I was talking to Jordan about the hysteria surrounding the corona virus. We discussed how the military handles stressful situations more effectively than the civilian population. We found it interesting that most military veterans handle stressful situations better than their civilian counterparts. Veterans are taught in the military how to handle a crisis, make quick decisions, and have backup plans. As we talked, I was remembered when I had to put on the chemical warfare suit during Desert Storm, and exercises, reminding me of how wearing the suit limited my mobility even though we still had tasks to do. I know how folks who work with this pandemic feels. It is not easy, but it can be done. Even though not all veterans have had to put on chemical suits we all have trained for situations like what our country is dealing with now. The training we had has prepared us to handle a crisis like this. A veteran's ability to make solid decisions can be a life changing event while were serving. We have been taught that life and death situations can happen because of decisions that we make.Most veterans are taught to have a backup plan and know how to handle a stressful environment. It would be in the best interest of the civilian sector for them to look to veterans for help when dealing with this epidemic. I know I'm a lot calmer that many people around me because I've been trained to handle certain situations that can be too stressful for some.
Veterans also know what it's like to sacrifice. There have been times that we have been stranded on our bases on lockdown for various reasons. This is not abnormal for many veterans. We also know what it’s like to do without. One of the biggest issues many veterans have with some civilians is their inability to adapt to a crisis. So many veterans, while deployed have gone without food and forced to make do with what they have utilizing the C-Rations (c-rats) or Meals Ready to eat (MRE’s). There were a lot of complaints along the way, but we all knew we were in this together to help each other out. Jordan was telling me this morning how he was stranded on a forward operating base (fob) for five days without the ability to get resupplied. They were running out of food and water and had to ration what they had. Jordan was complaining how so many civilians do not notice what it’s like to truly go without. We spent quite a lot of time being amazed at what people were freaking out about. We still have not concluded why people feel the need to hoard toilet paper and paper towels. I understand the need for hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies, we both struggle to understand the toilet paper thing.
Hopefully what we learn from this, once it is over, is sacrifice is a part of life. Being able to go to a local restaurant, concerts, sporting events are a privilege that so many takes for granite. This may be a long-haul thing. This coronavirus outbreak may last for months and we don't know when it will end. But what we do know is those of us who served in the military are way better equipped to emotionally handle the situation. When it comes to survival, we all know what to do.This just might be the catalyst that society needs in order to readjust what is important. This just may be what our country needed to bring us together and work to help each other. To all my yellow veterans I would encourage each one of you to help where you can, use your training to make things better for everyone around you. Do what we do best, don't panic because this too shall pass, Keep a good since of humor, and lastly, if you are elderly or take care of someone elderly STAY AT HOME.