Part 8/12:
He shares the grim reality that many soldiers hide their mental health struggles, fears, and guilt behind bravado or silence. The pressure to remain stoic stems from the fear of being pulled out of combat, losing their place in the unit, or being labeled weak. The emotional toll is compounded by survivor’s guilt—questioning why they survived when friends didn’t and feeling responsible for the deaths of those around them.
Processing Death and Memorials
The veteran recounts attending a memorial for a fallen comrade, describing the agony of witnessing the ceremony and feeling the weight of loss. The silence and the tears—hidden behind a facade of strength—highlight the internal struggles soldiers face long after the guns fall silent.