YouTube channel (ProjectHealingWaters). This can easily help them update participants about new events or be connected with friends all over the globe.
Overall, we have always seen soldiers and veterans filled with courage and power as their pictures, uniforms or statues are displayed proudly. These are representations of pride, honor and everything that we have ever known about the United States of America. So do we have a change of heart when our courageous soldiers return home with a missing body part? Again, the answer is no! If anything I believe that they have come back stronger than before. The challenges that these veterans have to go through after an amputation of a leg, legs or arm, arms can be overwhelming and depressing and yet they still try to live as normal as they can. The majority of them cope differently in many ways. Some go to support groups with family and friends while others make connections with other people who have similar disabilities through social network. Never think that two people who have the similar disabilities think and want to be treated the same because everyone is different.
One of the programs that really stood out to me in helping veterans with amputations is Project Water Healing Waters Fly Fishing. It is a non-profit organization that offers fun events and opportunities for veterans to enjoy fishing. They provide the essential necessary help such as assistants, ramps, boats and training for anyone who may need either one. Programs like this give veterans and their family the benefits of connecting and going through therapy together for recovery. No one should have to cope alone and make such a difficult transition alone.
Bibliographies:
"Benefits." Project Sanctuary: Healing Veterans and Families.
N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://www.military.com/benefits/2014/08/28/project-sanctuary-healing-veterans-and-families.html>.
Dapice, Jennie . "Service Dogsand People with Limb Loss." inMotion: Service Dogs and People with Limb Loss. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/may_jun_07/service_dogs
"Dictionary." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. "Our Reports." Our Reports. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://www.projecthealingwaters.org/About
Schmitt, Steven. "Osteomyelitis." : Bone and Joint Infections: Merck Manual Home Edition. Merck Manuals, 2013. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.
"Support Group Network." - Peer Support. Amputee Coalition, 2014. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.
Thompson , Mark . "Wars’ Amputees: 4 of 5 Say “Life Is Full” | TIME.com." US Wars Amputees 4 of 5 Say Life Is Full Comments. N.p., 12 Mar. 2012. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://nation.time.com/2012/03/12/wars-amputees-4-of-5-say-life-is-full/>.
"Help US Military Veteran Cope Traumatic Amputation through Veterans Website (Part A)." US Military Veteran Amputation. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.carefordisabledveterans.org/library/us-military-veteran-amputation-veterans-website-war-veteran.cfm>.
coming home (like the ones on YouTube). When we see this we feel all those emotions and sense of patriotism, but will those emotions change if those war veterans who come home are missing an arm or leg? An ear? What about a mental health disorder? The answer should be no because 90% of returning veterans suffer from one or more of these challenges. There are many ways to cope with and face these challenges and there is also help offered to these people. In this particular piece of literature we will be focusing on veterans who are amputees and how help is obtainable. We will also be touching subjects that pertain to “Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing”, and its qualities. Let’s go ahead and learn more about the veterans who come home.
There are many challenges that our war veterans face when they get back home from battle. Nine out of ten veterans have a mental disorder after their return. Two of three suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or known as PTSD, and forty percent suffer from traumatic brain injury (Thompson). Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition of mental and emotional stress that occur as a result of an injury or psychological shock due to recalling a disturbing experience. Nine out of ten are on 100% Disability. Disability is or can be a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movement or daily activities (Dictionary). There are more than eight hundred Veterans who have suffered at least one major amputation that resulted in the loss of a leg or arm (Thompson). Amputation is when a body part is removed due to severe trauma, prolonged constriction, or necrosis. The procedure is required when the limbs can no longer be saved and to prevent spreading of infections. An infection may lead to a greater health risk such as osteomyelitis, therefore, it is important to take proper action when necessary. Osteomyelitis is a bone infection due to the cause of bacteria, mycobacteria or even fungi. Infection in the bones it will spread through your bloodstream harming good tissues or possibly contaminating an open wound (Schmitt). Uncontrolled systemic infections can lead to fatal sepsis.
Not often will we see a veteran living a normal life after an amputation. Coping is the hardest part and it cannot be done alone. The scars from a traumatic amputation goes far beyond than just the loss of a limb. Often it is not only the physical part that can be traumatic but mentally as well (Care for our Veterans). Although they may not suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a brain injury, or show signs of either one, living with a missing limb can be mentally stressful. Therefore, in order to help a veteran undergo recovery it is important to treat both physical and mental disorders (Care for our Veterans). Never let a veteran cope alone, there are dangers to that. Depression and anxiety may often led to alcohol abuse or even suicidal thoughts.
A way to help an amputee veteran recover is through group therapy support. Group therapy is vital and provides benefits not only for the member, but their families as well. There are many different ways to help support a veteran and some of the best ways to do so is through direct support, which comes from family and friends. They are the biggest support system into reshaping the life of a veteran because not only have their lives changed but the people that surround them. The road to recovery is long, it may take months, years or a lifetime so it is important to have both veteran and family go through sessions of recovery together. In many different situations it may even bring the family closer especially if they suffer from lack of communication or connection before.
Although having family members and friends to turn shoulders to, at times it may be very difficult for them to comprehend and understand physical and emotional burden. So what many veterans will do is turn to someone outside and connect with people of similar experiences or situations such as programs and sports. Many will choose this route because they feel that it makes their transition easier, so in a way form their own support family. Support group network also provides a place for amputees along with their family members to connect with those who have overcome similar challenges (Support Group Network). They are able to connect with people all over the states by emailing, calling, or meeting up. Another way to help a veteran who has gone through amputation is to have a service dog with them at all times. Having a service dog can be very supportive, they are highly trained to help a person with a missing limb or limbs do difficult tasks that may involve their missing body part or parts. The dog helps by simply doing things that are out of reach such as turning of the switch, picking dropped items, opening doors, or act as a balance. Service dogs are also known to help alert their owners when they have become too stressed or having flashbacks (Daprice).
There are many programs to consider, but as mentioned before recovery may take months, years, or an even a lifetime so you can only imagine the overwhelming loads of bills for treatments and equipment’s. Not every veteran will be financially stable or have a job that covers such fee. Some may even face difficulty finding a job due to the severity of their injuries, so because of this there are many different ways to financially help support a veteran. Many will ask for donations, apply for a claim, separation benefits, education, financial aid or scholarships (Care for our Veterans).
Out of all the programs to help cope with an amputation the one that stood out the most for me was “Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing”. Fishing has always been a big sport no matter where you are located and this program offers such wonderful opportunities to help veterans get back out into the world to find some peace. If a veteran is interested in the program they can simply look up their website “Project Healing Waters.org”, and choose the nearest location that best fits their daily schedule or destination. For further information they can contact the Regional Coordinator in their area by emailing or calling. Since Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing started their first program it has increased to one hundred and forty-seven programs in just the past few years. Their program is offered in almost all fifty states, they even have one here in Fresno, California located on Clinton Ave (ProjectHealingWaters).
The sole purpose of this program is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled veterans in which they help to educate and engage in outdoor activities. This program is a non-profit organization which means that they receive no government support and is dependent on tax deductible, charity events, donations, sponsors, and even the help from wonderful volunteers (ProjectHealingWaters). Each year they receive generous amounts of donations that range from equipment’s that include fly fishing materials, donated cabin rentals and professional guide services (ProjectHealingWaters). This program is not just for veterans, but families, friends and volunteers also. Families are encouraged to go and support their loved ones. This is a way for them to build a stronger relationship and communication. Volunteers are always welcomed to become a volunteer. They need to go through the same exact procedure as a veteran who wants to join. They will need to contact the coordinators for further information about nearby programs and the application process. This program offers encouragement to expand their program within an area that have not existed for those who would like to join but do not have one offered close by.
I believe veterans should join this program whether they have a disability or not. They provide so many outdoor activities that encourage active participation. Fishing can be very therapeutic in many ways, in which it allows a veteran to get things out of his or her mind and fully concentrate on what they’re doing. Being in the program also allows them to travel to different places and events. This is a way to help deal with their disability and to realize that they can still do the things that they love or try new sports. To help keep track of all the activities that they hold, there is an event calendar that provides monthly information for those who plan on going. Other valuable components of the program are the competitions and tournaments. Currently, there are five tournaments as of now: Healing Waters 2 fly, Battle Boxwood, Mossy Creek Invitational, Star Stripers and Smokey Mountain. These tournaments start off at night with dinner, featuring a keynote speaker, and an auction that contains various items with plenty more fun. There are participants from all around the country that come to compete at these tournaments. This allows veterans to socialize, meet new people from all around and form bonds with people of similar disabilities to help with their transition (ProjectHealingWaters).
Although fishing can be really fun and easy for the rest of us it can be very difficult for a veteran. Many may argue that fishing is simply standing up still and throwing a cast around and that it does not require much work, but when it comes down to someone who has a disability, something simple to us may be their biggest obstacle. They face a lot of challenges in many different ways depending on their condition, although it may seem that they have similar disabilities each and every one works differently in their own ways. We need to take that into consideration when we’re working with different people who have a disability.
These are some challenges that they may face each time they go out fishing.
A veteran who is missing his leg or legs may have a much more difficult time traveling down a steep hill to get to his favorite fishing spot using his wheelchair or prosthetic leg or legs. Not every lake, river, or beach provide the essential ramps for a wheelchair to go around. A veteran who is missing an arm or arms may face a different challenge than a person with no legs. Their obstacles may be putting a hook onto their line, throwing the fishing line into the lake, railing the rod, or casting in his catch. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing has put these obstacles into consideration by providing assistants to help and guide those who are in need of help. Assistants will and may help teach them little tricks to make it easier to throw a line, direct them to a different place with a much smaller steep, introduce different types of baits and much more. Other accommodations that they provided to make it easier to access the desirable locations are kayaks, boats, hand hooks, decks and more (ProjectHealingWaters). Providing a boat means that a veteran in a wheelchair can go out into the lake and feel the freedom of roaming around with no obstacles getting in between his or her wheelchair. A hand hook is designed to attach directly onto the handle of the rod which is secured with the help of Velcro straps. This is why I recommend this program because they really do put the needs of these veterans …show more content…
first.
On the website they also provide clips of veterans who have participated in the different events that have been provided in the past. The clips show the amazing support and assistance that this program has provided. For many, they find this program to be very therapeutic compare to the many other programs that they have been to. Some even say that because of this program it has restored their marriage and life back. “You have offered me another avenue to continue recovering physically and emotionally. I thank you for what you have offered me. Please keep up the good work.” –A. Maine Veteran. “I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for Veterans by coming up with this amazing program. Words can’t explain what PHWFF has done for me and my PTSD problems and for countless other Vets like me.” PHWFF Participant, Johnson City, TN (ProjectHealingwaters).
These are the endless comments on their page that show appreciation within the program and the services that they have given for these veterans. There are also numerous pictures shown on their annual report page that range from different tournaments through different years. With more people being introduced to this program each year the number of participants have increased at the rate of about 30% and up. With more people there have also been more volunteers. Besides supporting their official page veterans, family and friends can also follow their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as well as subscribing onto their YouTube channel (ProjectHealingWaters). This can easily help them update participants about new events or be connected with friends all over the globe.
Overall, we have always seen soldiers and veterans filled with courage and power as their pictures, uniforms or statues are displayed proudly. These are representations of pride, honor and everything that we have ever known about the United States of America. So do we have a change of heart when our courageous soldiers return home with a missing body part? Again, the answer is no! If anything I believe that they have come back stronger than before. The challenges that these veterans have to go through after an amputation of a leg, legs or arm, arms can be overwhelming and depressing and yet they still try to live as normal as they can. The majority of them cope differently in many ways. Some go to support groups with family and friends while others make connections with other people who have similar disabilities through social network. Never think that two people who have the similar disabilities think and want to be treated the same because everyone is different.
One of the programs that really stood out to me in helping veterans with amputations is Project Water Healing Waters Fly Fishing. It is a non-profit organization that offers fun events and opportunities for veterans to enjoy fishing. They provide the essential necessary help such as assistants, ramps, boats and training for anyone who may need either one. Programs like this give veterans and their family the benefits of connecting and going through therapy together for recovery. No one should have to cope alone and make such a difficult transition alone.
Bibliographies:
"Benefits." Project Sanctuary: Healing Veterans and Families.
N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://www.military.com/benefits/2014/08/28/project-sanctuary-healing-veterans-and-families.html>.
Dapice, Jennie . "Service Dogsand People with Limb Loss." inMotion: Service Dogs and People with Limb Loss. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/may_jun_07/service_dogs
"Dictionary." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. "Our Reports." Our Reports. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://www.projecthealingwaters.org/About
Schmitt, Steven. "Osteomyelitis." : Bone and Joint Infections: Merck Manual Home Edition. Merck Manuals, 2013. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.
"Support Group Network." - Peer Support. Amputee Coalition, 2014. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.
Thompson , Mark . "Wars’ Amputees: 4 of 5 Say “Life Is Full” | TIME.com." US Wars Amputees 4 of 5 Say Life Is Full Comments. N.p., 12 Mar. 2012. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://nation.time.com/2012/03/12/wars-amputees-4-of-5-say-life-is-full/>.
"Help US Military Veteran Cope Traumatic Amputation through Veterans Website (Part A)." US Military Veteran Amputation. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.carefordisabledveterans.org/library/us-military-veteran-amputation-veterans-website-war-veteran.cfm>.