Hear from Chet Falkenhainer, a former United States Navy Photographer’s Mate and combat photographer, as he shares his journey through the brutal realities of war and its lasting impact on his life.
VIDEO SCRIPT
Chet Falkenhainer
My name is Chet Falkenhainer. I was a United States Navy photographer’s mate in combat. I grew up not wanting to do anything other than being a member of the military. I was a first generation Navy. Had every other branch in my family, and it was kind of like, winning the lottery to deploy.
Desert Shield, Desert Storm. I was primarily out of Zakho Iraq in the northern no fly zone area. Combat cameramen we are there in frontline documenting the action as it takes place. You’re very disconnected while you’re doing it, because you have the shield of your camera in front of you. Every emotion you can think of is hitting you at the same time. You have sheer terror.
You’re numb. It doesn’t really hit you until after one thing that hits you immediately and that’s there with you the whole time is fear. I have a TBI, I think probably multiple. When I was in, that wasn’t something that was even discussed. I started having loss of vision, severe migraines. I would freeze up mid-sentence, kind of like lock up, not realizing what was going on.
Everything was very foggy. Constantly, constantly saying the same thing over and over and over, never knowing that I said it in the first place. So I struggled. Those of us who go in and have to sadly experience the worst of mankind in the real ugliness of the world, we really start to question morality. Not everybody can go back to a brick and mortar church and find their healing process.
I found out about Warrior Getaway. It impacted me a lot because it showed me that people cared. Joni and Friend invites and brings your family. And that was huge. This is only my second year here and it has been a blessing. This allows me to reconnect not only spiritually, but a belief in people that they’re good. Not everybody’s bad.
It’s gone a long way in my progress and getting to where I want to be. I had hesitation my first time because I had a lot of anxieties. We all think that we can do it ourselves. We’re warriors. We’re going to fight through it. But our shoulders aren’t that broad. And it’s okay to ask for help.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Chet Falkenhainer – a former United States Navy Photographer’s Mate and combat photographer
Recording Location
United States
Organization featured in this Story
Joni and Friends – www.joniandfriends.org
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