August 15 marked the end of a 20 year undeclared war due to the Taliban’s sweep through Afghanistan, finalized by the capture of the capital Kabul. This occurred soon after foreign nations removed their militia from the country, as well as an agreement between the Taliban and U.S.
These series of events were heartbreaking to watch for everyone around the world. More importantly, for the men and women who served in these countries, and gave their lives to protect the Middle Eastern citizens, the event was marked by great emotion.
On August 26, two suicide bombers and multiple gunmen attacked a crowd of Afghan citizens and killed 13 U.S. troops, along with 60 Afghan people. This brought anguish and sorrow to our nation. And left our veterans, and men and women serving with a feeling of remorse and hopelessness.
Staff Sergeant Michael Scoggin, a former member of the Air Force, was medically retired from an accident after seven years of deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. These events have left him questioning the value of his time served and if his duties made an impact for his nation.
“I thought I was helping and that I would make a difference. But I don’t feel that way right now,” explained Scoggin.
These series of events are incredibly challenging for our veterans, who often feel their service was useless. It is difficult to overcome that feeling.
“It makes my brothers and sisters that served feel like they wasted their time,” SSgt Scoggin explained. “And it’s hard not to think that way,”
Along with feelings of grieving and sadness. The Taliban takeover has triggered PTSD in our veterans that have served in these wars, causing flashbacks, rushes of panic and hopelessness.
“These events have caused me to relive a lot of stuff I thought was gone,” explained Scoggin. “I’ve been triggered, and I’ve had my nightmares, and it’s really hard.”
The best we can do right now is to look out for our brothers and sisters who served. Be a helping hand in this time of struggling. There is a large population of veterans that are hurting behind closed doors. They gave their lives to protect our country, and they need to be honored and loved.
“A lot of men and women feel like they didn’t make an impact during their time served, now, there’s a whole nation of people who thought we were there to be superman, that now feel abandoned," Scoggin stated. "So if you know a veteran, just love on them.”
One small gesture of gratitude or care could make a huge change in a veteran’s battle through this challenging time. Each man and woman who served are fighting their own undeclared war, and it is our duty as a nation to come alongside, and fight these battles with them as one.
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