Title: Artillery Veterans Plagued by Haunting Aftermath of Syria Mission
Introduction:
A recent investigation by The New York Times has shed light on the haunting experiences of artillery gun crew veterans who were deployed to Syria between 2016 and 2017. Many of these veterans returned home plagued by nightmares, panic attacks, depression, and even hallucinations. This article explores the harrowing stories of these veterans and raises concerns about the mental health support provided by the military.
The Ghostly Encounters:
Lance Cpl. Javier Ortiz, a 21-year-old Marine, was startled when the ghost of a dead girl appeared to him in his kitchen upon his return from Syria. The ghost, pale and covered in dust, seemed to be seeking revenge for the hundreds of enemy fighters killed by his unit’s artillery cannons. Similarly, Lance Cpl. Austin Powell, a 22-year-old Marine, experienced unexplained disturbances in his room, leading him to seek help from his neighbor, Lance Cpl. Brady Zipoy.
Cursed and Troubled:
These haunting experiences were not isolated incidents but were shared by many gun crew veterans from various Marine and Army artillery units. Interviews with over 40 veterans and their families revealed that the military struggled to identify and address the issues faced by these troops. Many veterans experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), despite not directly engaging in combat.
The Perils of Artillery Fire:
The investigation found that the high number of artillery rounds fired by these crews had a profound impact on their well-being. The blasts unleashed shockwaves that traveled through their bodies, affecting their bones, lungs, hearts, and most critically, their brains. As a result, more than half the Marines in one heavily affected unit eventually received diagnoses of TBIs, leading to concerns about the safety of firing such a high volume of rounds.
Neglected by the Military:
Despite the alarming findings of the study, the military did not appear to take the threat seriously. The report highlighted deficiencies in safety training and medical care for the gun crews, suggesting that repeated blast exposure was being ignored. Instead of addressing the combat injuries experienced by the crews, the military often misdiagnosed them with psychiatric disorders and prescribed medications that provided little relief. Some troubled veterans were even dismissed from the military, cutting them off from vital healthcare benefits.
Tragic Outcomes:
The consequences of these neglected injuries are devastating. Marine veterans like Powell and Zipoy, who experienced hallucinations and psychosis, tragically took their own paths to cope with their suffering. Powell died by suicide, while Zipoy ended up committing a murder and is now confined to a mental health facility.
Conclusion:
The haunting aftermath of artillery missions in Syria highlights the need for better mental health support and care for veterans. The military’s failure to recognize and address the physical and psychological toll of repeated blast exposure has had dire consequences for these gun crew veterans. It is crucial that lessons are learned from these experiences to ensure the well-being of future servicemen and servicewomen.
