War sounds

This column was prompted by a short video on military.com. The video focuses on a U.S. Army infantry veteran who now works for Sikorsky on the final assembly of the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter (The UH stands for utility helicopter). He talks about what those helicopters coming meant to the infantry soldiers he served with. (The video can be viewed at military.com/video/aircraft/helicopters/what-the-sound-of-black-hawk-%0dmeans/3708454603001/.)

A soldier on the ground can hear the distinctive sound of a helicopter at a great distance and tell you what type of bird it is. The Blackhawk is the current workhorse for our ground forces, and like its predecessor, the Vietnam Era UH-1 Iroquois (nicknamed the Huey), the Blackhawk transports troops into and out of combat zones, rescues those in danger, evacuates the wounded, delivers resupplies even to those in firefights and engages enemy troops. The sound of the approaching helicopter means aid, supply, assistance or rescue are on the way.

For many years after serving in a war the sounds of helicopters, gunfire, fireworks and noises others ignore can bring back memories of events from that war. Thankfully time does temper those reactions, although the memories will continue.

As we approach July Fourth we will soon begin to hear fireworks in towns where they are legal. Those pops and bangs will take a war veteran back to the explosions they experienced in the war zone. Watching the veteran dive for the floor may seem humorous to those present but it is a reaction to a less-than-funny experience. That reaction is a an attempt by the veteran to save their life in a perceived attack. Even after the veteran realizes the truth about what just happened, the adrenalin is still flowing and the stress reaction will continue for a period of time. It is not a pleasant experience, and it is not unusual.

If you have a recently returned veteran in your family or neighborhood, warning them before the fireworks are ignited will help them be prepared for the noises. Try to be considerate on Independence Day of those who have stepped forward to defend our independence.

Jack Dragoni attended Boston College and served in the U.S. Army in Berlin and Vietnam. He lives in Chaffee, Missouri.