I dont think that I have actually introduced myself in any way what so ever. You can see my name but what you may not know about me is that I did serve from 2002 to 2005.
I served with Battleforce 3-327 Inf Reg and did a combat tour with them as well. I worked with the guys on the line for a while and then went to battalion and did some work up there with staff. I watched listed and followed the men of my unit every day while doing patrols and kicking in doors, I never told a sole but I prayed over them everytime they went out of the wire.
I came home a changed man as most due, I played the ETS game got out got home and thin fr s went south for me in less then 3 years of being out I lost my niece, nephew, grandmothers, great aunt, aunt, and several others close to me. I started drinking and thinking why stay why live a life filled with pain and hurt.
By the 7 year mark of me being out I lost my dad and got separated and divorced in less then 2 months. My drinking picked up even more so then ever I was at the bar all week drinking and drinking at home on the weekend to avoid cops and trouble. I dabbled in weed and would go out and just be dumb and take risks.
I contemplated taking my life so many times, thought how when where the best way the fastest way the cleanest way but in the end I didnt do it because something came up. My unit came up with a Facebook page and I started seeing faces of guys I served with like Rick Carlson, Ken Severance, Gary Yoakam, Sean Harrigan, and many others. That facebook page became a battle cry for what we are today and has given me a reason and a focus to be here and to help all I can.
Randell Caldwell
US ARMY
