On Being Crazy
Plus, The Weekly Wrap
Howdy Sports Fans,
It’s 0800 and I’m writing this little ditty from a nice hotel in downtown Austin. I’ll be honest, Austin just doesn’t do it for me anymore. It’s been invaded and occupied by people far cooler than me.
LOLOLOL.
We’ve received quite a bit of fan mail this week. Everyone at
appreciates such wonderful notes. We know there are a lot of readers, whose sons and daughters are reeling from the pain of two lost wars—and, as it stands today, the entire war on terrorism.One of the many things I loathe about the Veterans Administration (VA)—other than denying my claim, not getting seen, and being treated without a modicum of decency—is that it just further underscores my underlying principle during “my transition”: I’m not crazy. American society, on the other hand, is full-blown nuts.
Yesterday, I met an Israeli woman living in the United States. And she summed it up best, “It is difficult to live here because everyone is in their little bubbles.”
Rule number one: I’m not “transitioning” into civilian life.
What the fuck does that even mean? I reject the whole notion that I need to transition. It’s one of the many reasons why I’ll never work for anyone again. After working for the American intelligence community for twenty years and watching them grind people to fine dust, I’m not answering to anyone, ever.
It’s because we’re not crazy, ladies and gentlemen. What’s crazy is that America’s sons and daughters were sent repeatedly into harm’s way, while successive administrations gave money and comfort to those drenched in American blood.
Why do you think “we’re crazy?” It’s because we’re the ones left mourning these wars. That’s what happens when a small percentage of the population shoulders a generational war. American society is not ready for GWOT veterans to retire from decades of war.
It took me less than three months of “transitioning” into American society to be “detained” for having a flashback in a public park. Then, I was told I had to go the looney bin because the Veteran Administration wouldn’t take me in. After all, I had been involuntarily admitted—and not “voluntarily admitted.”
LOL.
And I tell you this story not for sympathy. Please, I’m the master of my life. Ultimately, I’m responsible for being treated like garbage by the very society that was too busy amusing themselves to death to help us heal.
I’m the lucky one. I have all my arms and legs. I can still work out like a man possessed by the rage to kill. I have a platform. As a former commander, I have all the credentials to get a job and start the process of obtaining all the titles one needs to live a “good life.”
But I’m not going to do any of that. Instead, I’m dedicating my life to another cause: helping my Afghan brothers and sisters thrive in this country. It’s why we started the Afghan American Veterans Alliance, our new non-profit. We also have a website, but it’s not quite ready for mass consumption. More to follow, of course.
The AAVA is dedicated to helping our Afghan families thrive in the United States. It’s also built by Afghans for Afghans. We have a whole team of Afghan refugees who will play a very prominent role in this space. We will help build a platform that helps former Afghan Security Force members get jobs and start building a home here, while we help liberate their families from a cruel regime.
Our vision, however, is to put qualified Afghan Security Force members in their first homes. Now, I have to build this out and talk to more lawyers—always lawyers and bankers, oh my!—but my goal is to place our first ANSF family in a rent-to-own home—this year.
I’m going to bankroll the first venture. Don’t worry. I’m not a fool. I know how to do this. After the first one, then we hope to attract more investors. Because we owe our Afghan refugees a chance at the American dream. I guarantee you that most Afghans will thrive in this country, even though their heartaches for their homeland.
Inshallah, before I die we will liberate Afghanistan. That’s the dream of course. And it’s good to dream. It’s good to remember the war, even when it hurts, especially when it helps unearth demons that had been lurking in the shadows.
Transitioning is bullshit. It’s healing. Healing is messy. I will write about healing in the coming year. All of us at
are dedicated to helping everyone affected by war. Your stories matter. Please, if you want to write for us, then just let us know. I guarantee I will publish your story.#HealLoudly
We would love to have you as part of our Andiwalaan (our people). On the one-year anniversary of
we will be raising our paid subscription rate to $50. But if you’re a balla on a budget, then just email us and we will more than likely just get you on board for a discount. We got ya, homey!
Now, if you’re feeling generous, we’d love to have you as a founding member. We will not be raising our prices for founding members. For $250, you’re going to get access to our newsletter, The Operation Chronicles, which gives you a glimpse into what we do so others may live. We will be rolling out some other things this year for my Momma’s favorite subscribers.
Now, if you’re feeling the Christmas spirit, and want to make it rain, then e-mail us at gcv.friends@gmail.com and you can make a charitable donation to the Afghan American Veterans Alliance.
We’re so grateful for all of you. Zmoong Andiwalaan (Our People).
Free Stuff
On Momma
I took my Mom to see the new movie, A Complete Unknown, the new Boby Dylan movie. And man she was a happy Momma. She was remembering. And that’s a wonderful thing to see on your Momma’s face.
So, go take your parents to see that movie. And when they’re singing those songs and reminiscing, lean over to them and ask, “So how much pot did you smoke during the 60s?”
LOLOLOLOL
I came to live in the Nation when Wilma Mankiller was Principal Chief. Perhaps what the Americans call 'transitioning' is what we used to think of as the process by which those who had taken life regained the White Path. My recollection is that this process applied equally to warriors and hunters (of any sex) although I know of no one who remembers the process itself anymore since the Christians took over and they do not practice it anymore. Since our traditional ways have no power in the American language and almost no one still speaks ᏣᎳᎩ they will pass away as our speakers die off.
As for the VA, my Uncle Homer always told my father that they were not worth going to even after my father was given veteran status for his service in WW II by President Reagan. Looks like nothing has really changed in the last 50 years or so. America has never been a reliable ally, even with its own people. Good luck, if my family's experience means anything, you are on your own.
Will, here's the problem with your avatar, the AI generated GCV. You are pretty and he is not. Truth in advertising, bro!!!