by Rick Trietley
I understood very little about the man, St. Francis of Assisi, for most of my life. While I had heard the name and the stories of his unique relationships with animals and nature, I did not fully comprehend the profound impact that his life as a privileged youth, soldier, prisoner of war, wounded veteran, peacemaker, and servant of God had on our world. This simple yet complex man became a "shining light," a source of personal healing and redemption.
My twenty-two year, active-duty army career began in 1986 as an Infantry officer. My service took my family to Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Wainwright, AK, Ft. Benning, GA, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, and many other locations. While serving at Ft. Bragg, NC, with the 82d Airborne Division, the tragic events of 9/11 occurred. These events set in motion my eventual combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2003. As the second-in-command of over 3200 paratroopers, the deployment was challenging, rewarding, and exciting. I attribute my faith, constant prayers, desire to make it home to my family, and an unwavering commitment to our mission as the reasons that I persevered. However, like many veterans, combat took a mental toll on me, which I did not understand or accept until many years later.
For nearly fifteen years, I experienced vivid and sometimes troubling dreams, anxiety, hypervigilance (“head on a swivel”), lack of patience, and other effects associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I was able to function at a high level, and my relationships did not suffer. However, I did not feel right. I convinced myself to “suck it up;” Airborne Rangers never complain or make excuses. So, I continued to deny the truth and avoided seeking help.
As providence would have it, I had the opportunity to go on the Rome and Assisi Veterans’ Pilgrimage through the Franciscan Pilgrimage Program in 2014. It was a life-changing experience to walk in St. Francis's footsteps, learn of his life journey, touch the same spaces that he did over 700 years ago, and begin the process of "letting go" of the guilt that I carried. Fellow veterans with shared experiences and challenges were present with me. It was also on this pilgrimage that I met Fr. Conrad Targonski, a retired military chaplain who led the pilgrimage. Fr. Conrad and I forged a friendship that continues today. I like to say that Afghanistan took me to Assisi, and Assisi took me on a journey to forgiveness, healing, and redemption. I returned from the pilgrimage with a new outlook and hope for the future.
Fast forward four years to a new opportunity in my higher education career as providence surfaced once again. I accepted a position to serve at another Catholic, Franciscan university – Viterbo! The university chaplain at this school was none other than Fr. Conrad. With Fr. Conrad's assistance, I finally sought the help that I had avoided for so many years. Fr. Conrad and I also partnered to recruit numerous veterans for the Veterans’ Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi.
On this Veterans’ Day, I ask that we remember and celebrate all past and present military service members. Their service to our Nation and to each other is honorable, selfless, and worthy of our respect and admiration. We enjoy many rights and freedoms due to these brave Americans.
Please consider joining us at the Viterbo Veterans’ Day service at 11:00am on Thursday, November 11th in the San Damiano Chapel.
God Bless America.
