cktimes.ca Archives for Legion Musing
Legion Musing
Some serious thoughts
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Okay this is for all Veterans, young, old and in between. Can't sleep, bad dreams, sometimes when awake the dreams are back, crowds make you jumpy, sudden movements too, it's all too much to handle, drinking a lot (your family goes on about your drinking), can't seem to get a handle on it, life is too hard, want to end it all?Sound familiar? This is also for the families too, because you notice the changes. No matter if it's WWII, Korea, the so called Peace Keeping missions, Desert Storm 1, Afghanistan it doesn't matter where and when you served. It affects us all, you are not alone. You don't have to suck it up and be a man about it anymore or drink more beer. That does not work comrades, I know. There is help for you, you have been actually wounded. Would you allow yourself to keep bleeding if shot? I don't think so and you do not need to keep suffering the effects of your tour. Now's the time to be a man or woman and get that help.
The place to help you is called the Operational Stress Injury Clinic, it's in London. The Legion and Veterans Affairs Canada can help you get that help. Does it work, talking about it? Yes it is amazing how it works. The respect you get from the door on ward is wonderful, there will be no disrespect, you will not hear I feel what you're saying, none of that. They have been learning how to treat this wound for over 10 years. Now you are wondering how do I know so much about this. The fact is I have been a client for over 3 years. I saw much action in my tour and saw many things. It has affected me for 32 years, I tried sucking it up, didn't work. I tried drink more beer, didn't work. I thought what's talking about it going to do, well boys and girls it works.
They have single one on one counseling, as well as group and group support. After all who better than those of us who served over there? We in the end will be able to help each other. Just like in your unit when you served or still serving. Hard, yes it's hard to make that first step. I'm here to help you make it. I'll even come and sit with you and you can talk. Contact the Legion at 519-627-6663 They will give you my home number. If you wish to use the internet it's robthegolfnut@yahoo.ca Make contact, I'm here to help you begin the journey back home. I know what you are feeling, together with a team you will begin to heal.
Please note due to this subject I will not post events this column. Please call the Legion for that info
LEST WE FORGET
Robert Simpson was born in Amherst Nova Scotia. From 1976 to 1980 served in the Canadian armed forces He served in Cyprus 1978/79. He came to Wallaceburg where he worked at North American Plastics. He worked in Toronto as a computer technician. After suffering a heart attack 2002 he retired to Wallaceburg to be closer to his 3 daughters, and all his grandchildren. He is involved with Branch 18 Legion where he is on the executive; he serves as Seniors Chairman. also is currently Youth-Ed Chairman, Liaison with the Sea Cadets and Elevator Committee Chairman for the Legion. Robert is also working at starting up an Operational Stress Injury Peer Support Group in the area for Veterans of all ages.
