USMC Veteran Todd Coburn
Rediscovering Life Beyond the Battlefield
By Todd Coburn, Gulf War VeteranWhen I signed up to be a U.S. Marine, I believed in a mission greater than myself. I thought I was fighting for freedom, defending the ideals of liberty and justice, and protecting the American people.
But after returning home, the reality of my service began to weigh heavily on me. I didn’t feel like a hero. Instead, I was left questioning the true purpose behind our deployment I didn’t come back with stories of saving civilians or liberating oppressed people.
What I did see were oil fields and skies filled with smoke, a toxic environment that we were breathing in during extreme heat and working conditions. Breakfast was bugs in our food, the smell of burn pits, diesel and jet fuel, frequent sonic booms daily and that left a lasting impact on my body and mind.
We were injected with the anthrax vaccine—forced into it, signing waivers that absolved the military of responsibility for the potential side effects, which included stroke, heart attack, and other life-threatening conditions.
Gulf War Syndrome
Many of us developed what has now been recognized as Gulf War Syndrome, a collection of symptoms that includes chronic pain, fatigue, respiratory conditions and neurological issues. The weight of these experiences, along with the sense that our mission wasn’t as noble as we had believed, became a breeding ground for PTSD.For years, I felt lost. My PTSD wasn’t just about the horrors of war—it was about the loss of purpose. I had signed up for what I thought was a just cause, only to discover that we were pawns in a much larger, more profit-driven game.
American Freedom
We weren’t fighting for American freedoms. We were entangled in wars driven by military contracts and geopolitical interests, where the lives of soldiers and civilians seemed secondary to the bottom line. For a long time, I struggled with this realization.
My PTSD was rooted in the disillusionment that followed my service, a sense of betrayal and loss. I began to search for healing, I discovered something powerful: the natural world had the ability to restore a sense of purpose and peace.
Community Gardens
Gardens and beehives need caretakers, and veterans need purpose. By volunteering your time, offering donations, or even suggesting new projects, you can be part of this healing journey.
You don’t need to be a veteran to make a difference; every hand that helps, every mind that contributes, and every dollar that supports our efforts brings us one step closer to rebuilding the lives of those who have served.
Beekeeping Therapy
Gardens and beehives need caretakers, and veterans need purpose. By volunteering your time, offering donations, or even suggesting new projects, you can be part of this healing journey.
You don’t need to be a veteran to make a difference; every hand that helps, every mind that contributes, and every dollar that supports our efforts brings us one step closer to rebuilding the lives of those who have served.
