American Sniper: What do veterans say about the movie? (+video)

The Christian Science Monitor | January 24, 2015 | Samantha Laine

[Bigun]

My buddy who is a former SEAL sent me this, which I very much appreciated - and pray with all my heart. I’m not sure if I’m a religious bigot or not, but if you’re not Christian I hope you will be able to accept the thoughts expressed in the spirit of appreciation in which they are given:

Dear FATHER IN HEAVEN,

If I may respectfully say so sometimes you are a strange God. Though you love all mankind, It seems you have a special predilection too.

You seem to love those men who can stand up alone who face impossible odds, Who challenge every bully and every tyrant ~ Those men who know the heat and loneliness of a Calvary. Possibly you cherish men of this stamp because you recognize the mark of your only son in them.

Since this unique group of men known as the SEALs know Calvary and suffering, teach them now the mystery of the resurrection ~ that they are indestructible, that they will live forever because of their deep faith in you.

And when they do come to heaven, may I respectfully warn you, Dear Father, they also know how to celebrate. So please be ready for them when they insert under your pearly gates.

Bless them, their devoted Families and their Country on this glorious occasion.

We ask this through the merits of your Son, Christ Jesus the Lord, Amen.”

By Reverend E.J. McMalhon S.J. LCDR, CHC, USN

Awards Ceremony SEAL Team One

1975 At NAB, Coronado

I am very much a Christian (I am LDS) although there are many here who would argue otherwise and completely agree with EVERY word LCDR Malhon said that day!

[huldah1776]

LOL not necessarily. born in the fifties.

[butterdezillion]

Then we’ll both add our “Amen!” to that prayer! =)

[huldah1776]

A wounded warrior’s view of American Sniper from Bobby Henline’s Facebook page which is linked after:

Just watched American Sniper today. I walked into the theater alone trying not to be noticed. I sat all the way in the back by myself. As the movie started, my head swiveled double checking my surroundings.

I felt my chest tighten, I was breathing slow and heavy. Despite my panic attack I stayed in the theater. It wasn’t the war scenes that bothered me. It was how real the home life with the his family was and how real it was for him to deal with his PTSD triggers, that’s what really hit home with me. Of course some scenes on the battle field took me back. It reminded me that I haven’t came home yet. Don’t know if I total ever will. It’s harder for me when I’m around my family then when I’m alone or with military friends. It’s easier for me to live when I’m helping others, especial when I’m helping military. I left my family three more times after I was wounded to go overseas to the troops. It was easy and it’s sad that it’s easy to do that. Those that have seen docramentry “coming back with Wes Moore” on PBS heard my family and I sharing our difficult times, understand more what I’m talking about. It not easy being labeled a hero to so many and all you want to be is a hero to is your family and they don’t see it that way. Don’t get me wrong, they know what you did and what you do but your just dad, mom or spouse to them. It’s hard for them to fully understand because they don’t understand why it’s easy for you to leave and you don’t understand them not understanding and that can be confused as not loving them but that not the case. Clint Eastwood hit another home run with this film, just like I knew he would. I think this film will help other military families understand each other better, It my even save some marriages. Very powerful film and it’s just started to do it’s magic. My hats off to the Kyle family, thank you for sharing. And to all those out there that are just talking about the Hollywood sniper crap, let it go and look at the bigger picture that this film shows. The heartache and sacrifices the service member and their families go through for the love of their country and each other.

Chris Kyle, the Angel for so many thank you for your service
R.I.P Brother

https://www.facebook.com/BobbyHenline

[2ndDivisionVet]

Yeah, I did better when I was an LVER and DVOP (career counselor for veterans) than now.

[Bigun]

Then we’ll both add our “Amen!” to that prayer! =)

ABSOLUTELY!!!

[ConorMacNessa]

Thanks very much, Huldah - this hits on a point that is very important to returning Vets - some of us never come home - some come back and resume civilian lives with apparent success - but all carry memories that cannot be shared, cannot be healed, and cannot be expunged.

[huldah1776]

Could you do it again?

[2ndDivisionVet]

Probably not, they don’t seem to be hiring here.

[huldah1776]

Any thoughts about doing something for the guys starting at the community colleges? You could talk to the counselors there and volunteer on Saturday? My biggest worry is for the guys who aren’t talking. Who aren’t asking for help. Plus I don’t know if you are in a rural area. You could ask if you could put your business card on the common area bulletin board? Start a vet group? I’m rambling but like I said, I worry about the quiet ones.