Change a mindset, change a Life!
Brotherhood Lost:
There he sits in an alley with his finger in a can for the last drop of grease, wearing pieces of a uniform which once stood for pride and supported peace. This lost homeless soldier once was so gallant and brave, now often he sits chilled and hungry awaiting his grave. Soldiers are trained to be brave and look fear eye to eye, thousands are homeless laying in alleys wishing to die. Countless money is spent teaching men how to survive, yet, when they return to the Urbans they live barely alive. Employers sometimes won't hire a veteran mainly out of fear. They're stuck on the movies where a soldier cuts a man ear-to-ear. Soldiers are trained to rise to the call, they're not bloodthirsty maniacs wanting bodies to fall. All soldiers are told to have faith in their leaders and God up above, I salute you my comrades and pray you find serenity, peace and love. It's not just our leaders that need to make the plan our veterans need help from each and every woman and man. Maybe the religions can kick in a few bucks too, for the sacrifices those made for GOD, country, and you.
Stanley Victor Paskavich/Stantasyland
Stanley Victor Paskavich was born at St. Mary's hospital in Centralia, Illinois December 19, 1958. After graduating at Sandoval High School, he worked there as a janitor a few years.
On March 16, 1979 he joined the United States Air Force and served twelve and one half years, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant. He maintained a nine performance level, which is the highest mark, for his entire career. After volunteering to work at the Port Mortuary in Dover, Delaware during Desert Storm and Desert Shield as NCOIC (Non Commissioned Officer In Charge) of the body handlers, he returned back to his home base of K. I. Sawyer AFB in Gwinn, Michigan.
His life and career went severely downhill. He began suffering from PTSD and bipolar disorder, along with suicidal ideation.
The base was in transition of closing so he took an SSB buyout in September, 1991 and ended his career in the Air force.
His condition ultimately caused a divorce.
After many years of therapy and medical treatment he now maintains a somewhat balanced and healthy life. He says that his poetry is where he hides his demons. He has been writing poetry since he was seventeen years old. Stan says, “As far as my life and the lives of other veterans, don't be afraid to go to the V. A. and get the help you need. They have done wonders with my life and, without their help, I probably wouldn't be here today.”
