01/22/2026
A soldier with PTSD fell into a hole and couldn’t get out. When a SNCO walked by the Soldier called out for help, but the SNCO yelled back, "Suck it up son, dig deep and drive on," then threw him a shovel. The Soldier did as he was told and dug that hole deeper.
A Senior Officer went by and the Soldier called out for help again. The Officer told him "use the tools your SNCO has given you", then threw him a bucket. The Soldier used the tools and he dug the hole deeper still and filled the bucket.
A psychiatrist walked by. The Soldier called, “Help! I can’t get out!” so the psychiatrist gave him some drugs and said, "Take this. It will relieve the pain and you will forget about the hole.” The Soldier said "thanks" and followed his advice, but when the pills ran out he was still in the hole.
A well-known psychologist rode by and heard the Soldiers cries for help. He stopped and asked, “How did you get there? Were you born there? Did your parents put you there? Tell me about yourself, it will alleviate your sense of loneliness.” So the Soldier talked with him for an hour, then the psychologist had to leave, but he said he’d be back next week. The Soldier thanked him, but he was still in the hole.
Another Soldier , just like him, happened to be passing by. The Soldier with PTSD cried out, “Hey, help me. I’m stuck in this hole!” and right away the other Soldier jumped down in there with him. The Soldier with PTSD started to panic and said, “What are you doing? Now we’re both stuck down here!” But the other Soldier just smiled and replied, “It’s okay, calm down, brother. I’ve been here before..... I know how to get out.”
So today I woke up to this beautiful post from a veteran in the community who does a lot for veterans. When I commented to say that it’s us that definitely hurts each other. I was met with an interesting response. More of a personal response vs understanding that we are own worst enemies. We ourselves tell our brothers and sisters what their mindset should be or how they should behave. Which is the opposite of what the message is conveying. Regardless, I would like each one of you to reflect and check the mirror this morning. Look yourself in the face and ask yourself can I say I’m being the best brother or sister to my community? Am I being the light for others? What am I doing to provide a place and space for my brothers and sisters to talk about what they are hurting from? The ego is not our amigo family. Let’s be better to one another. Show some grace.
