Many people, including my family, have asked me if what is in the movie “American Sniper” is true and is it what veterans go through and what you went through. Truthfully, I have not seen the movie for two reasons.
The main reason is because I lived it (completing five tours, plus others including Somalia as a designated marksman), been decorated for it and only wished I could have saved more lives.
Second is because seeing movies will bring back a flood of emotions that you can never understand unless you have done it. I will watch it when I am ready and have the time to decompress at home.
I have been out of service for over 12 years now after serving my country for 21 years. I tried serving as a state trooper here in Durango and Pagosa Springs for a few years afterwards but resigned because those in charge could never understand their own hypocrisy. Their loss, not mine, for I could have trained more to save lives.
Some of the trailers I have seen are already keeping me awake at night, and sleep does not come easy again. To those critics: Until you serve and put your life in another’s hands, please keep your comments to yourself. We protected your right to your hate speech, and it is your right; but, opening your mouth only shows how ignorant many of you truly are when it comes to our military service and self-sacrifice.
To those who know me and have seen me use my skills these days taking out varmints on their property from great distances, I just want to thank you – for you do not know how much that helps me in so many ways.
To the rest of you, please support those who have served, and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to make this country “The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.”
To my family: Well, you already know. Thanks. Time heals all wounds.
Christopher M. Jones
Bayfield
