BYU-Idaho Radio · Rexburg Veteran of the Month talks about his experience and the importance of supporting veterans
Rexburg Veteran of the Month, JD West, has experienced war firsthand. After seeing his family members enlist in the military, West decided to do the same. He became a marine and was sent to Panama as part of the United States’ mission to overthrow the military dictator of Panama, Manuel Antonio Noriega Moreno.
While in Panama, West experienced what bootcamp prepared him for- combat.
“I have to be honest,” West said, “I was never scared because I was too busy to be scared.”
Sometimes Panamanians fighting in support of Noriega Moreno would change their uniforms, climb in trucks and try to retake the airport.
“There were a lot of instances where we were taking on these guys in the trucks. Until that one night,” West paused. “The night where I got, you know, injured.”
That night, shrapnel hit West’s shoulder and knee and went through his helmet. He was sent back to the U.S.
The trauma of combat has impacted West’s life and the lives of those he served with. West is grateful for the support of his wife and friends. PTSD among veterans is an issue, he says, and they need support. West has seen fellow veterans return and struggle with their mental health. Some of them even, in his words, ‘take the easy way out.’
“I just want America to know that your service members need you,” West said. “Not just to say, ‘thank you,’ to. But they need you to say, ‘thank you, we love you.’”
West is in contact with the people he served with. They are planning a reunion.