The Sergeant mourned his dog. An IED took the life of a remarkable dog.

Sergeant Edwards saw his dream of a lifelong military career in the United States Army come to an abrupt end when airlifted by helicopter with his dead dog at his side. The Servicemember returned from the Iraq war, injured, his dog Redman dead. IED event. Edwards, the fit professional soldier, felt his whole world crumbled to dirt. His heart wrenched with sorrow for the best friend he lost to this endless conflict in a foreign country.

His respect and concern for Iraq and its people turned to disgust and hatred. A hard lump sat in his throat. He refused to cry to let his emotions show. “I never want to appear less than a man” when told by his officer not to crop it up. “Let out your emotions for goodness sake, Edwards-we know what you have been through!”

With multiple fractures in both legs, head trauma, Edwards has no option but to accept medical retirement at 44 years. His family & Army team are proud of his service accomplishments; a Bronze Star, two meritorious service medals, four achievement medals, and six good conduct medals. Edwards, wrought with anguish for the loss of Redman. The dog barked endlessly at Edwards, steering him away from the area, but the explosion was sudden & deafening. The dog dies from the blast. Debris from the impact knocked Edwards off his feet, resulting in his legs injury.

Back home in the USA, the rage, bitterness, a nightmare of depression supervened for Edwards. Recovery was slow. Extreme dark moments arise when confined to the four walls of his home after hospital and rehab services. He missed his Army Team. He missed Redman, who accompanied him day and night — sharing the same Army cot to sleep. His buddy is now gone forever.

Post Army life is a bitter experience. He has 20 years of service, with five deployments. Like many Warriors, Edwards downplays his injuries, but tears stream down his face when talking of his faithful dog.

PTSD, sleep deprivation prevails, changing into psychosomatic issues. His family is finding it hard to cope with his outbursts of anger and frustration.

Convalescence takes many months. During counseling sessions, the Psychiatrist tells Edwards about the Wounded Warrior Project. He enrolls eagerly. He has found a new team, as he calls it. Encouraged by his squad, Edwards enrolls in the Combat Stress Recovery Program. “What a God Send,” Edward exclaims after the first five sessions.

Family support continues, Physical Therapy, Counseling Support every week provides a positive response to Edwards’ recovery.

Later in the year, Edwards visits pet shelters, hoping to find some solace for the sore spot in his heart for the loss of Redman. He decided to adopt a dog will not serve his purpose since his leg injuries diminished his muscle strength in his legs. Walking fast or for long distances would be problematic.

Today Edwards has found great comfort in giving back by helping Wounded Warriors find emotional wellness. He is a peer mentor with the Wounded Warrior Program. He states, “the Program saved my life from a planned suicide- they need me to resolve the conflict in their minds.”

Life for Edwards’ family has taken a turn for improved love and happiness.

God works in mysterious ways. Good can come from a real tragedy. Companionship and understanding of injured Vets is a valuable life-saving gift.

Unsplash image soldier drapes an American flag over the beloved Military dog