As part of the observance of Memorial Day, Steve Kroft of CBS News Radio sat down with four veterans to discuss the toll of combat on our returning troops. In the room with him were Capt. Shannon Meehan, U.S. Army (Ret.), Colonel David W. Sutherland, U.S. Army (Ret.), Charles W. Hoge, MD, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.), and Steve Robinson, SFC E-7, U.S. Army (Ret.). During the hour each presented personal and riveting perspectives on the struggles many returning military members experience after coming home from a war. (The interview is divided into ten minute segments, each designed to stand on its own.)
I only know one of them. COL David Sutherland was one of General Petraeus’ Colonels who led the Surge in Iraq, essentially turning the entire war around. It was a phenomenal success, but not one without cost. Colonel Sutherland talks about the struggles he has had since returning from the battlefield, and how they continue now that he is no longer in service.
He is a hero in the true sense of the word, but even more so in his post-military life as he continues to advocate for those returning home as the founder of the Dixon Center, named after Staff Sergeant Donnie D. Dixon who served with COL Sutherland and was killed serving his country.
Steve Kroft’s interview can be heard by clicking on COL Sutherland’s picture. You can listen to the individual eight minute segments (each begins on the 10 minute mark) or do like I did and listen to the whole thing.
Don’t miss it. Trust me.
