Comments

|

E-mail

|

Print

Every May, our country comes together to honor the men and women who have given their all, so that we can enjoy the right that many of us take for granted at times–freedom. On this day of remembrance, we not only remember those who have fallen, but also salute those who have fought in past wars and current military members who continue to serve around the world.

A day of honor and remembrance is tremendous, but what happens on the other 364 days of the year? If it were up to me, every day would be Memorial Day, to spotlight the sacrifice and achievement these soldiers exhibit in every waking second of life they risk.

It’s not that we had forgotten about the men and women serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last ten years, but over time, it seemed that these heroes were not getting their just attention and reward for fighting wars of extreme danger and unpredictability against an enemy undefined.

And then May 01, 2011 happened. The killing of Osama bin Laden was a victory for all Americans, but most importantly returned the spotlight to the heroes who ultimately never seek recognition for their feats. It was not just a monumental achievement for the Navy Seals Team 6, but a culmination of what all of the men and women of the Armed Forces had fought and sacrificed for a decade for.

“We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country,” said President Obama on that fateful night. “And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.”

In the coming months and years, the spotlight will continue to shine on these soldiers, but this time, it’ll be on them and their families as they reunite upon their return from war. For so long, the light at the end of the bleak tunnel was extremely faint, but with the recent announcement by President Obama bringing the Iraq war to a close, and the plan to scale back troops heading into 2012, that light is shining brighter each day.

So the question is- How will we honor these heroes upon their return to their beloved country? How will they adjust to living a normal life they once knew? To a changed land and economy? To families that have been without them for months/years?

For some, it will be easier than others. But for all of these men and women, life will never be the same, as they move forward following their harrowing experiences of war. After the toasts of the welcome home parties have subsided and the confetti from the parades have been swept away, these soldiers will once again be on their own, out of the spotlight, left with the task of transitioning back to normalcy for themselves and their families.

Recently, a group of graduating seniors from Quinnipiac University set out to depict this transition in their capstone project. A group of six (Kristen Swartz, Maria Lanzillotti, Maxwell Svec, Samantha Trolice, Gina Sciame and Brian Cafaro) embarked on a journey that would change their lives forever and leave them inspired.

The story this talented group of six Communications students decided to portray was of an Iraqi War vet, Nate Helmuth and his family. Helmuth served in Iraq as a combat engineer, clearing routes of I.E.D.’s; a so-called first line of defense for the Army. Nate ended up suffering a traumatic brain injury when his vehicle rolled over a few rounds and detonated.

He survived but would return home with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as other cognitive impairments. Helmuth returned to his wife Kristle and two young children, a changed man who now had to deal with the disorder as well as the troubling memories of what he experienced.

The director of the video, Kristen Swartz, and her group traveled to Jacksonville, Florida to spend time with the Helmuths and film the project. The group wanted to bring attention to the life after war that these soldiers have to endure. “We really want to show people that the fight for these soldiers isn’t over once they come back home. For most of them, the fight is really just beginning,” said Swartz.

Watch the group’s documentary on the Helmuths’ struggle for a transition back to a normal life, entitled “Invisible Scars.”

Invisible Scars from Francine Rzeznick on Vimeo.

After being shown the video after it was produced, Kristle Helmuth was speechless, says Swartz. “She and Nate are so happy to get their uncensored story out into the open, and show people that they are just one of many military families that have been affected by this war and need some support.”

And support came shortly after, as the Helmuths were awarded a mortgage-free home from the Military Warriors Support Foundation at this year’s PGA Players Championship.

As the days go by and Nate improves, steps towards normalcy are achieved. Of course, the Helmuth story is just one of thousands of stories of families that are going through the same challenges today and thousands that will partake in the journey in the months and years to come.

If there is anything we can learn from the Helmuth family and the group of outstanding college graduates who put this story on screen, is that the novels of these soldiers do not end when they return home. They are ongoing stories that need attention and support, so that the pages can continue to move forward in the lives of these courageous heroes and their loving families. If these soldiers receive half of the support that their loved ones give them, from us, their lives will be that much easier as they transition back to society.

So, on this Memorial Day, thank a veteran for their service or an active member for their continued dedication, and let’s appreciate the lives we live because of the sacrifices they’ve made.

“The Helmuths truly gave us a new appreciation for life, and how lucky we are to live the way we do,” said Swartz, the Quinnipiac graduate. “This entire experience has been life-changing for all of us. Some of the stories we have heard from the war veterans we have met really helped us put our lives into perspective, and appreciate some of the everyday things we all take for granted.”