Page 110 - Journal of Special Operations Medicine - Fall 2016

but it’s all about their egos. They want their names to be why warriors only talk to other warriors. Because they un-
important; the true accomplishment is secondary. Then derstand what they’ve been through and they really relate
there are the guys that truly care about the guys on the to some of those details. So I can tell you about what it
ground: what can we do to bring those guys back alive? feels like to do a 30-mile road march, but only someone
They have a sense of duty to do everything we can to else that has done it, been in those boots, knows how
bring our guys back alive. their joints feel, and how tired they feel after that, can re-
ally get it. That’s the only way you really appreciate what
When you look around [at the Special Operations Medi- somebody has accomplished.
cal Association (SOMA)], it’s like a brotherhood reunion.
Every time you come back here, you meet these guys and Thanks for bringing that memory back.
get to have a couple of beers. If it wasn’t for SOMA, I Hahaha! See? Immediately when I said it, the experience
wouldn’t get to see probably half of these guys through- flashes back in your mind! If you talk to somebody [who]
out the year. After I retired from the military, I think that’s has not had those experiences, they don’t connect to that
part of why I didn’t have withdrawal symptoms. A lot of level, but you get flashbacks. Just like that grueling type
people leave the military, and the biggest thing they miss of event—only someone [who] has worked to help stabi-
is being around the SOF guys. SOMA is where you get lize an injured brother [who] was headed downhill fast can
a high concentration of the same caliber of quality indi- appreciate the exhilaration of knowing that saving lives
viduals in one place. It’s hard to find that anywhere else. is an amazing thing—something that I’m proud to have
It’s hard to explain to somebody who has never been out been a part of.
there in the middle of the desert when it’s 120°F+. When
you’ve been out there for a couple of days and you have The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private
somebody that is injured and it’s the middle of the night views of the author and are not to be construed as official or
and you’re trying to work to save them—you can only dis- as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the
cuss that with someone that’s been in that situation. That’s Department of Defense.

You have chosen the hard road. As a Tactical Medical
Professional, simply doing your job means that the chips are down.
Be prepared to apply what you know.

Your initial training was only the first
step. Now it is time to augment
your ability to confidently apply
your knowledge of unconventional
medicine when needed. The Journal
Show your team of Special Operations Medicine
how much you care. (JSOM) is the only academic, peer-
reviewed medical journal
Subscribe to the JSOM and in the world dedicated
inform your thinking. to the unique working
environment of the Tactical
Medical Professional. Take
your training to the next level
JSOMonline.org with current, relevant updates –
as they happen.

92 Journal of Special Operations Medicine Volume 15, Edition 3/Fall 2016