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The divorces, wars, and military bases blurred together. In Afghanistan and Iraq, I wasn’t surprised to see suicide watch posters everywhere.
Mama Wherry kept me grounded. I credit her mentorship for creating the solid foundation upon which I built my career and how I lead and mentor sailors.
Hunched over the table, he speaks of regrets, failures, and thoughts of suicide. It’s good that he can talk to me. He used to keep these thoughts secret.
Two months later, he thanks me for listening, for still being Doc. I took care of them over there, I can take care of them back home, I tell myself.
I remember being taken in by our neighbors, how they embraced my family and introduced us to football, fireworks, and the spirit of America.
The Ripples of War Are Only Beginning to Spread. Is America Ready?
|in Reflections | Kayla WilliamsTwenty years after America invaded Iraq, a veteran and spouse imagines the war’s costs will only grow.