Gradually, Then All at Once

Scott and Glen welcome Jeff Vagle, whose range of military experience includes service as a United States Marine deployed in the “War on Drugs,” as a military contractor supporting Armed Forces missions in Afghanistan, and as an intelligence officer for an Army National Guard Unit.  Jeff offers considerable insight and reflection on the breadth of veteran experience.  He relates the discovery of his own moral injury in the years following his service.  His testimony moves us to consider pain carried by those who have witnessed death and atrocity. He and Glen discuss the risks of moral injury for drone operators and other people participating in war remotely. Jeff identifies the people and resources that have been critical in “saving his life” and accompanying him on his journey of healing, highlighting key elements to post-traumatic growth.   There is a great deal of encouragement for fellow veterans here.

 

Links and References:

The Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinics  www.cohenveteransnetwork.org

Grossman, Dave. (1995.)  On Killing: the Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill

  in War and Society.   New York, NY: Little, Brown, and Co.  

Boudreau, Tyler E.  (2008).  Packing Inferno: the Unmaking of a Marine.  Port 

   Townsend, WA:  Feral House.