That was a very brave and poignant post Fred. I watch your podcast on YT . I'm not military in any way but your sharing this could and should encourage gals and guys who need help. Very awesome post.
Oh Fred! Thank you for sharing your story. Your story is valid and should be heard. It is brave to be vulnerable. I understand. I also have PTSD although mine is from domestic violence and all the mental health issues that follow. I talk weekly with a therapist. I have always been an advocate for pursuing mental health treatment. As with so many of us, you had trauma upon trauma and neither the time or ability to process your experiences. I'm glad you are pursuing help and you have a good attitude about working on this monster of PTSD. I love the tattoo as well. Please don't give up. I'm older than you and I struggle to find reasons to not give up. Oddly enough I am also from Missouri lol. I have been inspired by a friend who is a writer. He says frequently in his essays, Grace is brave. Be brave. That will be my tattoo. I watch your podcast and follow you here. You are needed more than you realize. Your voice is important. Thank you for all you do. With love.
Thank you for sharing Fred. We all have more in common than we know- even if the details are different the end result is the same. PTSD sucks! After a nasty divorce from a narcissist and seeing my son diagnosed with a mental illness that resulted in countless trips to the ER, hospital stays and wondering if he would survive while walking through fire to keep him alive, I am left with anxiety that sometimes feels debilitating. I have a counselor that I see when I need it and am now on medication. Keep up the good fight. It’s all worth it ❤️
I'm married to a military PTSD survivor so I see you and your loved ones. My heart breaks for all those who don't make it through to the healing side. I wish you peace.
Hello Fred, you are inspirational. I love your interviews and just subscribed to your podcast. Trae Crowder are a formidable and funny team. You have a brave and tenacious spirit and a kind heart to share your personal tragedies so that others may seek help too. Give your canine friend a pat for me. All the best to you and yours!
I haven't lived through anything like what you have... but I didn't speak about my trauma for years, didn't face it, didn't deal with it... and didn't live my life the way I would have if I'd been honest with myself and others about what I was feeling.
Thank you for setting the example and talking about your own experience with trauma.
Fred, you have shouldered a lot, certainly more than I have. I'm very encouraged that you're taking steps to improve your health, it's all to the good. Takes courage to catalogue your long-standing traumas to yourself, much less to the public. Please keep us posted as to the status of your claim.
Fred, I have spent 16 years avoiding the idea of applying for VA widow’s benefits because they were his, not mine. Your story caught me off guard. I’m glad to you’ve turned to them for the help you deserve. I spent my entire career working with and for men and women like you who carry invisible wounds alongside the physical ones. You all made my life better.
Thank you for letting me get to know more about you Mr. Wellman. I find the unholy nature of war to be out of our control sometimes. I lost most of my family young. Please be kind to yourself we really need you.
Dear Fred, so sad to read your post about River dog. Loved your story about River dog, it stays with me. Lots of bunnies to chase….tears and thankfulness all at once…wishing you peace🕊️
I am a paid subscriber to On Democracy, and I greatly appreciate your podcasts and many guests discussing the current political status and attacks on our democracy. I frequently post your podcast on my social media Facebook page. It brings me some relief and hope that you, an Army combat veteran and warrior, are fighting for our country and freedom. I have seen and heard about the tragic loss of your lovely wife when she was pregnant with your baby as well as the many other tragic losses that you have experienced. I'm also an Air Force veteran, although did not serve in combat. When I served from 79-84 women weren't permitted to go to combat. I worked with toxic chemicals in my job before OSHA monitored healthy and safety. In addition, one of my bases was rated #1 in the amount of toxic PFAS and another base was rated in the top #10. I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2005, and have experienced many "friendly fire" symptoms from the cancer treatments since my treatments that have impacted the quality of my life. I'm extremely grateful to be alive and am a proud Air Force Veteran!!! My veteran representative gave me information about PFAS and I researched the toxic chemicals I worked with, and cancer was recognized as a possible consequence of exposure. My radiologist reviewed the research along with his medical expertise. My records were sent to the VA. I was extremely surprised and forever grateful that VA is providing me with medical care to address the long term "friendly fire" and some compensation. I delayed applying as I didn't feel worthy enough recognizing that many veterans like you who suffered severe injuries and PTSD. I have many Veteran friends, Veteran ex-boyfriends and for years worked in human services, many of my clients fellow Veterans. Thank you again for sharing your personal experiences with combat, personal losses and your healing journey. Keep up the fight for democracy.
That was a very brave and poignant post Fred. I watch your podcast on YT . I'm not military in any way but your sharing this could and should encourage gals and guys who need help. Very awesome post.
Thank you so much.
Oh Fred! Thank you for sharing your story. Your story is valid and should be heard. It is brave to be vulnerable. I understand. I also have PTSD although mine is from domestic violence and all the mental health issues that follow. I talk weekly with a therapist. I have always been an advocate for pursuing mental health treatment. As with so many of us, you had trauma upon trauma and neither the time or ability to process your experiences. I'm glad you are pursuing help and you have a good attitude about working on this monster of PTSD. I love the tattoo as well. Please don't give up. I'm older than you and I struggle to find reasons to not give up. Oddly enough I am also from Missouri lol. I have been inspired by a friend who is a writer. He says frequently in his essays, Grace is brave. Be brave. That will be my tattoo. I watch your podcast and follow you here. You are needed more than you realize. Your voice is important. Thank you for all you do. With love.
Thank you so much. I'm not going anywhere. I really appreciate your support.
Thank you for sharing Fred. We all have more in common than we know- even if the details are different the end result is the same. PTSD sucks! After a nasty divorce from a narcissist and seeing my son diagnosed with a mental illness that resulted in countless trips to the ER, hospital stays and wondering if he would survive while walking through fire to keep him alive, I am left with anxiety that sometimes feels debilitating. I have a counselor that I see when I need it and am now on medication. Keep up the good fight. It’s all worth it ❤️
Thank you. I'm pretty stubborn. Hang in there yourself.
I'm married to a military PTSD survivor so I see you and your loved ones. My heart breaks for all those who don't make it through to the healing side. I wish you peace.
Thank you so much Debbie.
Hello Fred, you are inspirational. I love your interviews and just subscribed to your podcast. Trae Crowder are a formidable and funny team. You have a brave and tenacious spirit and a kind heart to share your personal tragedies so that others may seek help too. Give your canine friend a pat for me. All the best to you and yours!
Thank you. River dog is hanging in there too. We are both getting up there now.
I haven't lived through anything like what you have... but I didn't speak about my trauma for years, didn't face it, didn't deal with it... and didn't live my life the way I would have if I'd been honest with myself and others about what I was feeling.
Thank you for setting the example and talking about your own experience with trauma.
I am so glad you are seeking help and recognizing its okay to admit it. Thank you.
Fred, you have shouldered a lot, certainly more than I have. I'm very encouraged that you're taking steps to improve your health, it's all to the good. Takes courage to catalogue your long-standing traumas to yourself, much less to the public. Please keep us posted as to the status of your claim.
Thank you!
Dear Fred:
Write on time ✍️
Words, I hope the gods can hear👂
I’m writing my way out 🙏
‘Cause that’s what poets do ✍️
All my love, from ME, to you ✨💜💫
Thank you so much.
Thank you for your service to our country. I am so sorry for all of your loses. I pray you get what you are seeking! Sending you many hugs.
I will take your hugs. Thank you
Fred, I have spent 16 years avoiding the idea of applying for VA widow’s benefits because they were his, not mine. Your story caught me off guard. I’m glad to you’ve turned to them for the help you deserve. I spent my entire career working with and for men and women like you who carry invisible wounds alongside the physical ones. You all made my life better.
Joan....get the support you earned. Don't hesitate about it. It's so good to hear from you. Thank you.
Powerful piece, Fred!
Thanks so much, Jack. I really appreciate it. We need to grab a coffee soon.
Thank you for letting me get to know more about you Mr. Wellman. I find the unholy nature of war to be out of our control sometimes. I lost most of my family young. Please be kind to yourself we really need you.
Thank you so much and I am so sorry for your loss.
Fred thank you so much. I have a neighbor who I believe can relate to all you wrote. How can I share with him without being intrusive or triggering?
I say just post it or text it and say "this was interesting...do you know this guy?"
Dear Fred, so sad to read your post about River dog. Loved your story about River dog, it stays with me. Lots of bunnies to chase….tears and thankfulness all at once…wishing you peace🕊️
I am a paid subscriber to On Democracy, and I greatly appreciate your podcasts and many guests discussing the current political status and attacks on our democracy. I frequently post your podcast on my social media Facebook page. It brings me some relief and hope that you, an Army combat veteran and warrior, are fighting for our country and freedom. I have seen and heard about the tragic loss of your lovely wife when she was pregnant with your baby as well as the many other tragic losses that you have experienced. I'm also an Air Force veteran, although did not serve in combat. When I served from 79-84 women weren't permitted to go to combat. I worked with toxic chemicals in my job before OSHA monitored healthy and safety. In addition, one of my bases was rated #1 in the amount of toxic PFAS and another base was rated in the top #10. I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2005, and have experienced many "friendly fire" symptoms from the cancer treatments since my treatments that have impacted the quality of my life. I'm extremely grateful to be alive and am a proud Air Force Veteran!!! My veteran representative gave me information about PFAS and I researched the toxic chemicals I worked with, and cancer was recognized as a possible consequence of exposure. My radiologist reviewed the research along with his medical expertise. My records were sent to the VA. I was extremely surprised and forever grateful that VA is providing me with medical care to address the long term "friendly fire" and some compensation. I delayed applying as I didn't feel worthy enough recognizing that many veterans like you who suffered severe injuries and PTSD. I have many Veteran friends, Veteran ex-boyfriends and for years worked in human services, many of my clients fellow Veterans. Thank you again for sharing your personal experiences with combat, personal losses and your healing journey. Keep up the fight for democracy.
Welcome! We too are aging with our canine friends. It is a joy to share our home with them.