They may say the same vows, but a military marriage is unlike any other. Living on a base far away from your family, having your husband gone for two years at a time, worrying if he will come home alive. It's hard on a relationship, to say the least. A lot of women couldn't deal. What's even harder? When your husband comes back different ... frighteningly different.
Imagine if the man you loved locked himself in a hotel room with guns and alcohol and told you "he might do something stupid." That's what Ashley Wise faced when her husband Rob returned from war with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She reached out to the Family Advocacy Group at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where they live, but realized that if she got her husband the help he needed, he could be dishonorably discharged.
Thousands are coming back with PTSD, suffering from violent mood swings, erratic behavior, and severe depression. And it's not just the soldiers who deal with it. The entire family has to face this sad reality of war and military wives are ready to battle when it comes to saving their men and their marriage.
Frustrated with the military's reaction, Ashley waged a war of her own. One night, she had a friend scribble the following poem on her back with an eyeliner:
Broken by battle, wounded by war, I love you forever,
To you this I swore: I will quiet your silent screams,
Help heal your shattered soul,
Until once again, my love, you are whole.
After she posted the picture to her Facebook page and asked other wives to do the same, the organization Battling Bare was born. It's where hundreds of women share their stories and find the support and encouragement they need to keep fighting for their marriages. They are also getting awareness for PTSD, a problem most of us will never have to deal with or understand.
It's an admirable cause, but one Wise gets flack for. She's been called an "attention grabbing whore" among other things. But sticks and stones. Those spiteful, ignorant jabs mean nothing to her if showing a little skin will help her get her husband back.
What do you think about Ashley's cause?
Image via battlebare.org
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Comments 127
I dont think theres anything admirable about a married woman putting out nude photos for the internet to see....even if they are tasteful. Im sure there are plenty other ways to bring awareness to PTSD and how serious it is.
The thing is, Stacey, she isn't showing nudity - no rear end and no chest - just her back. and in today's society, you see a whole lot more on the beach or even someone who wears a low backed sundress.
I think the article title sort of pre-disposes people into "thinking" more is being shown than actually is.
Anyway, I wasn't sure if you'd actually accessed the photos (which I did), assumed "more" was showing than what readers see from the inset photo, or simply didn't like the amount of "back" being shown (?) Please note I'm not arguing with your right to feel however you do - just asking for clarity about your references to her "nude photos". Thanks : )
I have the utmost respect and admiration for the men and women who love our warriors and see them through every wound whether mental, physical, or emotional. Ashley Wise is every bit the the hero her husband is. They all deserve our undying gratitude and they have mine. If ever there was someone worth fighting for it's our men and women in uniform and their families.
A good friend of mine just published a book about her and her husbands battle with PTSD. The name is, "The war that came home". Thankfully their story had a happy ending with God restoring him and their marriage. So many men (and women) never recover and I'm so glad this condition is getting the attention it deserves.
I am not married to a soldier, but I know many families who sit on the edge of nightmares waiting for their beloved soldiers to return. I send love and respect to every military person out there....and just as much love and respect to their families, who are looking at possibly making the ultimate sacrifice.
Rev. Pamela Malone-O'Brien,
proud daughter of an AirForce Vet and proud daughter-in-law of a VietNam Vet. Thank you.