It's hard to believe it's been ten years since I crossed the border into Iraq. Harder still to fathom why it is still as clear in my mind as if it happened yesterday. I was initially concerned about how this anniversary would affect me, but I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't really do much to affect my mood. Well, I guess it did. I spent the day with my daughter, Caley. We had a daddy and daughter day. We went to Applebee's and had lunch and spent the afternoon enjoying play time. I was on and off the computer checking on my fundraising campaign. The whole time, I reflected on how I have spent the past ten years - my victories and, especially, my stumbles. Needless to say, I have a lot to be grateful for. My wife, my daughter, my family. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them and I know now, more than ever, that I am one of the lucky ones. Suicide rates are embarrassingly high, disability claim wait times are so long that some have been waiting for compensation longer than the length of their deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. PTSD is still a scary four letter 'word'. Should I continue? We all know the score. Our struggles are the legacy cost of a decade of war. A decade that saw the burden of waging war fall on the shoulders of 1% of our population. The military community has become more and more isolated from the general public in spite of the best efforts of advocates everywhere. It makes me wonder: With all of the high-profile advocacy going on out there, why aren't there more 'boots on the ground'? What I see is tons of advocacy groups spending a lot of money and time marketing themselves and their image. I don't see advocates in the crowd wearing t-shirts, bracelets. I don't see fundraising efforts on TV like they used to have for Jerry's Kids. I see the same partisan gridlock in DC fouling up everything they touch (sequestration caused suspension of tuition assistance for our active duty service members). Most importantly, I have seen too many veterans that are tired of the frustration of the VA, politics, PTSD stigma, and unemployment just give up and let themselves fall through the cracks. You all know what I'm talking about. It hurts my heart to see it happen, day in and day out. It just feeds my fire. I will not submit. I will not give in. Instead, I will give back.
All I need to make my dream of helping veterans a reality is $3165. That means I need less than 3% of my followers and supporters to make that commitment.
I have asked myself a thousand times why I made it back and others didn't. We all know that surviving war is like playing Russian Roulette. What they don't tell you is the guilt you will have to live with if you survive. It took me a long time to work up the courage to do this. It was in large part because of the guilt. I felt like I would be 'taking advantage' of those in need. Stupid Survivor's Guilt. I know now that my cause is just and noble. The only way I can do more is by having the resources to make an impact. Help me start small. On this day, of all days, help arm me to fight for those that suffer in silence. Let me advocate for those too hurt to fight for themselves. Yours in Health, Max Harris
The most frustrating thing about trying to raise funds for such a worthy cause as our Soldiers is good ol' American apathy. If it hasn't happened in their backyard, to THEIR family, they merely shake their heads and sigh as soldier suicides rise. It makes me want to yell, "Hey, if all the Soldiers decided to stay home, would you even know where to start to protect yourself/family?" 3/20/2013 11:17:22 am
Keeping the faith. As always, thank you for your continued support. I agree wholeheartedly with your comments. What I have noticed, though is that the younger generations, having grown up with the internet, social media, and online advocacy, seem to be more inclined to donate their time and passion. Money comes and goes. That kind of passion can define an organization.
Ginette Blansjaar
3/21/2013 04:50:16 am
Max, could you please just put up a bank account number here, so I can use my Internet banking to support? I hate to register at some site and having to use my creditcard on the net. You can also pm me the account number at my facebook profile. Thanks! 3/21/2013 09:16:41 am
Ginette, they require you to create an account on the website mostly for accountability purposes and to make it easier to ensure that organizations follow through on giving back to donors. All the records are in one place. Plus, they use you email address that you sign up with as a point of contact for the campaign/venture you are supporting. Otherwise, I wouldn't have an easy way to get all of the perks out to donors. Support did say that you can close your account after the campaign is completed if you don't want it to remain open. There are no hidden catches or fees. They want to make it as easy as possible for people to support a good cause. If you want to talk to me directly, email me - maxharris@combatveteranswithptsd.com
Max Harris
3/21/2013 07:03:26 am
Ginette, unfortunately, it has to got through the website. It's how the website gets paid. They said there were now other options than PayPal. If you don't see any, let me know and I will contact support.
R M Harris
3/21/2013 07:05:03 am
If that doesn't pan out, email me at maxharris@combatveteranswithptsd.com and we will figure something out.
Ginette
3/22/2013 02:49:08 am
Ok thanks very much Max, I'll check it out and if necessary email you. Comments are closed.
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Max HarrisAs I continue my life with PTSD, I will share my challenges and discoveries on this blog. Archives
October 2018
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