Whether what is happening is believed to be right or wrong is not what I seek to discuss, but simply to highlight that amidst the news and the Ross Kemp programmes, and the homecoming parades to the funerals, there is also something else in the middle, which is those individuals who are seriously wounded. That can be quite uncomfortable territory, but it can be just as uplifting as it can be upsetting and anger generating. In some places it is very graphic and emotional viewing, but if you didn't see it while it was on the BBC tonight and are prepared to give it a go, here it is:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00mzs74/Wounded_Part_1/http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00n04df/Wounded_Part_2/It's the story of two of our troops undergoing long hauls back from the brink, and with a long way yet to go now and in the future in many respects. The unsung heroes, aside from the two themselves include everybody else involved, from the unnamed soldier killed during the extraction of one of the two, through the other Service personnel and the medical staff involved all the way along the chain, the families of the two, the Commanding Officer (whose first act on landing back in this country was to visit the hospital before going to his own family), their comrades injured as well or not, and no doubt to many others.
Please watch what of it that you can and then, if you feel it appropriate and are able to, do please think about making a contribution, however big or small, practical or financial, to a suitable body such as one of the the Service Benevolent Funds or Help for Heroes who help with the growing longer term effects. And please don't forget Combat Stress who focus on the damage and scars caused to mental health.
Thank you.
MG Mark
