PTS and justice

Former Marine Staff Sergeant Robert l. Thomas died last October in Wasilla, Alaska. Thomas was awarded the Silver Star Medal for capturing the Arch Tower in Hue, South Vietnam, during the 1968 Tet battle.

I did not know Thomas, but ran across his obituary while searching for someone else.

Of interest, in addition to his USMC service, was this statement from his widow, Cindy Caserta: “He never avoided a fight. He was a tough Marine, a warrior even after he had to retire from the Marine Corps, often with a heightened sense of justice to fight for what was right and to protect the defenseless from anyone who tried to take advantage of them.”

https://www.stripes.com/news/us/cajun-bob-thoms-marine-who-led-major-assault-during-vietnam-war-s-battle-of-hue-dies-at-75-1.602331

That last part – “a heightened sense of justice” -- is an indicator of post-traumatic stress. Military veterans with PTS have an intense sense of justice, I have read in several publications.

For some time before reading those publications, I wondered why, when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at meetings, I always put emphasis on the part “and justice for all.”

Ms. Caserta’s statement is the first recognition I have read from a person who is not a veteran. She is observant to have seen that sense in her husband’s makeup.