Dear readers,
If you found me via the Daily Mail article, hi, welcome. I appreciate you taking the time to refer to my blog rather than simply adding to the Daily Mail's comment thread. I have been receiving a lot of comments here regarding that "article" and since many deal with similar issues, I figured I'd post something here for posterity:
I did not write the Daily Mail "article," nor was I involved in it in any way (believe me, if I was, I definitely would have chosen more flattering photos, and photos that are a more representative cross-section of the Facebook page they were taken from, including at least one of my cats). I wasn't even aware of the "article" until I started receiving messages about it. The "author" of that "article" took a random assortment of quotes from my blog and the Glamour essay and smushed them together for her "story," changing the context and the tone.
This is a public forum, and I welcome your thoughts and feedback. However, I would appreciate you withholding your feedback until you read the essay that I actually wrote versus the DM's sad excuse for journalism. Read my actual writing, then bring it on.
Thank you,
Lauren
If you found me via the Daily Mail article, hi, welcome. I appreciate you taking the time to refer to my blog rather than simply adding to the Daily Mail's comment thread. I have been receiving a lot of comments here regarding that "article" and since many deal with similar issues, I figured I'd post something here for posterity:
I did not write the Daily Mail "article," nor was I involved in it in any way (believe me, if I was, I definitely would have chosen more flattering photos, and photos that are a more representative cross-section of the Facebook page they were taken from, including at least one of my cats). I wasn't even aware of the "article" until I started receiving messages about it. The "author" of that "article" took a random assortment of quotes from my blog and the Glamour essay and smushed them together for her "story," changing the context and the tone.
This is a public forum, and I welcome your thoughts and feedback. However, I would appreciate you withholding your feedback until you read the essay that I actually wrote versus the DM's sad excuse for journalism. Read my actual writing, then bring it on.
Thank you,
Lauren
If I were you I would insist that the DM take down that article. As another AF Afghanistan veteran I was completely mortified to read that article. It is an insult to female vets everywhere. It makes you seem completely vapid and inarticulate. After reviewing your blog I was relieved to find that you are actually well-spoken and did seem to have some experience with deployment. All I could interpret from the DM article that you had to endure was "vulgar talk" and that you seemed to be in constant fear that rape could be around every corner. What a terrible piece of journalism. Thank you for your service ma'am!
ReplyDeleteI can find nowhere in any of your posts, anything about M4's or carrying around 225 rounds, etc.
ReplyDeleteAre you saying those are complete fabrications? From Glamour or the DM?
I hope Glamour considers making your essay available on the web. It's shameful that this write up of it is getting so much attention and yet all you have to respond with is "go buy the magazine."
ReplyDeleteIt's not your fault, but hopefully the magazine will think about allowing your words to be as available as the write up that is causing so much hate and misunderstanding.
I now need to go find out where I can buy a copy of Glamour and for the first time in my life buy it to read an essay about Afghanistan -- surreal.
If they took the photos without your permission then they have performed a copyright violation. Just because the photos are available online does not mean another business or individual may use them for their own purposes. Since they took multiple photos you may be elgible for a significant settlement, although them being based in the UK may make it a bit more difficult.
ReplyDeleteYou don't have PTSD...I can guarantee you that! If you want to try to claim PTSD, go out side the wire once in awhile. You realize telling war stories about Leatherneck is an insult to every dirt crusted grunt that is out there everyday in this shit. Leatherneck is 22 miles in circumference and has an average population of upwards of 30,000 people. You lived in a small city with maximum protection. Your quotes from your articles are an insult to all who have actually FOUGHT in Afghanistan. I have had two friends killed there. Numerous buddies shot and about the same amount of friends who have been blown up and some who have lost limbs. They sacrificed, you were on vacation. My 7 month deployment to Afghanistan was a little bit different. We had 5 guys shot, 3 seriously wounded from IEDs. We had a 4 day battle (not firefight...all out battle) constant fighting for 4 days in a little shit hole in the south called Trek Nawa. You think you suffered? What about all the servicemen who actually have! Think about that before you start prattling your ignorance to any newspaper or god knows what that will be able to stomach your bullshit.
ReplyDeleteSGT/ USMC 0331
Wow, you're a "war-fighter" and a shrink!
DeleteAgreed.
DeleteSPC/25th ID U.S. Army/ 11B
I'm genuinely curious where you got the information that I was deployed to Camp Leatherneck? I wasn't even in that region. I was at FOB Gardez, Paktya province, RC-East.
DeleteSo with you... that is totally wrong. I'm gonna make sure everyone I know gets the real story. BTW, USAF Afg vet here, too. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteLauren, girl ... believe me ... sue the pants off those peeps that butchered your paper. Holy crap balls! Claim emotional distress because of the countless nastygrams you've had to endure. Seriously, I nearly fell out of my chair when reading it, finding my eyeballs naturally rolling away whilst forcing them back to the screen. If you ever plan to author anything serious and not have your works boycotted, ensure you seek legal attention in having that article removed ASAP.
ReplyDeleteThe reaction to all of this is an unfortunate example of the stigma for mental health issues rampant in the military. I was a Marine, for eight years. I've deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan both. I was on the "front lines" and I have experienced the death of more of my brothers than i care to recall. Thank you for sharing your experiences. The pain of depression and combat stress are very real and I applaud you for sharing your struggle with both. This sick idea out there that your story detracts from mine or any others is absurd. I don't care the source of your pain, and the fact that you have experienced it is OK. The only thing that matters to me is the fact that you are a veteran, and we care for our own. Never let anyone degrade your service because of the stigma.
ReplyDeleteSSGT/ USMC EOD
Are you kidding me?!? This is a joke right? Not only are you guys encouraging her to draw attention to her tragic story of PTSD and chronic adjustment disorder but you are honestly saying that now she also deserves to sue a paper for using her quotes in an article because that too caused her emotional distress. At what end do people stop feeling entitled to something being handed to them for every little thing? This is what is wrong with America! Everyone wants something for nothing and everyone walks on eggshells because it might offend someone. Well, I am offended by people glorifying stories to get their 15 minutes while putting a bad name to a serious disorder that people have worked very hard to bring attention to. If the general public sees this is as the poster for what is meant by PTSD, I can't blame them for not taking it as seriously as it is being pushed. So, who should I sue to get my compensation? Something hurt my feelings, so I get money now right?? Now, I am not saying that you don't deserve treatment for any problems and issues that you have. But do you really think that they should be published out there as an awareness campaign for PTSD? I'm sorry, but I read YOUR writing as you requested and it only served to make me more angry and disappointed.
ReplyDeletecould you please post your essay somewhere? i'd be interested to see what it says.
ReplyDeleteQuoting "soggy veggies" was evidently very effective. Read like the most discussed subject in comments. Do tell us how it happened to crispy fresh produce from America's best supermarkets.
ReplyDeleteDo you keep soggy veggies gibes tally?
As a REAL combat veteran of Iraq, you give all women that had an actual role in the war on terrorism in either Iraq or Afghanistan a bad name! I doubt that this writer was able to piece together such a fabulous story making you sound so great! your the reason we veterans and service members mock the air force for the joke they are. "oh, i was in a mortar while going to the PX!!" what a crock of shit..
ReplyDeleteWhiney creature. You deserve no sympathy. You took the job, you knew where you were going. Having served multiple combat tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq, I knew exactly what I was walking into. I mentally and physically prepared myself.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of whether or not your words were misconstrued, they are still your words.
You are an embarrassment to the uniform and an embarrassment to front line troops. PTSD is a serious problem. I doubt you suffer from it petal and if you do, its probably from having to look at yourself in the mirror every morning knowing you've sold out and the last drops of dignity and pride have left your carcass. This blog is embarrassing and an insult and just knowing it's online for other whiney, sympathetic mouth breathers to leave equally droll and unqualified comments makes my piss boil.
Run along and purchase some heels and well tailored item of clothing, find a shrink and burden him with your narcassistic, attention seeking drivel.
Out.
FAKER!
ReplyDeleteFirst, let me say I have read both articles. Not really seeing the difference. Just seems to be a shorter version of the glamour post. There is no reason to not seek help if you feel the need. Everyone is different. For one to think they have PTSD based on a life style change is beyond me. Sure you feel different and don't make a difference and small things in life don't matter as much. How is that PTSD? Do me a favor... watch Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, or Black hawk Down. These are real life events true to the grit. Now compare to your events. They should seem small and insignificant in comparison right? Sure they do. This should give you an idea of why men and women who have poured blood sweat and tears out don't like your story.
ReplyDelete