mostacks

I consider myself to have been 'mature enough' when I went into the military. I was not a grunt but I did spend a significant amount of time outside the wire during two of my four tours. I have survived a VBIED as well. I was farther away when mine cooked off, I suspect. Didn't get hit but I did get thrown on my ass. My experience pales in comparison with yours, and even I needed some therapy when I got out. Glad you are doing this. Writing a personal narrative that I let a few trusted people read really helped me. Best of luck on your recovery, man!

This is a question I would really like to hear the answer to. Fourth generation AREVA reactors are pretty much the safest form of energy there is... No emissions, no radiation problems, and three generations ahead of the safety pre-cautions at old crap reactors like Fukushima. Also, what about Thorium reactors and the new spent fuel recycling reactos that Westinghouse and others are looking at?

That's really solid advice for acquaintances, family and close friends. I had similar feelings upon returning. I used to get drunk and talk about the war... I tended to get one of two responses... "That again?!" or being used as a prop by the pro-war people of what I good guy I was because of the things I did. That shit got old. So I stopped talking. That's not a good answer either. Therapy works. I highly support it for all returning vets whether they think they need it or not.

I don't think that dude understands the life wrecking ramifications of going AWOL.