33: Steven Elliott | A War Story, PTSD

Steven and I chat about being a "good kid", becoming an Army Ranger, his role in the death of Pat Tillman, PTSD, and how the grace of God literally changed his heart. 

4:15 Steven begins sharing his faith experience as a child and how he was a "good kid"

"The lens I would describe a lot of my faith journey, I suppose, is through the lens of the prodigal son....In retrospect, as I grew up, I am a good rule follower.  I can't stand it if people aren't approving of me.  I viscerally need that...."

Steven talks about pride and how the idea of do X and get Y was very appealing to him.  

"Going into the military in 2003, I was very much the older son in that story [prodigal son]."

7:55 Steven shares about joining the army in the wake of 9/11 and becoming a Ranger

He describes how one becomes a Ranger in the Army.

11:32: Steven became a Ranger in the 2nd Ranger Battalion based at Ft. Lewis where he was assigned to his platoon.  In his platoon were two brothers, Pat and Kevin Tillman.

April 2004: Platoon sent to Afghan/Pakistan border to conduct combat operations (raids and patrols)

12:47: Steven explains what a raid and/or patrol looks like for a Ranger Unit. 

15:22-27:40 Steven shares the details of April 22, 2004

"Once the smoke cleared our platoon had sustained 2 casualties (2 dead and 2 wounded). One of those that were killed was an Afghan military soldier....the other who was killed that day was Pat Tillman." 

28:00Steven shares how the narrative surrounding Pat Tillman death varied greatly between the American media and what actually happened on the ground

SHOW NOTES continued 

Steven Elliott's book: WAR STORY

Elliott Fund

__________________________________________

Follow Grace Enough Podcast on IG and FB

__________________________________________

SPONSOR: Hope Threads 

This organization was founded by moms in north Raleigh, who have been inspired and motivated to join with highly resilient and talented refugees as they learn English, and develop marketable skills to support their families. These women come from countries with political turmoil, where they had to fight for the safety of their families. They’ve been given the opportunity to come to the United States and the challenges still exist, though they’ve changed face. Their children are generally thriving in school, though they lack the language skills to understand what’s being said in parent teacher conferences….or to know how to get their children proper medical care in the maze of a medical system. 

Multiple barriers exist that prevent these women from traditional employment opportunities, as most of them do not have cars to get them to work, the finances to pay for childcare, or the language skills to communicate and advocate for themselves. Hope Threads was born out of relationships formed over years of serving these women by teaching them English or caring for their children as they learn.  They are graciously hosted by North Ridge Bible Chapel and have virtually no overhead costs, as volunteers teach sewing skills and care for children in a gospel centered children’s program. 

You can find them online at hope-Threads.com or on Instagram at hope.threads.

Your purchase empowers a resilient woman as she acculturates, learns new skills, and supports her family.

Please visit Hope Threads to view their catalog and/or sponsor a refugee woman.

 
 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steven and I chat about being a "good kid", becoming an Army Ranger, his role in the death of Pat Tillman, PTSD, and how the grace of God literally changed his heart. 

4:15 Steven begins sharing his faith experience as a child and how he was a "good kid"

"The lens I would describe a lot of my faith journey, I suppose, is through the lens of the prodigal son....In retrospect, as I grew up, I am a good rule follower.  I can't stand it if people aren't approving of me.  I viscerally need that...."

Steven talks about pride and how the idea of do X and get Y was very appealing to him.  

"Going into the military in 2003, I was very much the older son in that story [prodigal son]."

7:55 Steven shares about joining the army in the wake of 9/11 and becoming a Ranger

He describes how one becomes a Ranger in the Army.

11:32: Steven became a Ranger in the 2nd Ranger Battalion based at Ft. Lewis where he was assigned to his platoon.  In his platoon were two brothers, Pat and Kevin Tillman.

April 2004: Platoon sent to Afghan/Pakistan border to conduct combat operations (raids and patrols)

12:47: Steven explains what a raid and/or patrol looks like for a Ranger Unit. 

15:22-27:40 Steven shares the details of April 22, 2004

"Once the smoke cleared our platoon had sustained 2 casualties (2 dead and 2 wounded). One of those that were killed was an Afghan military soldier....the other who was killed that day was Pat Tillman." 

28:00Steven shares how the narrative surrounding Pat Tillman death varied greatly between the American media and what actually happened on the ground

SHOW NOTES continued 

Steven Elliott's book: WAR STORY

Elliott Fund

__________________________________________

Follow Grace Enough Podcast on IG and FB

__________________________________________

SPONSOR: Hope Threads 

This organization was founded by moms in north Raleigh, who have been inspired and motivated to join with highly resilient and talented refugees as they learn English, and develop marketable skills to support their families. These women come from countries with political turmoil, where they had to fight for the safety of their families. They’ve been given the opportunity to come to the United States and the challenges still exist, though they’ve changed face. Their children are generally thriving in school, though they lack the language skills to understand what’s being said in parent teacher conferences….or to know how to get their children proper medical care in the maze of a medical system. 

Multiple barriers exist that prevent these women from traditional employment opportunities, as most of them do not have cars to get them to work, the finances to pay for childcare, or the language skills to communicate and advocate for themselves. Hope Threads was born out of relationships formed over years of serving these women by teaching them English or caring for their children as they learn.  They are graciously hosted by North Ridge Bible Chapel and have virtually no overhead costs, as volunteers teach sewing skills and care for children in a gospel centered children’s program. 

You can find them online at hope-Threads.com or on Instagram at hope.threads.

Your purchase empowers a resilient woman as she acculturates, learns new skills, and supports her family.

Please visit Hope Threads to view their catalog and/or sponsor a refugee woman.

 
 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices