i was sitting on a huge open field on my churches deer lease. Someone on the other property next to us decides to fire of several rounds from a full auto 7.62x39 about 400 yards away. I contacted the preacher and took off. That is the only gunfire that scares me! I had to get out of there fast. Now Im sitting in a box blind a half mile away, shaking trying to chill out. In Iraq i never once ran from gunfire, ever. I feel like a coward and i feel like I have ruined this entire day of hunting. What would y'all gave done?

I'm old and I'm slow,but you would have run second in that race.They ain't no coward walking in your boots, keep your head up and go back to the blind and finish out your hunt. I'm sure the pastor will have a talk with the neighbors. Enjoy your time hunting and try to remember that you are back stateside now and enjoy the freedom that you and your buds fought for.

I know what it's like brother. Upon returning from Afghanistan in 09 I was so used to being woken up at night and grabbing my IBA and rifle that when someone like my wife woke me up, my adrenalin would kick in and I actually ended up chocking her in my sleep. I had never felt so down and like a POS in my life, I would never hit a woman. It took me a while to used to sleeping near someone and having them wake me up. What helped me is talking about it to people, I used to keep it inside. Maybe you could talk to the neighbors and tell them what happened and see if you can be with them when they fire full auto next time? I know if I was caught off guard by an auto I would be sprinting as well. Let me now if you need anything brother, there are a lot of us around for each other.

Zak kee

Don't get in here a lot but couldn't help it when I saw your post.

...agree 100% with previous posts

Not a thing wrong with what you felt or what you did. I was in more or less of a secured area at Danang AFB in Vietnam a million years ago, but you never knew what or when something was going to fall in your lap. The term "get small" still has meaning for me. Nothing wrong with making sure you're safe before deciding what to do.

I remember going to a party one time while on leave between duty stations around the 4th of July. One other person at that party was in the military and he and I were pretty much keeping to ourselves on the patio when someone thought it would be cute to drop a cherry bomb behind us. In a split second he and I had dug about a foot deep hole in the yard before we realized it was a prank. The host, in a not too polite manner, tossed the culprit out in the street with a warning to leave or ...........

Take a deep breath and remember it will get better but it doesn't always go away! As stated above "You ain't in this alone"

Yeah well there u know what to do roe is differebnt here
And we all get a different mind set while there

PTSD is a bastard, driving in the city makes me into a nervous wreck.

Then about 2 months after being home from Afghan the 3rd time I drove between to gangbangers in a shoot out in Jacksonville, FL.

Like I needed that crap.

Hang in there homie and bring your shotgun for dec 22-23 pleasonton tx dove opening ....

You ain't no coward. You already proved that. No explanation needed.

who the hell would mess with a vet or active? F those guys.

Probably the same thing and I may be a Disabled Vet but I have never been to Active Combat. But you just keep your head up my Friend. Nothing wrong with what you did. You have been thru the depths of hell so never be ashamed.

I still do it when something loud and unexpected goes off, nothing wrong with what you did .
One day at a time and keep going.

I feel for you soldier. I am disabled due to 3 rpgs. I love to hunt and am fine with the pop of a rifle as long as its mine. When I hear another go off flash backs and what they call the 1000 yard stare come back. Try and take it easy. I try but it is very hard. I havent shared this poem with anyone but Here it is for you vets. I wrote it while in combat, kept my mind sane hoping an angel could just fly me away. I could careless if someone thought me a coward but you know your not as I do. keep your head up bro. Your brother in arms. Mike

Will you fly away with me tonight?

As I walk through the valleys and shadows of death.
This is what I think about until my last breath.
Today as I look at these dark clouds full of rain.
My heart cry’s of sorrow and is filled with pain.
The pill I take makes me angry and depressed.
Then I remember my angel and I’m now uniquely obsessed.

Will you fly away with me tonight?
Take me upon your wings from this fight.

I think of your body from your angelic face to your toes.
There's so much I lust for you, this Jesus he knows.
As I stand guard in my Afghanistan O.P.
My heart longs very much to be with thee.

Will you fly away with me tonight?
Take me upon your wings from this fight.

I think of our future and how it might be.
But because I haven’t found you yet I’m lost you see.
Every day I look at your image and smile.
And then I think how to make my time worth while.

Will you fly away with me tonight?
Take me from this awful fight.

While gazing into the eyes of a devilish crow,
I ask Jesus to forgive me for the sins I bestow.
God’s gift to me is you Angel we both know.
The crow flees away in a fiery fear.
This beast sensed an Angel is so very near.

Will you fly away with me tonight?
Take me from this awful fight.

Scared of an angel’s everlasting love,
He now sores amongst the demons somewhere above.
The devil gets pissed and reaches into his flame filled bowl.
But my angel steps between him and my black hardened soul.

Will you fly away with me tonight?
Take me from this awful fight.

I stare into the yonder like never before.
As sinful flash backs knock at my door.
You ever so quietly whisper his soul is not for sell.
It belongs to me now, so devil go back to hell.
This is how I feel and believe it to be true.
With no longer an urge to die because I just want to be with you.
Angel I say unto you and the heavens light.
Please Angel fly away with me tonight.
Spread your angelic wings with all your might.
And take me away from this bloodshed fight.

beautiful

Well i am back out on the property, going to a new spot, hopefully a stress free relaxing hunt, maybe one with enough luck to have a big buck! Wish me luck. Thanks y'all for all the encouraging words.

you thought you were in a safe zone, and then you hear auto-fire, instincts kick-in, to find a safe place, not a coward, a warrior getting ready for the battle from a strategic point. PLUS the machine gun when you are supposed to be in a quiet woods would un-nerve anyone, YOU ARE A HERO, BE PROUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU SERVED US, AN WE THANK YOU FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You ain't alone brother. Not a coward. I still find myself grabbing cover and concealment when I am startled. Took me awhile to realize it was that gift that got me back home along with some help from above. Don't be embarrassed man its just the same instincts that got you thru. Take deep breaths... you made it

Brother,
It will take some time to readjust to being back in the world. Like some others have posted above do not hesitate to talk to others that have been in the sh-t. Those that have not been there will not understand. You are not alone. To all of you that have served before me I say "Thank You for your service". To all of you that were in Nam I apologize on behalf of the Nation and want to tell you "Thank you for your service and Welcome Home".

Your Definitely Not a Coward I would have done the same after being in Iraq

I noticed after my son got back from Iraq, (Navy EOD) he had been state side for a couple of weeks when he flew into DFW and I picked him up, sitting in the car as I was driving in traffic, he had the jitters pretty bad with all the cars around us and all... His team was hit once with a VBIED while over there... I never let him know that I noticed tho

Thank you for your service

Your not crazy or a coward. You are perfectly normal for the group of which you belong. When deployed the sound of an AK or any gun means a fight is on so your mind and body prepare for a fight, thats the chill in your spine and the hair on your neck standing up like a dog who is fixing to bite.
When you hear it here there is no one to fight so your mind reels a little bit and you become somewhat confused then angry. Me....When something startles me or scares me I become very angry. Anger was how I compensated for fear in Iraq. Worked great there, not so good here. I am normal for my group because most here don't know and if they did they would be like us. If some yahoo with combat expirience says when he hears suprising gun fire nearby and it does not bother him one bit.....he is just lying to himself.

perfectly natural reaction. I woulda tucked tail as well.

hang in there buddy.

No shame in doing what you did.

You guys are not cowards. Complete opposite. American Hero. Hope it all gets better with time. I spent last night drinking with Chris Kyle, all he could do was brag on his buddies. What a great bunch of guys protecting our rights.

Hope you had a couple more chances to head out. any luck downing anything?

Also, thank you for your service.