Moral Injury Among Returning Veterans by Joshua Morris

Author:Joshua Morris
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lexington Books
Published: 2021-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Society: Divided Identities

The theme of “divided identity” connected most directly to the ideological critique I am advocating. I want to specifically handle the ideological implications of reintegration as I have not yet discussed the direct role ideology and society played in shaping each interviewed veterans’ reintegration. Phillip’s alienation from the army introduced a unique experience of being a reservist and attempting to reintegrate a MIE. After the deployment, the individuals that perhaps understood Phillip the best “went their separate ways.” His mentor, Sergeant First Class Eric Clausen, a blond surfer from San Diego who joined the military at eighteen to travel the country, was direct, tough, but always dependable. He taught Phillip more efficient ways to clean his truck; he taught Phillip easier ways to get Wi-Fi access in remote Afghanistan; and, he taught Phillip how to be a deployed husband. Phillip wanted to be a SFC Clausen to the new soldier he met when he returned to drill. When the unit returned to the United States, Clausen transferred, but did not say good-bye. Transferring is not atypical for a restructuring unit: reservists went back to school, took new jobs, or simply just went away for a while to reconnect. Phillip was left, alone, to reintegrate into civilian life. This reintegration was difficult and is still ongoing.

Phillip is torn when he discusses society. On one hand, he is appreciative of most people who thank him. Remember, above, he stated, “Some people thank me, and I thank them for their appreciation.” He wants to believe that people are appreciative of his service and sacrifice, but with some groups of civilians, their actions tell him otherwise. Phillip can feel it when ideology is functioning. The handshakes are flimsy. The eye contact is nonexistent. Phillip believes that his generation is “the last one to get a thank you.” Gratitude, for Phillip, is complex. Ungratefulness, on the other hand, is a simple act of dishonor. Phillip recounts one story he “can’t get over”:

I had these two conversations with people that I can’t get over. This one dude told me, “we shouldn’t even be there. You all are fighting a lost cause.” I was so pissed, what has that guy ever done?! I do work with a lot of vets, and they get it. One former Navy SEAL told me to keep my head down. His last words to me were, “don’t get killed.” He was the coolest dude. He was a Vietnam vet, and he was called a “baby killer” when he came home. He told me, “These people don’t realize that I killed somebody yesterday, and could kill you today and not even blink an eye.” These people are so lucky. He did the job. I was just a reservist. . . Guys like that helped me get through.

I met this woman; it was around Christmas time, as I was walking into the mall. I was wearing a unit T-shirt from Afghanistan. She said, “When did you serve?” I explained that I just got back, and am in the Reserves.

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