All Veterans read this post.

This post is particularly for veterans of American military service but,I know all who visit this forum may read it.Please respond with respect.

I am medically retired from the military.I received treatment at the Sepulveda Out Patient facility located in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles,Calif.It is a beautiful facility built on the highest hill in the valley with a 3 story open atrium and all glass front, primary care facility.

It replaced a number of buildings damaged in the Northridge earthquake.The third floor is presently unused and that is where they film the T.V. show"House".Many other T.V. shows including,"The Unit" were or are filmed there.

The first time I went to the new facility I was sitting in the waiting room after checking in at the desk.Just basking in the sunshine checking out the view of the valley through the expanse of glass.

I noticed this elderly woman walking back and forth.She was neatly dressed,wearing a nice blouse, a buttoned up sweater, a long pressed skirt and comfortable pumps.Her hair was conservatively pulled back.Even in old age,you could tell she had class.

She carried a clip board and as each vet checked in and took a seat she would approach them and ask them their name and the clinic they were waiting for, which she wrote down on the clip board.

After recording a few names and information,off she would go to the clinics.Shortly she would return and approach each person.Addressing each one of us by our formal first name she would tell us how many patients were ahead of us and how long it should take to get in the clinic to be seen.

I really did not pay attention to her the first time.I had forgotten to schedule my appointment for a later time and had fought the early morning traffic the whole way.I was not in a very good mood and watched the television until my name was called.

Six weeks later I am there at a later time and with the drive being a luxury and not a chore, I arrived with more time to relax and checked in early knowing I had a wait.

There she was again,doing the same routine always in a good mood,checking the status of the veterans,straightening up the magazines on the end tables,picking up any litter that may have missed the trash can.

I watched her with interest.Here was a woman,clearly at an age where she should be enjoying herself in the twilight of her years,but no she was here,and apparently had been for a long period.

She had a slight hunch in her back and I estimated her age to be well into her eighties.I also noticed how some of the older vets treated her.When they walked toward them,they would physically sit up straighter in their seats.

Who was this woman and why was she here?Maybe, I thought this being Hollywood, an old movie star,I didn't know but the older vets recognized her I from a much younger generation did not.

Finally,on the next visit, I was alone in the waiting area.She saw me and came toward me and politely ask my name and the clinic I was being seen in.

I had an opportunity to see her full name on the tag neatly pinned to her sweater and did not recognize the name as being some one famous or well known.She went off and quickly came back,calling me by my full first name and telling me I was next to be seen.

I went in to my appointment, picked up my meds from the pharmacy and headed home on the freeway wondering who this woman was and why she took it upon herself to spend her time doing what she did.

It finally came to me on the drive home, and as tears fell on my cheeks,I knew why she was there.Checking the internet confirmed it.

She had been an Army nurse during the war.So she is a veteran like us.She had probably treated many wounded and crippled troops coming back from overseas.She had also married a veteran,who suffered from what was called "battle fatigue"back then, but now is known as "post traumatic stress disorder".

How many times had she held him as he cried out in his sleep fighting the memories of so many lost friends and reliving the battles he was in at such a young age?

Surely she saw him fight the demons of drug and alcohol abuse as he tried to make the nightmares go away.He beat those demons and went on to talk publicly about his inner battles.

So who was this woman?Her first name is Pamela,but no veteran calls her that.We call her Mrs.Murphy.Her husband was Audie Murphy.The most decorated soldier in U.S. history.

And she is still there,because she wants to be.I am always honored and humbled to be in her presence. And I sit up straight when she approaches me now.

The street that leads to this facility is Audie Murphy Boulevard.

[edit on 23-3-2010 by Oneolddude]

[edit on 23-3-2010 by Oneolddude]

[edit on 23-3-2010 by Oneolddude]

Wow, what an inspiring story!

reply to post by Oneolddude


Wow! That was an awesome thread! Kudos to Mrs. Murphy. She's not only a vet but a saint as well.

It's true. We vets take care of our own more than civies do. This is sad b/c I don't think the general public understands what we go through when we come home.

I, too, suffer from PTSD. It's a pain in the ass. Sometimes, I don't even leave the house. I used to self-medicate, but, that became boring. Anyways, the military has become more aware of the PTSD situation and has taken steps to remedy it. As you know, it cannot be prevented. However, we would be more comfortable and get through it easier if we didn't feel like outsiders so much. The general public needs to be more aware of the situation at hand.

reply to post by nycfrog27


We Nam guys are a brotherhood that transcends.
We are also conscience of other vets and have overall, a great respect for those's that have a clue at all about what it is like. To kill for those citizens that turn on you and call you a killer, is a thankless job.
A least the guys today get a decent paycheck.
I am not complaining just stating some facts.
One of the best therapies for me was reading about war fare and realizing that there is nothing new in the treatment of vets since day one. I call it the Ira Haze syndrome.
My hart, respect and love go out to all that serve and especially to the magnificent gals that give their time and soul to comfort the needy.
My mom was a nurse and held many a dying hand.
My recommendation to help PT syndromes is to understand how and why you are you today.
Get a hobby of your interest and pray for your mothers, sisters and brothers.
Look for the dawn. That sunrise will be there to greet you.

reply to post by Donny 4 million


Well, there's a great deal of similarities btwn Nam and Afghanistan. I, too, was called names. I live in one of the most anti-war places in the country: NYC.
Afghanistan is creeping up as the longest war in American history. My father was in Vietnam, and his father before him was in Korea. I am 3rd generation Army. I've dealt with the repercussions of war that impacted my father.
The first day I was home, my (now) ex-wife picked me up from La Guardia, which was full of people at the time. One would think that a civialian seeing a soldier in fatigues w/ packs would come up and say "thank you" at least. I mean it is NYC, home of 9/11, right? Wrong. I had dirty looks being made directed at me. I just held my head up and remembered that they were not the enemy, even though it hurt like hell.
I am also reminded that the same people who were protesting Vietnam and embracing Socialism in the 60's, are the same people who are running the country now. What's next? Al-Qeada for President in 2024?

Anyways, I wish there was more like Mrs. Murphy. Not just because she's a veteran, but because she's human.

Thanks for your time and suggestions.

reply to post by nycfrog27


What is kinda freeky is I just spent some time with a neighbors son and his new gal.
They were in Vietnam just the other week. They loved the love they were shown there.
A business associate of mine had his wife book their vacation. She chose Vietnam. He was a little dubious.
He returned with nothing but praise for his wife's choice and the respect for the Vietnamese that totally pampered him on his trip.
There were two ladies at the check out counter in front of me and were a little short of cash. They were going to have to leave a head of lettuce and some bananas.
I asked them if it was ok if I just included them on my purchace.They were a little stunned but accepted when I insisted.
While I was walking to my truck the ladies called out and came close saying thank you in broken English.
They were from Saigon and did nails at a local mall. I had to leave quick as the tears were coming hard.
Forgiveness is good medicine.
Here is to your family that serves.
My dad, me and brothers have about eighty four years in-- amongst us. One still does contract.

I hope the old dude let's Mrs. Murphy know how we feel.

reply to post by Donny 4 million


As they say, time heals all wounds.

Wow, what an amazing story, ... Audie Murphy was such a war hero he starred in a movie based on a book he wrote about his exploits called " to hell and back".

and to think he wife is still serving to this day, ... but then again I'm sure she enjoy's it, .. as she's quite familiar with the military life as well as personel.

someone should do something nice for her, I don't know what interests her, ... but even some roses would do the trick.

she deserves that at very least.