The wounds of war

   Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia came home from Iraq with the kinds of memories that would give most people nightmares for the rest of their lives. Read the story here.

   He has recorded them all in the critically acclaimed book, "House to House, An Epic Memoir of War."

   Aside from all of the death he and his fellow soldiers witnessed, Bellavia and his comrades also endured physical health issues and, of all things, the threat from packs of wild dogs in the battle of Fallujah.

   The dogs feasted on the corpses of insurgents whose bodies rotted in the streets because there was no one to cart them away during the protracted fighting.

   Bellavia says he does not suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder because he has sought help from professionals in the community and talks about his experiences.

   He says a psychological wound is just as harmful as a bullet wound and it is necessary to be "hyper-vigilant" in dealing with the potential fallout from serving in combat.

                                                         
--Lou Michel

Comments

[JeanWillis]

I believe that David Bellavia has done a great service to all of those who are serving or have served in this war.

It is very easy for us at home to assume that life in Iraq is what is conveyed on the news - groups of soldiers gathered for a photo shoot with some visiting dignatary who was whisked in and out. So often the media paints a story to meet their needs.

My son was featured in an unauthorized article by Lou Michael that appeared in the Sunday edition of the Buffalo News. I am hoping that the other soldiers' information was more accurate than that
about my son.

My refusal to be interviewed by Mr. Michel was out of concern that he would not be capable of presenting facts in an accurate manner. Today's article confirmed my suspicions.

Mr. Bellavia, I thank you for for your accuracy and courage.

Mr. Michel - shame on you. Our servicemen and their families deserve more.

- Jean Willis - mother of Justin Reyes (who had no history of alcohol abuse until the day that he took his own life)

[Dave]

whah whah whah.....the only true heros are the National Guard! They protect from home.