BAYFIELD
After almost nine years and four deployments, Jason Paul couldn’t imagine life outside the Marine Corps. Upon returning to civilian life in 2013, he – like so many returning veterans – contemplated suicide. Fortunately for Paul, he has since found support among fellow retired Marines who are part of the Operation Second Chance in Bayfield.
When he first returned to New Mexico after receiving three purple hearts, he struggled with anger.
“For the longest time, I felt betrayed. I wanted to spend my 20 years (serving),” he said.
Two years ago, his therapist saw that he was isolating himself and recommended Paul spend time with other combat veterans. So he went on a retreat to Lake Powell with Operation Second Chance.
That’s where he met Bill Bell, a former Marine who served in Vietnam, and they stayed in touch after that first trip.
“If it weren’t for Bill, I probably wouldn’t be here,” Paul said.
Bell and other veterans from La Plata County founded the local chapter of Operation Second Chance to give wounded, sick or injured veterans a chance to mentally heal and connect with each other.
“Our wounds heal, but our minds don’t sometimes,” said retired Chief Master Sgt. John Jarrett, who served in the Air Force and is a board member for the group.
During Paul’s second deployment to Al Anbar province, Iraq, he was hit by a grenade and roadside bomb, and he had to be evacuated for medical reasons in 2006.
But after he healed, he re-enlisted. “I just wanted to go back to Afghanistan,” he said.
In 2008, he was sent to Fallujah and then to Helmend province Afghanistan.
For many, the multiple deployments are a hallmark of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. But Bell questions it.
“That’s asking way too much of a person,” he said.
Paul’s deployments left him with many physical scars and constant back pain from shrapnel that can’t be removed because the surgery is too risky.
But he also lives with post-traumatic stress disorder that he struggled to accept for a while.
Suicide seemed like his only way out, and he attempted to take his own life, twice, he said.
“I was angry at everybody,” he said.
Several Marines Paul served with have died from suicide, and it is a problem that has received growing national attention in recent years.
“I hate getting that phone call,” he said.
Paul credits Bell, Bruce Grady and others from the group with preventing him from doing the same.
“The people who told me I needed help were Marines, and it meant something to me versus some random person,” he said.
Bell and the others who work with Operation Second Chance have brought in 75 veterans for retreats over the last four years and try to stay in touch with those who need help.
They don’t force the veterans to talk about their service during the trips. Rather, they try to start a healing process in whatever form that takes, including laughter, and showing them they can still pursue their hobbies.
“We don’t pressure, we don’t push,” he said.
After all of Paul’s progress, Bell is hopeful he will join them in their volunteer work and help mentor other veterans.
“It’s going to make you feel a lot better to give of yourself to others,” he recalls telling Paul.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
Veterans Day events
Veterans Day Parade, 11 a.m.-noon, Main Avenue.
Free 12-ounce drip coffee to veterans and current military members, Durango Joe’s locations, www.durangojoes.com.
Veterans receive a free tall (12 ounce) cup of coffee, Starbucks locations, www.starbucks.com.
Active duty and veterans receive free admission to all state parks, all day, http://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/MilitaryBenefits.aspx.
Downtown Durango metered parking will be free, all day.
Albertsons stores in Colorado will offer a 10 percent discount on groceries to all active duty, reserve and retired military personnel, Wednesday - Nov. 17, www.albertsons.com.
Veterans and active duty military can select a free meal from a limited menu, all day, proof of service required, Applebee’s, 800 South Camino del Rio, www.applebees.com.
Active, inactive and retired military personnel will receive a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast, 5 a.m.-noon, Denny’s, 666 Camino del Rio, www.dennys.com.
