share.triangle.com - The Promise - Comments

hes in my prays as well

bussard — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:43:00 -0400

hes in my prays as well along with the rest of the soldiers who continue to fight overthere or here at home struggling to live day to day

SFC Chad Stephens

Visitor — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 19:54:08 -0500

A Co. 1/252 where SFC Chad Stephens is serving currently has been put on alert once again for a tour in Iraq. SFC Stephens is a strong, knowledgeable, and devoted warrior who is ready to serve his country once again with a second tour. I proudly serve under him and know he will do what best for all of the men under his leadership.

Keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

What a real leader is...

Harrell — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 00:09:28 -0500

Every since I have known this man, he has always had that "Follow Me " attitude. I would follow this man into the depts of Hell! A lot of his soldiers feel the same way. Some are born leaders, and I think that is God's calling on his life. He does not consider himself as a hero, anyone should have done the same thing. This man is an angel. God put him there at that moment, and God's son did what he was supposed to do. He is never about himself, rather he is about what can I do for my soldiers. To bad the North Carolina National Guard has perverted that calling on his life. This man was tested and tried in combat. Let him live his life! Is there anyone right now that would man up and trade boots with him at that moment...I think not!! I love you Chad.

Battle for "Life After" Baqubah; Alternate Story Heading

Ralph "Doc" Isabella — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:41:08 -0500

I Love You man. Thanks for always being there.

SFC Chad Stephens is the best NCO in the US Army.

It was because of him that I started getting the needed help to deal with the trauma we went through. Life has been so hard since I came home. Like the one writer stated I was embarrassed to ask for help. I didnt want to believe I had PTSD. Chad set me up with the people to start this. I am doing the best I can to live with our losses.

Barb you did a great job. Semper Fi to all my brothers in the 1/120th.

Doc Izzy

Heroes One and All!

Visitor — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 22:48:13 -0500

This is a powerful series offering profound insight into the horror of war. No doubt we've learned a great deal in the last few decades about the how the trauma experienced on the battle field can affect soldiers for the rest of their lives. It is sad that men who suffer so much feel embarrassed to receive help that is available. There are therapeutic methods for dealing with this disease. What is not addressed directly is the question of whether the death, the physical and emotional trauma has been worth it. Our country has always celebrated the warrior, sometimes without considering whether the war was worth fighting. Does anyone believe the tens of thousands who died in Vietnam died for a just cause? Is what we're fighting for in Iraq, a target that keeps shifting as time passes, really worth the loss? Of course, saying our leaders have given us a charge that is without ultimate merit, does nothing to diminish the courage and sacrifice of those who do the dying and those who survive only to live shattered lives. I wish all these warriors well, they are heroes one and all. It is the leaders who gave us this war who have betrayed us.

SFC Stephens

Mike Bailey — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 19:15:31 -0500

I have many thoughts on this article, one Barbara Barrett deserves a Pulitzer for this, she took us from the deployment thru the battles in Iraq, the Sergeants visit to the mother, and the heart break of telling her the true facts, the mothers anguish, the Sergeants anguish, the drinking to cope which is normal for PTSD veterans ( I know I am 100% PTSD) I am a Nam Era vet and Desert Storm vet, I have also led men, I feel what SFC Stehpens is going thru is normal for PTSD, he is not having anything abnormal, what is abnormal is the military's refusal to make the soldiers understand that this is normal, and that their career is not in danger if they seek help, bottom line is that is a lie, if you seek help the military is going to make you suffer for it, security clearances are lost, command is taken away, medical discharges are forced on soldiers, and in many cases they blame the soldiers and claim they have Personality Disorders caused by their childhoods, they have thrown out more than 22,000 men this way. SFC Stephens does need to think about himself and his own family, his wife and son need him to. The Army will go on wether he stays in or retires, but he needs to get help, I am sorry to say it destroyed my family and took me 32 years before I sought help, I always blamed everything else, my wife, my kids, my bosses, the fickle finger of fate, I refused to believe I had PTSD, it took a complete breakdown before I sought help, it;s not worth it. I don't want any other veterans doing it the way I did, 3 suicide attempts, booze, and drugs there is help available, you have to want it. Excellent series, and I SALUTE all the soldiers and their families. It takes a lot to touch my heart and this story did.

P.T.S.D.

Hm3 John Eynon Ret. — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:48:05 -0500

I agree the the SSG, get professional help (VA) for combat stress. I hear a lot of guilt, anger and resentments, along with other emotions coming from your experience's. Stop beating yourself up. Though it is understandable why you suffer so much. But it doesn't help you in the long run, but will take away everything you hold dear & true about others & YOURSELF. You gave your all and should stand proud. Please don't let your lost's stop your loving & compassionate self to be free & having love & compassion to enter your life.

SEMPER FI

sfc stephens

SSG PERRY — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:47:34 -0500

although most of you dont know sfc stephens most of us do he is a great leader and takes care of his men. he also is a great friend he does what has to be done to complete any mission put before us am proud to be in the unit with sfc stephens, he gives soldiering a new way of life thats why sfc stephens has more than enough men to follow him back to the sand box and am one of them SSG JOHN PERRY A CO 1/252

Did this Visitor Not fully read the entire series?

Chris Smith (1LT B/120 IN) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:50:23 -0500

I question the "visitor's" comments and criticism to the N&O about titling the story about SFC Stevens and A/120 IN, The Promise. This is an appropriate title because this is what all Non-commissioned Officers, leaders like SFC Stevens promise. Their entire deployment revolves on getting their men home and mission accomplished. I can assure you that the N&O title did not humiliate or dishonor this soldier and hero. Believe me, June 24, 2004 was SFC Steven's lowest point. Not because he did not lead his men. Not because he did not accomplish his unit's mission. That day will forever be his lowest point because he lost a friend, a comrade at arms, and a future leader.
So "Visitor" I did not take your insult on the N&O lightly at first, but we fight for you to have an opinion and CPT Chris Cash, CPL Dessens, SSG Mike Voss, and SPC Carrasquillo (all NCNG Infantry unit soldiers) have died for you to have an opinion.

I thank SFC Stevens, his men and their families for sharing their pain and pray for all soldiers defending our freedoms.

Chris Smith
B/120 IN

war is the beginning of hell

catfishis469 — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:14:28 -0500

The real hell starts after you come home, everything you knew is now different. My wife stopped sleeping with me because she said I would fight in my sleep,, I still find myself living around our patrol schedule, almost 3 years later,, I cant work more than 20 hours a week,, I have trouble with short term memory, I get angry very easily where before it was a rare occurance.. things I used to enjoy are now hard to do.

We recieved our warning order, So now its time to start prepping for the time to come, getting the young guys in the mind set its NOT a game,, Sure, i wonder if Ill come back,but worse is coming home even more shattered inside. The pain it leaves our families and loved ones..

If Chad calls ,Ill go, even the 7th level of hell is no match for us, brothers all blooded and bloodied,,

Love you Brother,

Jerry "Catfish" Moorhouse Spc NCARNG

Red4Golf

Chad Stephens

Visitor — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:58:18 -0500

First off I want to say to Mr. Stephens and Ms. Desens that my prayers are with you both. I can never imagine the pain and stress this has upon you. But I do know that God can heal all things if you come to him and he can use you both in such incredible ways to help others that are experiencing such pain. My prayers are with you both through this healing journey.

My next comment is to the News & Observer.....shame on you for labeling the Nov. 12th paper "The Promise". When a man is down and you label such a thing you have just kicked him at his lowest point. When you decide to label a article take the time to think about what that person may be experiencing. I read Sundays paper that the man is drinking himself to death and having nightmares and falling apart and then you come up with this title. Let me leave you News & Observer with one comment...."Until you can where WHITE then you have no business labeling someone".

War IS hell

skeeterhawk63 — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:55:46 -0500

I was there with Chad in Baqubah Iraq and I do suffer from PTSD, It is real and I too call on Chad from time to time for help. I am proud to have swerved with him and would do so again if he asks me to. I don't want to go back but I will if it means I can help "Bring' 'em all home!" Chad, i was proud to serve under you and will do so again, thank you for being "THE MAN !" From one of your dedicated soldiers,

SGT Roy D. Farve

SFC CHAD STEPHENS

SSG HINTON (RET) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 20:19:45 -0500

Great articles. It brought back memories from the period of time when we were deployed in Iraq. I pray that you are seeking help from the VA.dept. I miss hanging out with you all. Hang in there I am still praying for the soldiers and their families. If anyone needs my support I am still available to help. Keep your head up and continue to do a great job like I know you can. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

SSG HINTON (RET)

Always there

Scott Schnack — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:18:13 -0500

Chad
Great article. It hits home in alot of ways. There are few that will never completely understand what a veteran goes through. As you know from working with me full time for the last 5 years I'm just a call away. I may have been transferred but my heart is always with my fellow brothern from A Co......especially those that I fought next too.

Articles like this no matter how much they may hurt HONOR our fallen. We need to keep spreading the word. RIP SPC Desens and CPT Cash!

SSG Schnack

You will over come Chad

Sgt Larry K. Meeks (Ret) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:07:52 -0500

I known SFC Stephens for long time and for onething I can say about him he dose take care of his troops. His troops comes before him. For what he did in Iraq was the call above and beyond duty for his troops. I fought two wars and I know what he's going through. Chad you are strong a strong person and I know you will over come this. You have friends that will help you through this hard times.

The Promise

danbarkin — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:42:50 -0500

The N&O has published the final installment in the series, The Promise, about Army Sgt. 1st Class Chad Stephens of the N.C. National Guard and one of the men he led in Iraq, Spc. Daniel A. Desens Jr., who died in combat. If you have read the series , please share your thoughts here.

The N&O has published the final installment in the series, The Promise, about Army Sgt. 1st Class Chad Stephens of the N.C. National Guard and…