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[UPDATE 29 Sep 11: I've cut off comments to this post. I've given it enough time for everyone to respond and I'm moving on. I will not allow this to become a never-ending issue. Thank you all for your comments.]

I’m not going to make this post a contentious one in which I succumb to the stereotypes that some nameless “writers” have about PTSD. There are litigious ways to deal with those. PTSD affects everyone differently. I believe there are two types of people with PTSD: those who seek help and those that think everyone else is the problem.

PTSD is not limited to military personnel. People that survive horrible car crashes can suffer from PTSD. The survivors from the 9/11 terrorist attacks probably suffer from it. Someone that is robbed at gunpoint or raped is prone to it. I have no doubt that there is an element of it present at mortuaries where people are constantly subjected to bodies that suffered grizzly and inhumane deaths or are in various stages of decay. In other words, it’s a common reaction by people to a particular stressor in life and people react to it in different ways.

Personally, I fell into the second category for too many years. I refused to admit that there was anything wrong with me. I didn’t recognize immediately that I had become reclusive, bitter, angry, and just downright hard to get along with. The one thing I never became was either violent or criminal. I always found an outlet for my anger, whether in writing, playing games, watching movies, whatever.

While I’m by no means “cured” of PTSD, I’ve learned some very dynamic and specialized coping strategies. Through that process of learning, I’ve openly shared my experiences through the darkness that can embrace people with PTSD. I did so in direct contradiction to what many people recommended. I was told that my PTSD would be used against me because either people didn’t understand or they didn’t WANT to understand. I took the Army at its word and began a very public outreach to both heal myself and hopefully help others suffering.

I’m actually in the process of writing a book about PTSD and my journey to recovery – which I don’t think will ever truly end. Through this process I’ve met and spoken with numerous veterans from various conflicts and wars. It blows me away that some of these guys lived with their pain for 40 years before seeking help! I can’t imagine life like that. Six years was bad enough. I’ve learned a lot of coping skills and activities that have helped. I became an avid shooter and began geocaching. I also turned to writing and helping others Soldiers cope. I helped III Corps with some PSA on suicide prevention.

While I trusted the Army and the government at large to be true to its word, what I didn’t take into account was how biased and ignorant the general populace is about PTSD. Likewise, I was ignorant to the fact that some people would try to use my PTSD against me to achieve their own personal motives. Let’s face it, the only time most Americans hear about PTSD is when someone diagnosed with it kills someone (or a lot of people) or commits some other violent crime. Those are the big stories that become the stereotype of Soldiers with PTSD. In my experience, those Soldiers represent about 1% of the PTSD population, if even that.

If not treated, PTSD makes those that have endured traumatic events more prone to feeling threatened in many situations, even when the feeling of threat is not warranted. Some may act on impulse or go to extremes to protect themselves. They invent threats where none exist. Very simple actions and conversations suddenly become threatening without basis in fact or logic.

There has been no definitive study conducted that links PTSD with criminal behavior. There are many different studies out there, many of which I’ve read. Some of them I’ve even had to purchase. While PTSD does seem to increase the possibility that one will commit crimes, it is not a definite link that deserves such a broad brush painted on those that have it, especially those that have sought to overcome it.

Personally, the only time I ever got in trouble was when I was a kid in Jacksonville, FL, at about 14 years old. I got caught shoplifting deodorant, of all things. I wasn’t charged with anything and ended up agreeing to do 50 hours of community service on the weekends at a creepy city cemetery. I also went through something called the Scared Straight program. This entailed me and a few other kids taking a tour through the county jail. It was a traumatizing event. Being the youngest and smallest kid there, I didn’t feel comfortable with all those inmates pawing at me and asking for time alone. I was definitely scared straight.

It’s sad that when one, semi-influential member of the media uses the PTSD argument to justify claims of threat, malice, violence, or mental incapacity that so many people will so quickly and easily agree to those claims. “He wrote about PTSD, so he MUST be a violent person.” “He has PTSD so shouldn’t be allowed to carry a gun.”

In the movie “Full Metal Jacket,” Gunnery Sergeant Harman, played by the most awesome R. Lee Ermy, gets angry during a barracks inspection after one of the G.I.’s uses a John Wayne impression. I can’t embed the video, so you’ll have to click the link. Be mindful that the video contains a LOT of profanity.

In that clip, GySgt Harman says a bunch of things in response. For one, he asks who “just signed his own death warrant.” Do you think that person REALLY signed their own death warrant? Obviously not, at least not to anyone with common sense. He says he will PT the Marines “until you all die.” Was this a true statement? Again, no. Basic training used to be filled with this kind of over-the-top scare tactics before we became soft and touchy-feely and no one ever had to sign a death warrant or “beat their face.” Finally, Private Joker admits that he is the one that made the impression. Harman then tells him, “You had best unf**k yourself or I will unscrew your head and s#!t down your neck!”

This phrase has been used in many situations throughout our history. Was Ermy’s character REALLY going to take off that Private’s head and defecate down his neck? Of course not. The phrase has been used by Old Man Johnson down the street: “If you damn kids cut through my yard again, I’m gonna come out there and rip off your head and crap down your neck!” It’s obviously urban slang used throughout American society and especially within the military. Now if Jeffrey Dahmer said it, I might take it a little more seriously.

Anyone that actually served in the military understands what this means. It means that what you said or did was disrespectful, wrong, unwarranted, unwanted, unbelievable, etc. and that the another person isn’t very happy about it.

I recently read a story where a supposed “writer” was talking about the death of a Soldier. The unit the “writer” is embedded with has suffered many casualties during their deployment, which ends soon. I have friends in that unit that have expressed disgust with how this “writer” has completely disrespected their last two memorial ceremonies by getting in everyone’s faces and taking photos. While people were talking or grieving, he’d walk around taking photos, the audible “click, click, click” of his camera disrupting the services.

In this piece I read, the “writer” explained in dramatic and gory detail exactly how this Soldier had died – lying face down in the dirt, missing his arms and legs. When asked if he was okay, the Soldier responded affirmatively – either recognizing that he was about to die and didn’t want to worry his fellow troops or not realizing the gravity of his situation due to shock.

I took great disgust in this hit piece on the integrity and honor of this Soldier’s sacrifice being laid out in such gory detail for the world to see. But, it’s not the casual reader I care about. What bothers me is that this young Soldier has a family. He has a mother and father that one day will read this account and realize that their son died a painful and horrible death, face down in the dirt! It’s unconscionable that a responsible “writer” with a supposed military background would publish such details.

I’m not suggesting that family’s should be lied to about how their kids died in combat, but unless they specifically ASK for the details of that death they should be protected from having to suffer it. Many families don’t WANT to know those sorts of details. Yes, they want to know that he died on patrol or during a rocket attack, but not that his brains were splattered across the pavement while trying to gasp for that last breath of air, the way one Soldier died in my arms in Iraq. Most just want to know that he didn’t die in pain surrounded by troops that love him and tried their best to save them.

Naturally, I was angry at this lack of journalistic integrity and discretion. Immediately calling upon phrases and slang I’ve heard my entire life, I mentioned how much I thought the piece was out of line and paraphrased Gunny Sergeant Harman’s words to Private Joker.

In typical fashion, my words were taken out of context and falsely manipulated into a direct threat. The “blogger/journalist/writer/photographer” decided to use his bully pulpit to settle a score that he’s been rabidly trying to settle since I called him out on OPSEC violations years ago. I’ve been through the same song and dance with this individual many times and each time it’s noted for what it is – whining.

Here is the full context of what I wrote after reading the story of that Soldier that died last week. Another person, equally upset over the content of that story had commented that they should share what Yon is writing on the unit’s page. Another individual remarked – wisely – that it would only make matters worse. I responded:

I agree. I have no doubt that his wife or mother read the [unit's Facebook] page. I’m positive they don’t read [said writer], but one day they’re going to do a Google search on their loved one, and that ass monkey of a sorry excuse for flesh and cold blood will come up with that information! I want to rip his head off and piss down his windpipe!

Now, to the casual observer with even an inkling of common sense, ask yourself some questions.

1. Is CJ REALLY going to rip off someone’s head and piss down his windpipe?
2. Is it even POSSIBLE to rip off someone’s head and piss down their windpipe?
3. What actions has CJ committed in the past that give any indication he WOULD do something like that even if he could?
4. Is this is a common expression used to denote an angry attitude and dissatisfaction at someone’s else’s mistakes?

The answers are obvious, especially to someone with a real military background. Nowhere did I say, “I will rip off his head and piss down his throat.” There are a lot of things that I’d like to do or want to do, but never will because they are morally, religiously, legally, or impossibly wrong. So, one can only deduce that the “writer” of those lies is intentionally misleading people by ONLY commenting on a single portion of a full quote. By inventing threats where none exist, the “writer” is easily able to influence an audience that is ignorant and subservient to the whims of anything typed into a status window on a social media site.

To be fair, I’m not entirely innocent in regard to this particular issue. I gave entirely too much credit to the history, background, accomplishment, mental capacity, and reasoning ability of the “writer” and his followers when I wrote that. I neglected to notice that he no longer wanted to be treated like a former SF-qualified Soldier and more like a run of the mil civilian without an inkling of understanding about how the military works. It is possible that someone like that with an ax to grind could PERCEIVE a threat where none exists.

Remember what I said about PTSD earlier? PTSD makes those that have endured traumatic events more prone to feeling threatened in many situations, even when the feeling of threat is not warranted. This “writer” has been embedded with many units and claims to be the longest embedded “writer” in history. So, there is no doubt that he has probably seen some pretty nasty things. I know he has no compunction against sharing them.

It’s quite possible that this individual is suffering from an extreme case of PTSD as well. I wouldn’t be the first to suggest it, that’s for sure. His actions over the past few years have gotten progressively worse and more arrogant. He’s expressed anger and frustration when he didn’t get his way. These are natural reactions to stressors. Feeling the need to be always “on guard” can cause survivors to see threat in normal situations. As a result, they may go to extremes to try to protect themselves. High levels of arousal may result in impulsive, irrational behavior that goes beyond what is needed to address the perceived threat.

But, there is a significant difference between me and this “writer”: I sought help and got it when people noted that I had changed! I’ve learned how to deal with and manage my stress. I no longer need to hide my weaknesses and know where to go when I feel those issues rising up in me. I possess coping mechanisms to deal with those stresses and no longer need to drag other people down with me when I don’t get my way. It’s common for someone with PTSD to project their shortcomings onto others when they are cornered or can’t meet expectations. Keep in mind that no one reached out to me personally to qualify my statement let me know they feel like something I did or said threatened or offended them. I’ve seen privates do this! It’s not difficult. But, I’m always available and easy to contact. The door is always opening to learn what I’ve learned. I’m always willing to share my coping skills with anyone needing them.

Now, to all those that are worried about me as the pressure and stress builds as a result of outlandish claims against me, don’t worry. I’m fine. While I’m not cured of PTSD, I know how to manage these issues. My heartrate hasn’t risen, I’m not nervous, I’m not suffering any increased levels of anxiety. I don’t let people get to me, especially inconsequential ones. I have a mission that I am focused on and I will remain focused. I will not be badgered into killing myself like the last Soldier this “writer” went after obsessively. He probably didn’t have the support network or experience I have and I truly feel sorry for that Soldier. I wish I could have told him that this bully was not worth dying over. I won’t give him the pleasure of driving me to suicide. I won’t give him the pleasure of driving me to homocide. The only thing I like to kill are enemy Taliban and AQ fighters, skunks, raccoons, and coyotes! I’m hoping to enjoy killing at least one deer or hog when I get back too! I also like to kill rumors, especially false ones.

Let me state something matter of fact: PTSD is NOT an excuse to commit crimes. No one with PTSD should be given quarter for serious violent crimes that injure or kill others needlessly. I won’t subscribe to that hooey and I won’t be someone that spreads that myth.

The truth is that most Soldiers with PTSD who commit violent crimes already had criminal backgrounds before their diagnosis. I’ve never been arrested for anything in my life – to include my 14-year old shoplifting experience. I don’t have a criminal background. Before this “journalist” came along, I never had issues with the military either!

My PTSD is NOT the cause of my anger. Writing disgusting accounts of how our Fallen Heroes die to get a few Paypal donations is what causes my anger. When I think of what will be going through the mind of that mother, sister, wife or family member having to read that, I’m physically ill. I’m not saying he doesn’t have the right to write it; I’m saying he should have had better judgment. And the fact that he’s making a living writing such things didn’t sit well with me. It still doesn’t sit well with me. My fault lies in not crafting my disgust and outrage in a manner that wouldn’t be twisted for selfish reasons.

Yes, I still have anger issues, but they are internal. Rarely do they ever manifest outwardly anymore (except to my wife who can read me like a book no matter how hard I try to hide it). NEVER does it manifest itself physically. Never has and it never will. Anyone that tells you I’m a danger to anyone is a liar, a manipulator, and downright ignorant. Everyone that knows me can tell you that, even the ones that know me and don’t like me.

As I said in my response on Twitter to this individual: “You can bend it and twist it; You can misuse and abuse it; But even God cannot change the Truth.” God IS truth and His judgment is all I await. He will not give me any challenge I cannot overcome, “for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.” I believe those words. I live those words.

I also believe these words: “I know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own.” I treat every Soldier as if they’re my Soldier. If I am ruined for trying to protect the dignity and honor of a Fallen Brother and fellow Soldier, I readily accept that result based on my faith and allegiance to my oath. If I am guilty of something, it’s caring too much for their memory.

I have gone through this before – false claims levied against me – and I’ve always gotten through it. Like Rodney Atkins says:



Well I been deep down in that darkness
I been down to my last match
Felt a hundred different demons
Breathing fire down my back
And I knew that if I stumbled
I’d fall right into the trap that they were laying, yeah

But the good news
Is there’s angels everywhere out on the street
Holding out a hand to pull you back up on your feet
The one’s that you’ve been dragging for so long
You’re on your knees
You might as well be praying
Guess what I’m saying

If your going through hell
Keep on going, don’t slow down
If you’re scared don’t show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you’re there

There are always going to be bumps in the road that slow our progress. The key to navigating them is to drive a 4-wheel life! I’ll get through it. I’m not going to stress over it. I’ve got eight more months left here and a real mission to accomplish. I’ve got Soldiers I need to take care of through near-daily rocket attacks, complex and last minute missions, and sustained operations.

I’m thankful for the friends I made from the last time this “writer” tried this crap. I’m thankful that some of his readers contacted me directly first to understand my side of the situation. Yes, there are ALWAYS two sides to every story. I guess there is always some good that comes out of these attacks and I welcome any new friends after this round.

Now, for the minions out there that need to understand a few legal terms they’re likely to soon encounter because they still don’t get it:

Libel - to publish in print (including pictures), writing or broadcast through radio, television or film, an untruth about another which will do harm to that person or his/her reputation, by tending to bring the target into ridicule, hatred, scorn or contempt of others. It is a tort (civil wrong) making the person or entity (like a newspaper, magazine or political organization) open to a lawsuit for damages by the person who can prove the statement about him/her was a lie. This would include any publication or news agency – including Facebook postings, Big Peace and Fox News – that also publishes the libelous writings.

Defamation - the act of making untrue statements about another which damages his/her reputation. Some statements such as an accusation of having committed a crime, having a feared disease or being unable to perform one’s occupation are called libel per se or slander per se and can more easily lead to large money awards in court and even punitive damage recovery by the person harmed.

Slander - oral defamation, in which someone tells one or more persons an untruth about another, which untruth will harm the reputation of the person defamed. Slander is a civil wrong (tort) and can be the basis for a lawsuit.

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Taken from an Atlanta Attorney on Record Expungement


TEP 1: Get a copy of your GCIC criminal record. You can walk into your local police department and pay a small fee and you will show ID and they will print it for you. Sandy Springs Georgia charges $25.00 for instance. To get at copy of your NCIC (national criminal record) you write to the FBI and submit a request to:

FBI
CJIS Division
ATTN: SCU, MOD.D-2
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg , West Virginia 26303

You must send: 1) A signed request with an explanation for the request and your address. 2) Two completed applicant fingerprint cards with name, date of birth, place of birth, SSN and a set of ten rolled fingerprints and eight flat finger impressions. Fingerprints and impressions must be taken by a local law enforcement agency. 3) An $18.00 fee by certified check or money order to the United States Treasury. Request it under the Freedom of Information Act.

STEP 2 : If the GCIC shows you were arrested but not convicted, you may be able to expunge it. You do not have a right to expungement, it is more of a favor. O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 (d) lays out when it can be granted. If:

1. No criminal charges are pending; and

2. No other convictions within the last 5 years .

What types of records can be expunged in Georgia? :

A. No Indictment was filed because:

1. Arrested and released without the offense being prosecuted, or

2. The prosecutor dismissed the charges without seeking an indictment..

B. An Indictment was filed, but:

1. The charges were “nolle prossed,”

2. The charges were dead docketed, or

3. The charges were dismissed.

Keep in mind the statute lists the other reasons why it won't be expunged such as a plea deal, pre-trial diversion, so read it.

Finally, remember that First Offender and Nolo Contendere please cannot be expunged:

Step 3: How to Get your Georgia Record Expunged:

You must approach the agency that arrested you (Fulton County Sherriffs or Atlanta police department) and they will give you the forms you need to fill out. You need to know the name of the arresting department, date of the arrest and the offense. (thus the reason for getting the GCIC report.The department sends the papers to the district attorney or solicitor and it is up to them to decide whether you meet the criteria for expungement.

If the prosecutor decides to approve your request they will notify the GCIC. Within several months, GCIC will expunge your arrest record.

If the prosecuting attorney denies your request, you can file a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the county where the arresting police department is located. The lawsuit must be filed within thirty (30) days of receiving the denial. Seeking a writ of mandamus is an expensive and complicated course of action so be sure to hire a good lawyer at that phase.

Remember that our firm does not handle these cases nor can we take the time to answer everyone's questions. You have to take it from here. Good luck to you.

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