Handling A Homecoming
A class theme presented throughout the semester has been the psychological effects and impacts of war on families, friends, and relationships. As I watched Wood TV 8 prepare for the homecoming of Alpha Company Marine Josh Hoffman, I began to realize how people handle the impacts of war. Hoffman, originally from Kentwood Michigan, was seriously injured in Iraq and came back to the U.S. where he has undergone serious medical treatment for his injuries. His injuries are serious and as a result he is paralyzed and is aided my machines which keep him alive. Hoffman’s injuries have impacted his relationship with his family and girlfriend. How they are handling it is truly amazing.
In an article published by Wood TV 8, Hoffman’s brother made a comment about his return from Iraq, “it’s just like getting a present that you know you’re going to have forever.”
There are two ways for Hoffman to look at the future and how to handle it: 1) to be positive, thankful, and grateful or 2) be sorrowful, angry, and depressed. And Hoffman, along with his family, friends, and significant other has chosen number one.
The impacts of war can be life threatening for people and the approach that individuals take determines that outcome. Hoffman has been in a relationship for several years and his girlfriends approach on their future is extremely positive. Hoffman’s girlfriend said, “We get to focus on our relationship, and not have to just focus on the medical. We get to continue our relationship and enjoy that.” The approach that Hoffman’s closest people have taken is difficult to do. It also reflects his attitude on how he is going handle his situation in the future. His brother said, “He’ll see all the support he has. He’ll be, like, ‘Man, I gotta get strong; show that I can do this.’ That’s just the way my brother was. He’s a fighter.”
Hoffman was flown to the Airport in Grand Rapids where was greeted by hundreds of people. Fortunately, I was one of them because of my position at a police department, and was able witness seeing Hoffman and his motorcade. More importantly, I witnessed the support from the community that Hoffman deserves. There were people standing on every street and on every corner waving, clapping, and saluting Hoffman as the ambulance that was carrying him went by. Even though I am not a family member of Hoffman, I was impacted by what he did for our country and even more so, how he and his family are coping with the effects. I stood there with hundreds of others watching a soldier and a hero who sacrificed his life for our freedoms and more directly, the freedoms for the people in Iraq. Hoffman’s heroism can be debated because there are people that don’t look at what Hoffman did, and significantly more so, how he is coping with his condition as a result of what he has done. His character speaks for is heroism, “he did not want any pictures of his deplaning shown. Hoffman didn’t want ‘a pity party’.”
How can others have the strength that Hoffman shows when dealing with such a depressing situation? How can families, friends, and significant others cope with the impacts of war on their beloved soldiers?
Wood TV 8
March 25, 2008
April 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I saw some of the homecoming of Josh Hoffman, and was also struck by how positive the people involved in the situation were. I wondered myself how I would handle a situation like that, and am glad that I never have had to be in any circumstance where myself or a member of my family has been greatly injured. It was also eye opening to see how his family and girlfriend were reacting with the situation, always being very positive. It seems like they are all well prepared for what is to come, and they are going to be very supportive of Josh during his recovery.
April 11th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I was at the homecoming for Cpl. Hoffman and share the disbelief in their optimism. They have taken everything that has happened and focused on the positive. That requires a great strength by his family and friends. Cpl. Hoffman’s positive outlook on his situation shows his character and determination. To get a better perspective, you should know that Cpl. Hoffman is native to A Co out of Grand Rapids but was transferred to Weapons Co to augment their forces. This can lower morale quite a bit but as far as I know Hoffman continued to perform his duties well with his new unit.
After the terrible event that left him paralyzed, Cpl. Hoffman was flown to Texas where he underwent rehab until his homecoming. I was unaware before the homecoming that he was still not home. Even then though he is still positive and strong (no pity party). I can honestly say that I don’t think I’d have such an optimistic view after such a wound. His spirit was contagious as seen through his family and all those that were at his homecoming to support him. I was pleasantly surprised by the positive sentiment towards Cpl. Hoffman’s situation despite all the negative events occurring in the country.
April 14th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
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