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“Hero”

My friend’s son made this for school, and it makes me cry like a babe. Not long ago hearing the words “hero” with my name made me want to vomit. Does the person know I believed I deserved to die? That I believed I wasn’t good enough for anyone? That the fearless warrior in combatContinue reading ““Hero””

Christmas Truth

Social media influencers shine the light of their happiness on every post. It’s manicured bullshit. They use a platform that sells everything we do to advertisers and then act as an actual advertisement. Their entire page is curated to do so, including the types of smiles, pictures, and captions. Nobody wants to buy an iPodContinue reading “Christmas Truth”

Just Another Morning

It was just another morning. This picture was taken a week before I stepped on the IED. I was in charge of a six man element, and we used the Polaris RZR I’m leaning on to drive to nearby partner force outposts. I had a mechanic with me to take a looksie at their generators.Continue reading “Just Another Morning”

Afghanistan

These were some of my Afghan comrades. Some valiant, some survivors, but all of them freedom fighters. Some will fight to the death. Everyone has an opinion on AFG right now. I deployed there during a counter terrorism period where only US Special Forces conducted operations. It wasn’t a state building mission. It hasn’t beenContinue reading “Afghanistan”

The Man In the Desert

Edit: I wrote this in my early 20s and barely edited it. Looking back, it was the only way I knew how to express what I was feeling. Though I am not identified as depressed, at times there is depression. This story is what it feels like. I don’t need well wishes; I post thisContinue reading “The Man In the Desert”

Speedy Brain

The following is the short article I read on Episode 9 of the podcast titled “Speedy Brain”. One morning I awoke to snow blanketing the trees and mountains. As I sipped a cup of coffee, I realized the act of looking out my window was a respite from Speedy Brain. It’s easy to forget anyContinue reading “Speedy Brain”

Waking the Tiger

One of the greatest challenges of trauma for a trauma survivor is how nobody understands it. This can lead to others’ expectations not being met, particularly with how they think a person should heal. This results in the survivor directing all of their traumatic anxiety inwardly to avoid subjecting other people to their symptoms. It makes everything for the survivor worse.

Introduction

I wrote the following transcript for the introductory episode of the cleverly named “The Justin Lascek Podcast”. You’re listening to the Justin Lascek podcast. And I’m that dude, Justin, and welcome to the show. Shout out to Bobby Emmett for the intro song – he’s Sturgill Simpson’s keyboard player. I’m actually recording this in aContinue reading “Introduction”