invisible Wounds
Fo this series, I partnered with Headstrong Project to tell the stories of American veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As with any group, there will be a wide range of viewpoints and experiences. There are often conflicting feelings: patriotism, disillusionment, pride, regret, gratitude, and grief. There is a common love for America, yet differing ideas about what exactly that means. Many of these stories will include PTSD, but the hardships of returning veterans are far too nuanced for a single diagnosis. And it can be inappropriate to use PTSD as a catch-all for those hardships. So we’ve chosen to title the series ‘Invisible Wounds.’ I know that many people have strong opinions about America’s involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. But as we meet the individuals behind the uniforms, and seek to understand their stories, I’m hoping we can momentarily put those politics aside. This is a great group of people who served and sacrificed at the request of their country. And I’m very thankful that they’ve volunteered to share their stories.
