Rise Against - Hero of War (Veteran Reaction

[@XDex91]

Great reaction! I looked up this song as it’s one of my favorites, and I was happy to see your reaction video on my search. I thought your approach to it was excellent and well balanced, one of the better ones I’ve seen. I think the song is a great story about innocence lost. In a real war, naivety and good will get bashed against the rocks, as it turns into a desperate drive for the survival of you and your friends. Personally, I’ll always remember the LT who died on my first combat mission and that the airfield from which I operated was named after my classmate, lost to an IED. Thank you for the video!

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Thank you so much for the kind words brother!

[@lightningmonky7674]

I've only seen recreations of war and stories and it sounds as close to hell as real life can get. I could never willingly subject myself to the horror and I respect anyone whose subjected themselves to something so terrifying

[@psyckwhoever4197]

I once heard the quote "The horrifying part about war is not the dying. It's the killing." and it completely changed my perception on soldiers in general. Wars should be prevented, but if they have to be fought: Don't blame the ones risking their actual life!

[@nhogan84]

I can't get through this song without crying. I was there. I ..did these things. I'll never forgive myself. I just try to live life now and do the best I can.

[@AlexanderLingg]

I live in a country so small that we don't even have an army and I'm fortunate to live in a place that is distant from war. I can't say I truly understand what events like these do to a person mentally and emotionally, because to fully understand one must experience it. But I can imagine that nothing pleasent comes from these things. I might not be in a place to say this, but as I see it war is shown as a prideful thing when they recruit people. The battlefield itself on the other hand might as well be hell. You are alive and that's a good thing, because no bad person would feel that same way you do. You went through hardships I likely won't ever experience and I have the highest respect for people like you. Hold your head up, you're a good person at heart. I believe so wholeheartedly.

[@JP-rc2bz]

Same here. Something inside me died there and it effected a fundamental change in me. I’m 41 now and this song still moves me.

[@baseballMMAgames]

💯

[@tackleberry9386]

Things from your past do not have to shape your future, no one can even understand what it was like to be in your situation, you are brave enough to hold your hands up

[@randomwhiteguy8784]

I was there too not combat but I was a Navy Machinist Mate. When we hit port the first thing we did was sought the bars and the prostitutes. I look back now 20 years later and am disgusted with who I was as a young adult. Completely disgusted.

[@shanelamkie4755]

You can always tell the guys who were there but never had to fight. They are always talking about it. Loudly. At bars. Sucking up free drinks to “thank them for their service”. I really respect that you are one of the people who treat what happened to them with respect and somberness.

[@sunshynff]

Even though I was lucky enough to work with some amazing former military guys, several combat vets, during my career as a firefighter, I'm in no way comparing my former job to actually serving or being sent to war, but we had some of the same type knuckleheads in the fire service too. Guys that would wear their class A's (not sure about the military, but that's just under our dress blues, like the most proper shirt for a duty day, if your going to mingle with the public and what not), on their way home from work just so they could stop at their local Starbucks or breakfast joint and get free sh*t and lots of "thanks for what you do" BS. It was really bad after 9/11.

[@Gumblethebear]

Very true. I grew up around a bunch of old seals. They never spoke of the things that happened to them in the 60s or 70s. I wanted to be them and nearly was. Every single one of them, when I wanted to sign up in 2005 told me not to. Every one of them looked haunted. Real soldiers don't brag, they endure. May God have mercy on their souls.

[@Zerio]

PLEASE react to more rise against, they have some great songs. Fun fact about this song, in the first verse, he sings about the american flag saying "'Cause it's a flag that I love". But in the last verse after singing about killing the girl with the white flag (flag of peace). He instead sings "And I brought home THAT flag", "Its the only flag I trust", meaning he is singing about only trusting the flag of peace / the flag he brought home. I would recommend these songs, in no particular order: - Survivor Guilt - Make it stop - Re-Education - Help is on the way - Savior - Prayer of the refugee - This is letting go - Disparity by design - Give it all Most of their songs are bit more punkrock and not acoustic like this one.

[@kl2355]

especially make it stop would be interesting

[@wintertrooper7918]

This song wouldn't work in their typical punk rock style

[@Whatareyouumadeof]

Dude I’ve been listening to this song since it came out and i never put that together. Bringing home THAT flag. It makes so much sense. Makes the end more meaningful than I thought

[@tooclosetokyle]

You need Ready to Fall in that list.

[@marcusjohnson2922]

Honestly just listen to their discography. So many great songs about many different social issues that go unnoticed or even blatantly ignored.

[@crimsonriver07]

A family friend hosted an event of Vietnam veterans telling their stories and answering questions a few years ago. One thing that has stuck since was one of the men said "don't thank us for our service. We aren't proud of some of the things we've had to do. Just please welcome us back home, we're lucky we got to go back."

[@Theogvineofthedead]

I love you brother, and no matter what happpend... just know that you are loved man

[@blakeherndon7775]

"They're not proud of what they had to do to survive" is an amazingly insight to the actual mentality of a deployed Soldier. We weren't over there thinking we were defending freedom or our country or democracy or whatever. They were over there fighting a fight they didn't start and in many cases didnt agree with. But that's part of the job of a Soldier. Go where you're told to go and fight who you're told to fight.

[@deltav864]

That's the whole problem, if you just follow orders even the ones you don't agree with, you're no longer an individual, but a tool. And I get why there's somewhat of a need for hierarchy, but it needs to be balanced with adequate pressure valves that'll allow soldiers to have a voice that's actually listened to, instead of a culture of fear and blind obedience. That way you won't have to ostracize and label whistleblowers traitors. Like Chelsea Manning.

[@ExploringWithBenandSam]

As a prior vet myself (Army combat vet 2005-2011 with 3 tours in Iraq and Afghan respectively) boot shining and pressing uniforms was a huge deal in just basic responsibilities as a soldier.....but this song always hit home. Did personnel searches, vehicle searches, QRF missions, EOD cordons, it is a huge ordeal and man it takes a toll on people. This song really represents the trials and decisions one must make in a situation such as war. Not everyone would react in the same manner (i.e. firing on a young child) but we are trained to identify such potential threats it can overtake people in those situations... the final chorus really "simplistically" sums it up with "just medals and scars" as not realizing the possible traumas those individuals received in their actions even if truly all justified, but it still takes a toll. So props to you for your service and luckily I have never had to deal with such things as PTSD or such (not noticeably anyways) and am grateful for that, but respect all those and best wishes for those who have.

[@rakkasan-to4vq]

I touched two wires together that I saw hanging out of the dash of a semi truck, just to scare a new guy once. Then I realized I totally gave zero f***s at that point because I was so used to it by then. All that happened was a cd popped out of his radio.

[@burakcagrduman497]

The question is though, not why you guys took these decisions, the question is, what the hell are you guys were doing in iraq or afghanistan, why you guys got into a situation that made you guys have to take hard decisions

[@metalpunk1234]

@@burakcagrduman497 the government, they always give the order and control, is either do the mission or you serve life in prison for deserting the mission, so what choice did they have?

[@Ronbo13]

You did a great reaction video Bro!!!! Watched it many times now, loved the pauses and commentary on the things we can all relate to.

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Appreciate that

[@arthurwanderstheworld]

Bro beautiful review of rise against song hero of war. You being a war veteran makes even impactfull and insightfull. Very well done. Keep it going ✊✊

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Thank you!

[@thegriffin88]

This hit me differently watching you. I don't normally tear up over a song but seeing your face have that 'yeah' expression did get the ducts going. I love Rise Against and I love our military, even if I don't always love what the government decides to do with them.

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@benvaughn2367]

Don't know what to say except thank you for being so open. This one video helped me have a little bit better understanding of what an entangled and incredibly difficult experience so many service members had to deal with. We're all glad you came home.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

I was one of the last training companies to go through Benning with Black boots and M81 Woodland BDU's in '05, I don't miss shining boots at all lmao!!! Every time, EVERY TIME we rolled through Sadr City we took some kind of contact, the worst besides IED's and EFP's and complex ambushes was those RKG Grenades that could be and were thrown at us from roadsides and alleyways. Nasty stuff. Very true, all my heroes are in a cemetery or scattered in the wind and sea. I still hope you do "In Honor" by As Blood Runs Black at some point, that song means so damn much. Hella love brother, if I don't talk to you on Veteran's Day, have a great one and thank you for doing your bit bro.

[@conors4430]

Important to remember, Rise Against aren’t anti-soldier, they are anti-war, especially wars that throw soldiers and civilians into conflict with one another for bullshit reasons

[@PlayItOnEasy]

@@conors4430 they're just pro humanity

[@realWARPIG]

Sure sounds like they are anti soldier in this song to me. I fought in Iraq and I didn't piss on or beat anyone.

[@PlayItOnEasy]

@@realWARPIG they're not describing EVERY experience. But can you honestly say that you never did anything that you were morally opposed to?

[@heysylvs]

I'm so glad I found your reaction to this song. I love Rise Against and wondered what a Veteran would think.

[@gabrieltorres8017]

Thank you for this reaction, it was so real and for sure this song is showing something to you. I am glad that you mentioned the mental health of the veterans, I am not sure if someone can recover from traumatic episodes lived in a war.

[@TheGoddamnBacon]

You couldn't have done better. You did exactly what you needed to. That's why you're back, and that's why we're glad you're back. Be well.

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

I appreciate that!!!

[@bg874]

Thank you for your service. As far as i can tell there were no easy choices there. You did what you had to. Thank you.

[@dylanlevy2107]

Hearing this live is crazy the crowd goes from mosh pit to a united team

[@bigSpidermanfan]

I just saw them tonight and that's exactly what happened. I was afraid they weren't gonna sing this song, but I'm glad they did. I'm a vet myself, but I never saw combat, but this song still hit me. Very powerful song

[@SHTFdoc]

Thing is, he's not saying I'M a hero. He's saying other people slap that label on him and in his mind it's absolutely undeserved.

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Very true

[@buruzn09]

I’m not entirely sure how you can go to war and come back with your soul completely intact. I don’t know that I’d have the strength to endure it myself. I have so much respect for those that survive it, especially those that use what must be a harrowing experience to do good back home.

[@imblue9009]

This song gets me all emotional and makes me cry cause I realize how much our men and women have to go through when they go into the field not knowing what they’re going to encounter and whether or not they’ll lose their lives or have their friends and comrades lose their lives. While I might never know what that is like, just know that you have my undying respect and gratitude for what you do for our country.

[@WoodMizer_Will]

Thank you to all the vets for you're service!

[@SapperWoody]

Found this on Veteran's Day, 2023. I appreciate the video. OIF/OEF, medically retired. 12B, Route Clearance.

[@jakehose1]

My grandfather never could, and uncles still don't talk about what they went through in detail. I went to follow my grandfather's footsteps (he served in the army, WWII and Korean war) and sign up. After he found out, he snapped on me. He told me he had done enough fighting for all of his family. These words of his reply when I told him he was my hero (still is, for more than his service) rings in my ears today, "There are no heroes in war, just victims."

[@Ben-p3b]

I just found out about this song a couple months ago, and I love your reaction, I am not a vet of any kind I just like the song, but I never fully understood what it was about. Thanks for this, I subbed :)

[@tacobeartaco7140]

Sends chills down my spine, every time. U.S. Army, 11B, '06-'10, 2nd ID and 1st Air Cav.

[@martinpoirier3492]

Dear neighbor, I'm from the North. I just discovered your channel and you're important. I'm not a soldier but many friends are. We thank you for your sacrifice, dedication and we really need to support all current and veteran... and their family too. Heros never see themselves as heros, they are heros cause they do things for others humans they love and provide a better life to others. Anyway, I'll share your channel and thanks for your generosity. Never give up

[@nightrocker1343]

My twin brother was one of the 22 a day who lost to his own battles. We were 26. I'm 28 now. I can't listen to this song without crying. I miss my twin brother.

[@OlegNik46]

Thank you! Great video!

[@badkarmabiker3539]

I agree with you about discipline we had to shine our boots constantly. I like the shirt your wearing I ride with the Delaware chapter

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Yea man as I mentioned in my other comment I’m the SAA of the 23-11 chapter in texas

[@RaineJT]

Honestly, it's the main reason why I hate when people thank me for my service when they find out. Not a single part of me wants to be thanked for what happened, no matter how proud I am. As a Marine it's burned into my brain to always keep that as a part of myself, but at the same time I would much rather people see me as the person I want to be first instead of the person I was while I was in uniform. I'll never forget my service, but sometimes I wish I could.

[@marcusjohnson2922]

Former Army 11B here, 10-13 Afghan, this is the most accurate description of how I've felt ever since I got out.

[@nathansmithjones]

And it's the fact that you sometimes wish you could forget-----THAT is the sacrifice that we are all so grateful for. Thank you.

[@hahajaxsontv]

I never served. But my childhood best friend did. He is the best person I know. And the shit he had to do over there fucking broke him. I watch him barely hold his shit together today. But he does, for his daughter. This song breaks my heart. I can't make it through this track without thinking about him and ugly crying.

[@hatfieldmccoy0311]

Was cruising KZbin, cant sleep again, and found brother. Heavy one here, the civilian shit, man I have found peace with some things, but bro there is a reason I am here at 0245 commenting on this, man I will never know how to make some shit right. The medals mean nothing, you can't eat them, civilians don't know what they mean, they don't bring back buddies, they don't stop the dreams, I am proud of my service, just wish I could justify the reasons for being there other then making rich men richer. After the invasion in 03, and they captured Saddam we should have left. Man the heroes, the ones worthy of a thank you, are the ones that didn't make it home. I don't understand somedays how much better men then myself didn't get the chance to be where I am right now. Got a new subscriber

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

I was boots on ground not to long after ballad was taken over. One of the biggest hurdles that we could never overcome was creating an actual fighting spirit within the locals there.

[@blightburnt]

I'm not a veteran. My dad is. it's been years and he wont talk to me about what he did. i know his mannerisms, and i recognize them from the PTSD i have from other situations. i try to respect it and not ask but im so curious. i appreciate the amounts of personal commentary you are giving.

[@matdiclemente3564]

I love this song but I can never sing along.. far too emotional.. Thank you for your service.

[@JFRED_254]

You're not a hero doing for what you did... you're a hero for shouldering the burden that came with doing what you were ordered to do.

[@harrietelizabeth9195]

I have known and loved this song since it came out. I always saw that little girl as innocent, looking innocent, being no danger. This is the first time I have actually understood why he fired at her. I genuinely never understood she could be seen as a threat. I know they use children as soldiers for that exact reason. There's a scene in one of my favourite movies (a Korean war movie called 71 Into The Fire) where a SK soldier shoots and kills a NK CHILD and the other SK soldiers get angry at him for killing a child and he says "he had a gun. he's the enemy." But for some reason, I never really understood why the girl died in this song until now. You should watch 71: Into the Fire. It's a true story about 71 high school students during the Korean war who had absolutely no training using guns or anything (apart from 2 of them) but were told to keep watch of a South Korean headquarters and to call the actual army if anything happened. Basically they were expected to just sit there for a few weeks and bury bodies, they werent even trained in guns because they never expected the NK army to show up there. What ended up happening is a whole brigade of the NK army went to that HQ but the SK army were busy elsewhere and these 71 CHILDREN with only the training their 2 same age soldiers had given them, fought off that whole brigade of the NK army for 11 hours (still in their school uniforms) until help arrived, helping turn the war in their favour. CHILDREN. 14-18yos. They held off a whole brigade of the NK army for 11 hours!!!! They have a holiday for them. This is the english trailer, the movie is in korean: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKakl6iYoNtmr5I&ab_channel=CineAsiaWorld Absolutely fantastic war movie and so so moving.

[@gingerfurrdjedi6211]

I think that "the last word we would call ourselves" comment is why I think many of us have a hard time hearing thank you. I hate being thanked. I wish I could tell civilians what they are thanking when thanking me.

[@brandoncrusen9160]

I never thank veterans because I know better. It's not your fault but the overarching mission is fascism, some know better before volunteering.

[@claytonjensen4047]

I walk away feeling guilty for what I’ve done. If people knew, which I thank God they don’t, they probably wouldn’t talk to me at all.

[@brandoncrusen9160]

@@claytonjensen4047 it takes a man to admit it. I'm sorry you were sent to war. It shouldn't have happened for them, for us, for everyone in the world.

[@rubensberres]

When i see guys like you (veteran) all i desire to you it is finally now, your have a good life, fully of peace and happiness, max respect for all the things you have pass all over these years in activity. all we do is definitely say, we stand with you. because, we know practically everything you do, on the service, is a thing you never gon be proud of that, and also we know you dont have fault on all this things.

[@spudsdj8384]

I always say " don't thank me thank to those who never made it home"

[@sunshynff]

I usually request this video every 4th to a few reactors, some do it, some don't, guess it's too heavy for some people's channel. I didn't realize you did it last year, right on. I know we don't always see eye to eye on some things about our country, but I think we can agree on one thing my friend, the freedom we'll be celebrating tomorrow comes at quite a cost, and the few that pay it for the many, are too often overlooked or forgotten about. Enjoy the holiday tomorrow, tell someone who's not expecting it how happy you are they're in your life. Take care, stay safe, I see you.

[@juicemAster2000]

This hit me hard bro. Take care hero!🏅🎖️🥇

[@TheGavin1994]

I think that's why the song is called hero of war, is said ironically because no matter what war that is, there is no hero in war. War is a horrible thing and there's no debating that, no matter how necessary.

[@stepandanek6138]

I respect you for being honest, not everybody is.

[@ritacall5588]

i love you, youre so real and honest

[@dirkscheidemann3127]

I did not expect this. I was expecting resistance, defence maybe. Rejection of accusation. I would probably have fallen for it. Because they know nothing. And how could they ? But your reaction was more honest than anything i could have expected. Sometimes it is necessary to send people to fight. But the guys who send us should know about the uglyness. And those who decided to send us should own the uglyness as well. Like we do, as long as we live.

[@MustyMouse]

Hi there, thank you for your service. I don't know if everyone likes hearing that, but I like saying it, so thank you for doing what you felt was right when so many others didn't or couldn't. You earned my sub for sure. There's a lot of discipline in doing mundane tasks to perfection, not because you want to, but because you have to. Better to instill that thought process on something trivial like boots than to try and apply abstract concepts to it after the fact. As far as mundanity goes, I leave you a quote from the great Bruce Lee: "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Thank you for you support!

[@Hello_its_Daniel]

This song goes deep. No one that I know actually understands this. But I understand what this song is about, I can relate to it. I really do hope the people in Iraq lives better lives. I hope my brothers in arms are well. I am not asking for forgiveness. I just want people to stop suffering. I know that this song is about soldiers that joined the military to do good. But instead ended up with evil all around them, that taken the best out of them. There are many time I have to numb myself at this day. Believe it or not, I still think about the events every day. But during the events, I was one of the calmest soldiers that my comrades ever met. But even when I am calm, deep down, I am very sad on what is happening for everyone. So now that I am back home. I calmly remember everything. I calmly react to what triggers me. In my head the rewind button still rewinds, even now. I cannot control it. It just does it in my head. Over and over again. But I still go on my day with fake smiles. Well I do have real smiles. Even though I already have my VA disability. I am still trying to ask for help. The VA sucks ass... Well at least we have something right. Take meds....or dont take meds. Those meds sucks by the way. They don't work. Oh well I was there 2007-2008 US army infantry, if that matters. I do look younger than I look. So just in case people start thing Im too young for this. But hey great video. Your the first that I seen talking about this song.

[@Stolens87]

Thanks for your reaction. I am as far away from soldiers/wars/violence as possibly imaginable: I work in a peaceful office with a boring job so I am in no position to criticize or judge anyone... But I live my life in Germany as a German. And I had grandfathers whose... "retirement experience"... differed quite significantly from that of people of other countries to put it mildly. I had pretty intense lessons in schools of that really specific part of our history over and over again for multiple years. And I've always been a big fan of that, because that is the only way trying to stop history from repeating. That is the only thing I can try to achieve in my life. We asked ourselves the usual questions: Why did the people (our grand parents!) did not do something against that? Why did the soldiers work so recklessly when stuff became obvious? My grandfathers sounded like: "we were not proud, but we had to do it, we were ordered to, we committed no war crimes, we were tricked, we were forced...". When I heard of war crimes committed by US leaders ("there are WMD in Iraq", Guantanamo, some of the drone strikes) but also US soldiers (collateral murder)I was shocked. These are supposed to be the good guys that hold up high moral values and fight for freedom and democracy. The situation of shooting an approaching person is something that I can totally understand even if that must be the most horrible thing for a soldier. But like you said: It is a "you or them" situation, totally fair in the book of history. But torturing a pow or kidnapping civilians for little to no reason just as method of intimidation is under no circumstances reasonable... that is on a small scale stuff my grandfathers did but without the (imho important) historical workup. Nothing against you personally of course, thanks for reading.

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Nothing personal taken. However, I don't know of the war crimes that you speak of. Could you elaborate on that please?

[@oscarbatanete]

@@TormentedVet_ReactionsIt might be an issue of telephone wire narrative, we do see certain acts done by the US here in the EU in a different way. Some of those are touted as “war crimes” though objectively I would say that what most media is trying to say is “ ‘potential’ war crimes”. Although of course Guantanamo is a thing, for which we do have proof, and I believe some of the cases there are being reviewed in the international courts. However, one must also remember that the US can’t be tried by the ICJ

[@loonatic1011]

@@TormentedVet_Reactions The whole war on Iraq was a war of aggression on made up pretexts. The crimes during that war are numerous. The most widely known and must horrifying thing was the torture in Abu Ghraib. Apart from that Wikileaks released footage of arbitrary shootings of civilians mostly from helicopters. Aside from Iraq the drone warfare in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen has also led to countless cases of mass murder on civilians via drone strikes, the treatment of detainees from the so called "war on terror", most notably in Guantanamo is also full of cases of torture, humiliation and abuse. Even abducting suspects and holding them in prison for months, years, even decades without trial and conviction is a war crime and is standard practice in the "war on terror". What is particularly problematic about the US military and society is that after countless war crimes commited or actively supported by the US in the Cold War, becoming most obvious in the Vietnam War and by now more than 20 years into the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and more countries in that region, the main critical takeaway in discourse in the US seems to be that these wars have harmed their veterans. Of course, that is true. But the crimes commited, the horror, violence and destruction inflicted by the actions of the US military is mostly disregarded. Whistle blowers of war crimes have been convicted in courts for revealing the truth. But perpetrators of these crimes or leaders like Rumsfeld who ordered the torture of detainees have gotten away without consequences. Civilians tortured in Abu Ghraib just recently have finally managed to get a court to investigate their case against a military contractor (CACI) responsible interrogation at Abu Ghraib. After 19 years. Someone like G.W. Bush is still part of "polite society" with audiences laughing with him when he jokes about confessing to have launched a brutal and unjustified war. After 75 years of US military history, I cannot accept anyone pointing out that they were just following orders. When you joined the military most of these crimes had already been commited and no one was holding the cuprits accountable. Joining this kind of organization you know what you are signing up to. Ignorance of it's history is not an excuse when all the information on that history is just a few clicks away. And that is the part that works better in Germany. The crimes commited are integral part of school curriculae. No one in Germany gets through school without having to deal with that history. And many perpetrators of the crimes have been held accountable.

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

@@loonatic1011 are there bad people from every walk of life, yes. But the doesn’t mean everything that was done over there is necessarily a crime. Most of the things you speak are only what the media wanted you to see. And of course it is typically misconstrued to put those that were fighting in a bad light. I’m pretty sure that if someone walked up and slapped your mother in the face you wouldn’t just stand there and let it happen, or would you. At the end of the day your perception of what we did there and the reality of actually being there are very different. It’s easy to pass judgement on others having never walked in their shoes.

[@JewelShadow]

Hear me out a sec- I'm really curious what you would think about EPIC: The Musical. It's a set of music albums being released by independent creators covering the events of The Odyssey. I haven't seen any veterans react to it yet, and really, thats what it is. It's the story of a war vet doing everything in his power to try and get home. The first two songs are called The Horse and the Infant + Just a Man. Gigi's fan animatic is the best one that I've seen, and illustrates both songs.

[@metal7417]

Song hits home a little too hard Loved ur respect and reaction to such a hard song to talk about Us vets definitely gotta be taken care of and it starts with self, take care of yourself, we went through things no one should have to, just remember ur home now and take care And as far as the being thanked for serving, yeah I’m Army, F off, don’t tell me that 😂

[@Denisstrix]

This song always reminds me of how sad I was when my uncle went to war in Afghanistan. Every evening I thought you would come back safe. He was the coolest in my family. I wanted to be like him we are from germany

[@t-man5196]

Hey man, thanks for sharing your perspective, I may not agree with all your takes, but I appreciate you having the courage to share your thoughts on this song.

[@e_ripley1267]

1989- 2004. multi combat vet.. So remember spit shining boots.. lol. Airborne!!

[@OneInTheMosh]

Raw and real, man. Liked and subbed

[@wrldisyours3328]

Thank you for your service sir

[@declanflynn2580]

Glad you found this song. My cousin and all the boys that served in the war on terror, didnt get any songs written for them like vietnam boys did. I hope this song means something to you guys, we owe you all so much and it feels like most hardy know it. Thank you.

[@MrMancreatedgod]

I mean I'm just gonna say it. Not every combat veteran does these things and you're generalizing all into one. There are good people who've done despicable things. There are more terrible people who've done despicable things. Veterans aren't comparable 1:1 just like any group of people in any walk of life. Use your head instead of melting for bs narratives. The majority if combat veterans HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS.

[@safeysmith6720]

Hey bro. As long as humanity exists, your services are recorded in the history books. You played your part in the history of humanity and you are great.

[@solo2361]

The army has changed a lot. Some of the airborne still shine their boots. I served for 11 1/2 years before I got out it was a completely different animal.

[@solo2361]

Not in a good way either

[@theodorebear6714]

Hope you're doing well. Horrible things happen, but every day, the sun rises, and we have a chance to be better people. Take that chance. Ideally, there will be a point where we look back, and we are proud of what we do for the sake of our own redemption. Had to help someone who was starving himself to death because he thought he would never see his son again. I told him if he k*lls himself that I understand and I don't blame him but I would miss him. The next day I went back to the hospital and he was eating lunch. Recently, he's been re-connected with his son and they build model air planes together. When I had seen him eating lunch I knew he had made a choice but I was proud of myself for being honest with him and telling him how I really felt even if it may have been the last thing I told him. Sometimes, doing what's right isn't easy, but it's always worth it.

[@vincent.mazkett187]

Good point about a Woman who runs forward... Very conflicting on the Soldier's Part 😢😢😢

[@frankstamm3734]

I help out a-lot vets i would stay quiet while they vent out there pain as cab driver working in a military town I would see them leave for deployment knowing that some won’t make it

[@HeavyDandWhiskey]

Man, Such an Honest Reaction to an awesome song. your passion and Emotion blow me away. especially in a place like KZbin that is full of BS. I couldn't have smashed that Sub button any harder.

[@madamDOOM105]

The messed up thing is that regular civilians don’t think about the things vets had gone through. My uncle was MIA 3 times in Vietnam and he had to kill so many young people and kids because that’s the majority of the soldiers he faced. It permanently messed him up and when he returned home, people jumped him spit in his face and told him how worthless he was. He was so disgusted he threw away his metals and told his story only once and never again. He died in 2005

[@JamesDennis-y2c]

CVA. Much respect. Keep the shiny side up

[@tomcattko]

Thank you for surviving, and thank you for sharing.

[@randomgaming2717]

Just a tip for the future ether raise your voice or lower the music volume cos I had to keep changing the volume

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Thank you

[@NatalieV0331]

ive always held onto this thought, i dont respect what the military is today, but i respect those who thought what they were doing what right, that what they thought they were fighting for was right. i dont condone the actions of the us at all, but the service members that got caught up in all this i do respect, just not for the reasons they may think. i will always respect a person who fought for what they believed in, no matter what side, even though i may not agree with what they are fighting for. this last sentence may piss people off, but this is how i am, i respect the taliban fighters as they believe in what they are fighting for, and i respect the us military members as they believe in what they are fighting for. theres very few acceptions to this in my opinion.

[@L1cktySplit]

Good reaction sir. The honest opinion 🤝

[@pfc_church]

I am not a hero, but i serviced with heroes.

[@dedeferreira98]

Proud to be a soldier

[@vintagetrk]

This Song hits me hard. 504th P.I.R . 82nd Airborne Here and coming home is hard. I did shit that haunts me. You are forced to do things to survive war. You just have to do things and it haunts you.

[@tokarevtom3618]

Have you ever went to behavioral health in the military? I joined the army for many reasons but one of them was to try and fix my mental sickness (severe depression and paranoia) it exacerbated it and I did both trust anybody to help. I realized that the army is not a fix to mental health and I realized this when I almost got deployed to the middle east (I didn't since I just arrived to the unit) and I was wondering how you coped or seemed help if you had any mental health issues

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

I lean on my family and friends for my help. I have been diagnosed with PTSD. And deal with mental health problems, but as mentioned, when I need someone I have my fellow veterans, family and friends to lean on when I need it!

[@natmilcur]

You predicted the last verse, and I thought you had heard it before. I then saw the look in your eye when Tim started singing it. Never before has so much been owed to so few. Thank you.

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Thank you for the kind words friend!

[@natmilcur]

@@TormentedVet_Reactions no, sir. Thank you.

[@Clem68W]

Was in back in the 90s, got out and back again in the 00's. The Army became better at warfighting, but pretty terrible at garrison duty, which is where 90% of shit that ruins careers goes down.

[@ReezeGoingSenseless]

For what its worth, I am glad Afghanistan is no longer a concern for both Germany and the US.

[@Zazou_96]

I don't thank soldiers for their serving.. i apologize for what they been through.. war is hell and no one should be in the position serving a country who points at an "enemy". Soldiers around the world should stand united for freedom. Rise against hate!

[@skaarjconall]

The song was based on a documentary called 'The Ground Truth: After the Killing Ends' its worth watching

[@preacher6928]

Very interesting video, you did a great job

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Thank you very much!

[@NateyCat]

Great analysis from the lyrical perspective and as a veteran. It is enlightening from my perspective, a US citizen, to hear yours. Appreciate it.

[@mvahonk]

If you genuinely had not heard this song before, then 5:25 was some crazily coincidental foreshadowing

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

At the time I did the reaction I had not hear this before.

[@mvahonk]

​@@TormentedVet_Reactions Dayum

[@Knits4bunny]

Thank you. ❤

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Thank you as well!💚

[@joshfreeman5488]

11:35 You look tired brother!! I hope you’re doing ok? Much love from Australia 🇦🇺 💙

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

I was. But, i'm ok thank you!

[@Wolfman6743]

When I was younger I used to sing this song in pubs, and my Mom always thought it was a violent and "pro-war" song, but I told her "no, it's not." If you listen to the verses in conjunction with the chorus's, you'll understand that. In my understanding, in the first chorus the speaker is saying to the masses that he's going off to war and he's going to be a hero. In the second chorus it seems like he is talking to himself, like he's trying to believe that he will still be a hero, but he's not sure. In the third and final chorus, when the lyrics change, he's lost hope in the "hero" idea, which shows when he asks "is that what they see?" By this point he no longer feels that he is a hero.

[@muencher69]

Great comments!

[@TorchMeetsWorld]

I wohld also recommend This Is War by Smile Empty Soul... Also Be All That You Cant Be by Broadway Calls

[@bobcobb3654]

You did a great job on this vid.

[@chuckmanion1128]

I just stumbled on this and was glad to see this take on it. Firstly, thank you for handling this respectfully. However, I will give one piece of criticism. You tend to fall back on the phrase "it is what it is". I understand what you're saying, but saying it when talking about the fact there are bad people in the military (as well as every walk of life) is somewhat defeatist and implies that nothing can be done about it. It may be so that we can't weed out all the bad eggs, but that doesn't mean something can't be done to reduce or limit it. You may not have the answers or may not want to dive down that rabbit hole. That's 100% okay and its 100% okay to say as much. But I think "it is what it is" in this context glosses over and dismisses a problem that should be addressed. I don't think you intended to be dismissive, but just be aware of how that can come off. Other than that, I loved the video and thank you for bringing your perspective.

[@philipkalin1928]

War sucks.. allways. It dosen‘t matter what uniform you wear, what country or things you believe in. It sucks.

[@gerritglobisch]

Great reaction!

[@harrysguns]

I still spit shine my boots and taught my ex wife how to do it also when she started working in the jail system. I'm not "in" but I still get sent to places we have no business being in and having to do things that people shouldn't. I've seen some horrid things from s** trade raiding in C. America and so forth.

[@realnews6896]

Hmm .. Shit happens for sure. I see the cvma shirt My father is "doc" Reichard. Mom is Tweety. Thank you for your service.

[@PkmnTrucker]

Just gotta say... as a vet myself, those who enjoy telling people about the things they did in the military didn't actually do shit.......

[@willbrady5901]

its 2024 and I still spit shine my boots.

[@benlindsay1572]

Dude, joined in '01. Shined boots like a mofo

[@hwollemann82]

As a child of a military family I love this vid. My grandpa was Marines and my other grandpa air Force. Wish more people cared and this song gets me every time 💔

[@trumphatesyou]

MAGATS Hate this country.

[@STARPHASE]

Have to check out "Machine Gun' by Bad Flower. A similar message as this song, but, well, it's Badflower, who don't pull punches.

[@LinkinPady]

You took the first Part to serius it's a Song it's art... and it is deep ..

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

That kind of thing happens when you relate that close to it. Clearly not everyone will.

[@rafegraves1453]

I still shine my dress shoes and black boots but most of the time wear the brown ones. Maybe Navy is the only branch that still does idk.

[@richardmelissaelenbaasjr549]

You get 3 hot meals in the navy and see the world...USS Fahrion FFG-22 94-97 salute