I will start form the top. I had a permenet profile against wearing a helmet for only 30 minutes at a time and then off for one 30 minutes. This was due to a neck and back injury. This sets the stage. Aug 11 1990 Ft. Sill OK. 0230 hrs Our unit went on full alert, we did all of our processing in a 16 hour day. At about 1700 hrs that day I was told I was non deployable due to my profile. My CSM told me this after talking to the BDE surgeon. He had screened all recorded and a lot of us were non deployable. The CSM asked me at that time if there was anyway I could go. I told him I would not miss it for the world.
My MOS was 13C Tacfire Operations SGT. In that MOS were either good or great(not to many were great). I was neither I was rated one of the best of the best.
Aug 16 1990 1400 hrs Reynolds Army Hospital. After having many X-Rays that day and an examine by my doctor. He said. Ssg Wilson I have found you non world wide deployable. You will not go to Desert Shield. That is a direct order from me. You neck is still very weak. By wearing a helmet for the length of time you will have to, will worsen our your neck to the point it could break very easily. I will not put your life at risk. Yes sir, I understand, but my unit needs me over there I'am a critical person for my unit. SSG I DONT CARE. You will not go. Yes sir. Take this paperwork to your commander for non deployment.
As I returned to my unit at 1630hrs for formation the Bn commander and CSM both meet me. Well Sgt what did he say. NO GO Sgt Maj, As I handed them the the paperwork. As they both read the paperwork the CSM just looked at me and shook head. What the hell are we going to do here. Dont worry Sgt.Maj. Come hell or high water I'm going. You and the commander just worry about getting the battalion ready to go, I'll take care of the rest.
21 Aug 1990 1500hrs Reynolds Army Hospital. Nurse is my doctor in.(I wont give names). No he left for Desert Shield Yesterday to set up a MASH unit. Well can I see a doctor. Well all we have are NG doctors right now. That will be fine. 15 Mikes later in an examine room. Yes Sgt what can I do for you. Well Dr.blank told me to come back today so he could sign my paperwork to release me to go to desert shield. Well what's wrong with you. I told him what was wrong and that I was feeling better and my neck was not hurting. Are you sure he told you that. Yes sir. Ok I'll be right back. After 10 mikes he returned with my paperwork. Signed sealed and delivered. I went to DS/S. I took 4 Ibuprofem every 6 to 7 hrs for 7 months to endure the pain.
What my unit did. 3252 rds of 155mm fired. No loss of life or equipment. Gs to 1st ID for breaching Ops Gs to 1st AD to fight the RGFC Average time we were ready to fire 4:15 Secs.
What I got for going. Nothing but a memory. No awards no commadations. And put out of the army 1 year later because I couldn't take PT wear a helmet and I couldn't hold my head straight anymore from damage to my neck. But I had a great time Kikin $%%.
" The Veteran "
Today I was reminded of what time could not erase As I walked through the halls I felt a sadness in this place A building filled with history our books will never see Their stories are the pages locked inside their memory It's one of many you will find that's scattered everywhere These people come here hoping to receive the proper care I saw a few in wheelchairs and so many used a cane Some walked just fine but in their eyes was where I saw the pain These Heroes have been marked for life all here surrounding me They've shed their blood while other's died to keep this country free I still remember stories of a war my dad went through Each one was told with Army Pride he called it "World War II" And later "The Korean War" forced troops to say good-bye Because Korea's North and South could not see eye to eye Then "Viet Nam" decided to raise up it's ugly head Like all the wars, the damage left so many people dead When troops came home they had to face another kind of war A "War of Words" that added wounds as if they needed more The latest war was televised for all the world to see Called "Operation Desert Storm" performed so perfectly This war had ended quickly but our troops cannot forget They're constantly reminded that the "Storm's" not over yet These wars do not discriminate religion, sex or race The bombs, grenades and poison gas take lives we can't replace And weapons don't have boundaries they claim what's in their way What will it take to stop these wars right here, right now, today Our troops are thought so highly of when they are called to war But when it's over they are not remembered anymore And what about the one's still lost are they forgotten too? Is anyone still searching for the one's who fought for you These men and women suffer more than you will ever know When war is over they still fight a war that doesn't show Each one deserves the very best for what they have been through Your proof is V. A. Hospitals I'm sure there's one near you We all want Peace and Harmony but something's always wrong These buildings might become extinct if we could get along My husband fought the last two wars which stole the heart he had He wears that look of war abuse just like my precious dad I don't have all the answers but I know one thing for sure The anger has to leave before a healing can occur America is free because of Veterans today And more of them still yet to come will also have to pay So when you exercise your rights remember Why you can You see, I can't forget because I am "The Veteran"
