Vonier 1

Courtney Vonier
Mr. William Cooper
CIS 110
6 November 2014
Introduction
I.

How many of you know people who are in the military?

II.

Today I am going to speak about the stereotypes and other aspects connected to the army and the marines. I am also going
to speak about the affects that service has on military personnel.

III.

I interviewed three men who were each part of different branches of the military but unfortunately I only have time to
speak about two of them. One man, Brad Smith, was a member of the United States Marines and the other, Kalob Rawlins,
is a member of the United States Army. I heard first-hand their viewpoints of the questions that I asked them. The
questions had to do with stereotypes, a change in their identity after joining the armed forces, and many other things.

IV.

Every year, many soldiers from each branch of the military suffer from PTSD because each person has their own
experiences while they serve.

V.

Brad and Kalob knew the risks and consequences (ex: PTSD) that come from joining the military but they joined anyway. I
admire them for that. I admire all servicemen and women for that.

Body
A.

Many returning veterans have difficulty readjusting to civilian life.

a.

The American Journal of Nursing noted that, To date, of the 1.8 million military personnel who have served in
the Middle East, 6% to 11% of those returning from Afghanistan, and 12% to 20% of those returning from Iraq,
are coming home with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

b.

According to the same source, the American Journal of Nursing, Once home, many lack easy access to the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services; others do not use them for fear of stigma or other reasons.
Nurses should expect to encounter these veterans in various settings and be prepared to offer appropriate
intervention

c.
B.

I also researched several aspects about the Marine and the Army.

Brad Smith is the man that I interviewed that is a veteran of the United States Marines. I asked Brad seven questions about
his time as a Marine.
a.

One important question that I asked Brad was How have your experiences as a member of the Marines helped
to shape your identity? and he informed me that he is stronger willed, more determined, and he now sees the
world for what it is.

Vonier 2
b.

I also asked Brad what one image or story would best describe the community of Marines or veterans that he
has been a part of? And he said, simply being deployed; because it shows the true brotherhood of any military
member.

c.

Brad informed me that there are many things that he would like to change about the Marines. When I asked him
what he would like to change about them he said: I wish top ranking advisors, generals and or other important
officers would be able to realize how stuff actually happens. The stuff that enlisted marines have to go through
being on the work force side of the military. The officers sit back and make the rules, so sometimes I wish they
would come down and see how the real working marine force functions

C.

I also interviewed a man named Kalob Rawlins who is a member of the United States Army. I asked Kalob the same seven
questions that I asked Brad.
a.

{PICTURE ON SLIDESHOW} When I asked Kalob what one image or story best describes the community of
Armymen that he has been a part of? He gave me this picture and said to me: that's what bonds us together.
We're fighting for each other and our families so they don't have to fight.

b.

When I spoke to Kalob about stereotypes and how soldiers are depicted in popular culture he said something
that I believe was very powerful and controversial. He said: I think Soldiers in general not just the army are put
on a pedestal. People see us as more than what we are. While it's true we make sacrifices so you don't have to,
remember we signed up for this. People say thank you so much that it's losing its real value. It's like people
think they have to say thank you.

c.

Finally, I asked Kalob if there was anything that he would change about the Army and he said: This list could
go on forever but Id change the way soldiers are treated like they are nothing but as soldiers were supposed to
do the most with the least. We're kind of pushed to do too much. I'd also say how we handle ourselves as a
country. We need to worry about The U.S. Before we go over seas.
Conclusion

I.

Every year, many soldiers from each branch of the military suffer from PTSD because each person has their own
experiences while they serve.

II.

Basically, I want you to know that each branch of the military is different. Each branch has its stereotypes, depiction in
popular culture, and affect on its members. In the end, all of the men and women that serve our country know the risks and
the consequences that come with the duty but they serve anyway. We should honor each and every one of them for their
courage and service.

III.

I want to leave off with a clip from one of my favorite songs. So, here is a clip from American Soldier by Toby Keith.