In memory of Spc. Douglas Barber

[Lone_Star_Dem]

Run time: 04:03 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMMIxFM4gog   Posted on YouTube: May 08, 2006 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: May 19, 2007 By DU Member: Lone_Star_Dem Views on DU: 778

 

Spc. Doug Barber: PTSD - A Soldier's Personal War!
Thursday, 12 January 2006, 10:59 am
Opinion: Guest Opinion
PTSD - Every Soldier's Personal WAR!

By Spc. Doug Barber
1/10/05
Published By Coalition For Free Thought In Media

In the last month I have been working with Jay Shaft, the editor of Coalition For Free Thought in media regarding my experiences in Iraq and since coming home from the war. We have only touched on some of the struggles of being a soldier, however we have not dug deeply into the personal war that Operation Iraqi Freedom has caused for returning soldiers.


Donald Rumsfeld and President Bush do not want to reveal to the American people that this war is a personal war. They want to run the war like a business, and thus they refuse to show the personal sacrifices the soldiers and their families have made for this country.

My thought today is to help you the reader understand what happens to a soldier when they come home and the sacrifice we continue to make. This may be lengthy, it may be short; but no matter how long it is, just close your eyes and imagine a flag draped coffin.

Inside that coffin is the body of a man or woman who will never get to live their life to the fullest, yet they bore the total cost so that we could live free. Their soul is somewhere else and all we have is their memory which over time will be forgotten by other events of greater importance. The families of these soldiers have a hole in their hearts that will never be replaced, even though they have pictures and happy memories.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0601/S00079.htm

In Memory of Specialist Doug Barber
Thursday, 19 January 2006, 10:51 am
Column: Jay Shaft
A Soldier For Truth Has Fallen: In Memory of Specialist Doug Barber
In Memory and Mourning of the Tragic Death of Douglas Barber

By Jay Shaft - Editor, Coalition For Free Thought In Media

1/17/05
http://groups.google.com/group/Coalitionforfreethoughtinmedia/msg/0d65658a3254fde8

*****

Today I come to you with a heavy and troubled heart. I have the unfortunate task of giving you some very tragic news. Yesterday afternoon Specialist Douglas Barber, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, took his own life after struggling with the demons and nightmares of PTSD for over two years.

No one really knows what caused his sudden and deadly breakdown. Doug had been on the phone laughing and kidding around with one of his best friends about an hour before the incident. Several friends have said that Doug seemed to be in an upbeat and playful mood throughout the morning, and that he never mentioned any problems.

He was on his way over to his best friend's house to hang out and try to forget about his problems for awhile. Something happened after that which caused Doug to give up and make the decision to take his own life. For some reason Doug decided he could no longer bear the ongoing pain, agony and inner torment.

The Lee County, Alabama sheriff's department was on the scene trying to talk Doug out of it for over 30 minutes. The investigating officer has stated that every effort was made to stop the situation and save Doug's life. Doug apparently turned his back to the officers, fired one shot, and ended his life.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0601/S00146.htm

For Spc. Doug Barber and all the others that have lost their battle with PTSD.

[Monkeyman]

1. Thank You From Veterans who suffer

[TomInTib]

3. I was thinking of you as I was watching the clip, Brother.

I have been away dealing with my own problems (I went to The Wall for the first time in years - big mistake).

[Monkeyman]

4. TEARS AND DREAMS EVERYTIME I GO

[TomInTib]

6. I will tell you about it next time I am near a computer.

I got so pissed off while watching some testimony that I tossed my laptop off my balcony.

Just picked it up, ran out on the veranda and Frisbeed it. Tried to throw it all the way into the Bay, but it landed in the back yard of a house down the hill.

Funny thing is, I don't really miss it. But I do miss you and everyone here on DU.

But DU is kinda like that place you and I used to hang out.

Same shit, different day.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

7. I was thinking of all of you Veterans last night

A ex-boyfriend of my daughters stopped by before he ships back to Iraq. I saw it in him, like I used to see it in my uncle. The only difference was I knew this kid before he went and have a gage of how much he's changed.

[TomInTib]

2. I drink myself to sleep every night.

Every damned night.

May Doug Barber rest safely in the arms of God.

[MadMaddie]

5. Dying in Iraq is not a career choice -said one of the signs....

Our military men and women and their families, Iraqi's are suffering, tormented and destroyed by this pathetic Administration.

An Administration that will not give a raise to the soldiars or to the families left behind.

My heart breaks for every soul lost and maimed.....

:cry: