Despondent: Dealing with the Long Term Effects of War on Those Who Serve, in Conflict and in Peace

by Sean Lehan

Overview

From the hallways of high school to the battlefields of war, PVT Palmer embarks on a journey that will test his courage, resilience, and sense of self. Driven by a desire to serve, he enlists in the military, unaware of the battles that await him-both overseas and within.

Through the chaos of combat, Palmer faces the harsh realities of war, forging bonds with his brothers in arms and confronting the weight of life-and-death decisions. But when the deployment ends, a new fight begins-the struggle to adjust to civilian life. Haunted by memories, isolated from those who can't understand, and searching for purpose, Palmer must find a way to navigate a world that feels foreign to him.

Gritty, emotional, and deeply personal, this is a story of sacrifice, survival, and the unbreakable will of a soldier. Will Palmer find his way home?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798990397804
Publisher:	Sean Lehan
Publication date:	02/18/2025
Pages:	182
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Born and raised in Massachusetts. I joined the US Army shortly after graduating high school. I served as an infantryman for 71/2 years, with assignments at Fort Lewis, Washington, and Vilseck, Germany, before returning to Washington. After my active duty service, I decided to pursue a career outside of the military. While transitioning to civilian life, I joined the Washington National Guard and embarked on the challenging journey of finding a new career path outside the "blue cord."This period of transition brought many challenges. I struggled to find a job that I enjoyed or excelled at, and I found it difficult to connect with people outside the Army. As I faced failure after failure, I reached a mental and emotional low point. I began to experience symptoms of PTSD, with no outlet to release my stress or express my thoughts in a positive way. The contrast between my military success-where I was surrounded by comrades who were willing to die with me-and the struggles of civilian life was stark. I had to come to terms with two difficult truths: civilian life doesn't always recognize the value of our military service, and I would never again find the same deep bonds I had formed with my brothers and sisters in uniform.Amidst these struggles, I began to write down my feelings. Writing became a way to process my experiences, and I soon realized I wanted to share the stories of veterans like myself-especially in the wake of the Afghanistan withdrawal. My main goal is to provide an outlet for soldiers who have faced similar challenges, whether in the past, present, or future, and to bring us together. I want our voices to be heard and for our sacrifices to be appreciated. Too many of us have been lost to suicide, and I know the pain that comes with that loss. To those who read this, please know that you are not alone. Don't hesitate to reach out.Until Valhalla, brothers and sisters.