As an American, surely it is devastating for one to forget one of the crucial mornings of September 2001, no? Did you know? In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the United States responded with swift and decisive military action, marking the beginning of the War on Terror. One of the first military units to be deployed was the elite Green Berets of the U.S. Army Special Forces played a vital role in eliminating the shades of terror.

If you are eager to know about the hints of such a crucial event that happened in the history of America, then you need to witness it through the pages of this military biography entitled, “A Soldier’s Soldier,” by Neysa Holmes, PhD. In this book, the author has provided a detailed account of the sacrifices made by highly trained soldiers, particularly focusing on their experiences in Afghanistan following 9/11.

The First to Go, the Last to Rest

The Green Berets were uniquely qualified for the mission in Afghanistan. Known for their expertise in unconventional warfare, they were tasked with operating in hostile terrain, forging alliances with local forces, and executing high-risk missions behind enemy lines. Their adaptability and combat readiness positioned them as the perfect force for the challenging conditions in Afghanistan.

However, as Holmes discusses in “A Soldier’s Soldier,” the very qualities that made the Green Berets exceptional also meant they bore the brunt of combat exposure. These men were the first to go into battle and, often, the last to leave. Their repeated deployments, extended time in conflict zones, and frequent engagement in combat operations subjected them to immense physical and psychological strain.

The Psychological Toll of Prolonged Deployments

Longer deployments, Holmes explains, magnified the psychological impact of war on soldiers. Green Berets, already exposed to some of the most dangerous and high-stress missions, found themselves facing increasing levels of combat-related stress. The longer soldiers stayed in combat, the greater their exposure to traumatic experiences. This constant stress and trauma often resulted in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition that many veterans, including Holmes’ husband Erick, had to cope with upon returning home. When will the system play a role in working for those who have been risking their physical and mental health for the nation?

Physical Consequences: The Price of Commitment

The mental health challenges were not the only issues that resulted from the extended deployments. Holmes notes that many soldiers, including her husband Erick, suffered severe physical injuries during their time in Afghanistan. Erick endured multiple surgeries for a back injury sustained in combat and later discovered he had suffered a heart attack and stroke, unknowingly continuing his duties as a Green Beret throughout.

Within the pages of this book, Holmes highlights how physical injuries were often overlooked in the face of the mental and emotional trauma soldiers faced. Erick’s experience of enduring pain while continuing his service exemplifies the deep commitment soldiers feel to their mission, often at the expense of their own well-being.

The U.S. Army’s decision to extend deployment periods exacerbated the physical toll on soldiers’ bodies. The increased exposure to combat situations meant a higher likelihood of injuries, and the limited time between deployments left little room for proper recovery. Soldiers were pushed to their limits, and many paid the price with lifelong physical and mental disabilities.

In “A Soldier’s Soldier,” Holmes sheds light on the systemic issues surrounding the U.S. military’s treatment of its soldiers, particularly those in elite units like the Green Berets. She points out that while these soldiers are often celebrated for their bravery and resilience, the support systems in place for them—both during and after their service—are woefully inadequate.

All in all, the story of the Green Berets’ deployment to Afghanistan following 9/11, as detailed in “A Soldier’s Soldier,” is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of these elite soldiers.