Rafting with wounded Marines and Corpsmen
As most of you know I’ve been out of comms for about two weeks going down the Colorado river in the Grand Canyon. 10 Days out there, 226 miles from Lee’s ferry to the debark place which was some creek that doubled as a road.
Anyway, it was beyond amazing, and by far the best 10 days of my life. It was physically exhausting (hikes and paddling about killed me) and sleeping on the rocks and sand was something I had hoped to have left behind in Afghanistan. But having been home a week now, I find that more so I am struggling with some of the SUPER HEAVY SHIT we talked about. Don’t get me wrong, it was entirely cathartic, but tough.
One example, and the person agreed to let me share his story. Dave was an 0311 in the Marine Corps, and he and his best friend of two years deployed together. His friend was killed, while he stood there, and there was nothing he could do. Instead of wanting out, Dave volunteered for every possible mission, every possible deployment. He wanted to kill as many of the bad guys as he could. And he did. And somehow he avoided getting himself killed, which he hadn’t really wanted to do. When he came home, he had trouble dealing with it. One night Dave hung himself. His wife came in, and cut him down, grabbed a paramedic down the street and they saved him. (Thank God.)
Now Dave talks about what happened to him, as a tribute to his friend, and because no one should ever feel alone. When he talked about it, it opened up a log jam of others telling their stories as well. It was tough. Real tough.
Anyway, you’ll read more about it when I write the article, but if some of you wondered if the DRC scared me off, HELLS NO. Just working my way through the trip, and leaving for Montana tomorrow. But wanted to share this video with you, thought some of you might enjoy it. And if you ever get a chance to go to Grand Canyon, GO.
And for those that were hoping I died, I came damn close. (I’m front left on the paddleboat.)
Category: Politics
Well, when you get back, I hope someone fixed supper for you. I also hope you sent plenty of postcards.
I never get to have any of these adventures. I have to live vicariously through someone else’s.
Well what eles can I say, “WHEN YOUR GOOD YOUR GOOD”
Glad your back Jonn.
Where the tall corn grows
SAM,
It was TSO as opposed to Jonn, which, I’m sure would have been a super human feat considering Jonn’s health, BUT, I wouldn’t put it past him (*smile*, as Hondo says.)
Not GOOD, I prefer super BADASS TSO. Next time you plan another trip, let us know, I will put out the word to friends TO DONATE TO A WONDERFUL THING.
Made me seasick just watching.
TSO’s right. Theodore Roosevelt called the Canyon “the one great sight which every American should see.” IMO, he was correct.
We took my best friend there when he visited us some years ago. It’s one of the few times in my life I’ve ever seen him literally speechless.
Even if you can’t raft it or hike it, simply seeing it’s an experience you’ll never forget. If you’ve never been to the Canyon – go. Make the time.
I’ve been there twice now, both times very much worth it as a change from New England. Was able to hit the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada as well while I was there…for a guy used to the greenery and small rolling hills of New England it was quite an enjoyable change of scenery…went boating while in the Canyon, plus did a cool helicopter flight through the canyon and have some nice photos. I also did the glass walkway that extends out over the canyon.
The US and British Virgin Islands also don’t suck and have some amazing geographical features for those interested in such things. Also the 80 degree water clear as a swimming pool doesn’t hurt either.
Three words:
1. WOW
2. Oh
3. Shit
Great stuff!
ok, first off, great trip! Secondly, what the hell were you guys doing not wearing helmets going down the river?!? Ya’ll could have bashed your fool heads in.
Ya think? I figured it would knock out bad memories. Well done.
Nothing but envy for you and all the others. Living on the edge has always been my M. O., out there with a safety net of minimal value. Even better yet, a trip with all those other vets; a trip that will remain in a special corner of your memory for the remainder of your life. Good for you that you had the opportunity to participate in such a trip, Jonn. Truly a blessing that will never likely be found second to any other.
I’ve always loved the Grand Canyon. One of the most gorgeous views is at sunrise as the shadows give way to the entire canyon.
And TSO, fuck the DRC. We got this one. Just be careful in MT, and if someone asks if you brought velcro gloves and hip waders….
Good thing to do. Sometimes people need to talk. One of my machine gunners calls me a couple of times a year. 46 years ago his best buddy took a round in the head, fell back in the gunner’s arms and died. We were in a fight for our lives and there was no time then to do anything but fight our way through and carry his body out. He just needs to talk. It can be rough.
That’s why phonies piss me off so much. They have no f*cking clue.