Coping with the Collapse of Afghanistan


To my fellow veterans of Afghanistan and the families of the fallen and wounded: as you consider whether the cost was worth it, I humbly recommend you do so with the purpose of reflecting with purpose versus ruminating on the loss. There is major distinction between the two. Reflecting with purpose allows you to derive the wisdom from even the worst of trauma and give you a pathway to hope, healing, and purpose. Ruminating is much like letting your tires spin in snow, leaving you bogged down even further in the same spot and running out of gas. Instead, ask yourself what good came out of the experience or what you’ve been able to do to help others as a result of the experience. If you do that, I think it will make coping with the collapse of Afghanistan, and the price you – we – have paid for it, much easier to bear during this news cycle and the years to come.
Dr. David R. Andrews, Maj (Ret), USAF
President & Alumnus, Remount Foundation
Purple Heart Recipient, Afghanistan, 2009
