I'm just a God fearing man who believes the Bible is the inspired word of God. When studying the Word, I know I learn best when I am able to relate the teachings to my own experiences. Being a retired Navy Chief Sonar Technician, a lot of my experiences were onboard Destroyers. Because of their thin hulls, Destroyers are also known as Tin Cans. They are designed to carry out various missions. From Anti-Aircraft to Anti-Submarine Warfare. From Naval Gunfire Support to Search and Rescue Operations. They escort and defend the High Value Units. A High Value Unit could be anything from an Aircraft Carrier to troop transports. Destroyers are fast, agile ships and able to respond quickly to a threat. Likewise, the quickest response in a spiritual battle is prayer. Moral Injury is a wounding of the soul, a spiritual wounding that needs to be healed spiritually. 

In 2015 I attended a Conference on Moral Injury and Soul Repair in Kansas City, MO with the pastor of my church, a Marine Corps, Vietnam combat vet. Psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, pastors, chaplains, priests, spiritual leaders of other faiths were all in attendance, as well as veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who shared their experiences. I felt out of place among all these professionals. However, they welcomed everyone and anyone who attended because they want people to understand moral injury and to understand how to help those who suffer with it. Before I attended this conference I looked down on homeless veterans. I used to think, "They're better than this. They should have more pride in themselves than to be begging in the streets." Yeah. I was a jerk. But I listened to the veterans at this conference share their experiences in war. How they did things that went so far against their moral core, they dare not share it with their family members, because if they did, their family wouldn't love them anymore. It's something they need to talk about, but the only people that would understand are those who were there or experienced war. I am a veteran with twenty years of service. I have served in a hostile fire zone, but I have not experienced combat like grunts on the ground. So If anyone of my brothers or sisters should one day decide to trust me by sharing their experience, I will listen without judging them. I will say nothing, unless they ask me to. I will bring them in and let them know they are welcomed home. We as a society sent them to war. We as a society need to welcome them home. All the way home. 

They traveled to another country and took up the burden of war on our behalf. The least we can do for them is allow them to share that burden when they return.

God bless the troops. May they know His peace.

God bless all who pray for them. 

God bless all who listen to them.

DANNY RIVERA

STGC, USN, RET