A Veteran’s Take on the Iran Nuclear Site Bombings: Preparedness, and Supporting Each Other
BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): The recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have triggered more than just international headlines – they’ve triggered our veteran community. While Americans are literally googling fallout shelters, we need to address the real impact on those who’ve served and their families.
The Fear is Real – And That’s Okay
Let’s be honest about what’s happening right now. People across America are searching for Cold War-era fallout shelters, dusting off emergency plans, and having conversations they haven’t had in decades. The fear of nuclear conflict isn’t just theoretical anymore – it’s sitting at kitchen tables across the country.
For veterans, especially those who served in the Middle East, this hits different. The news footage, the terminology, even the sound of those B-2 bombers – it’s all potential trigger material. If you’re struggling right now, you’re not alone, and you’re not weak. Your mind is doing exactly what it was trained to do – assess threats and prepare for action.
🆘 If you’re experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, or PTSD symptoms right now, reach out for help:
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then Press 1 (24/7 confidential support)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (mental health and substance abuse)
- Your battle buddies – don’t isolate
Remember: Asking for help is not weakness. It’s tactical intelligence gathering to take care of your mission – which right now is taking care of yourself and your family.
Chain of Command Still Matters
Here’s where I stand, and I’m not backing down from it: I support our Commander-in-Chief. Period.
And let me be crystal clear – this support stands regardless of whether you voted for him or not. I didn’t vote for Trump, but that doesn’t change my respect for those who voted for him, the office, and the chain of command.
As veterans, we understand something civilians often don’t – the President has access to intelligence briefings we’ll never see. He’s making decisions based on information that’s classified at levels most of us never reached. Whether you cast your ballot for him or someone else, he’s our Commander-in-Chief now, and part of respecting our democratic process means supporting the chain of command.
That doesn’t mean we can’t have questions or concerns. But it does mean we understand that sometimes military action requires split-second decisions that can’t wait.
My Personal Take (And You Don’t Have to Agree)
I’m going to share two personal opinions here, and I want to be crystal clear – these are MY views based on my faith and military experience. You don’t have to agree with me, and that’s perfectly fine:
- America as Protector: I believe America has served as the protector of those who cannot protect themselves for nearly two centuries. My military service in Germany, South Korea, and during Operation Joint Endeavor showed me firsthand what happens when people don’t have the strength or resources to defend themselves. Sometimes being the world’s protector means making hard choices.
- Supporting Israel: Because of what the Bible states, I personally appreciate any support America gives to Israel. Genesis 12:3 tells us “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse” – God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants. This comes from my faith perspective, and I recognize not everyone shares that foundation.
These are my convictions. They don’t have to be yours.
Preparedness Isn’t Panic – It’s Good Soldiering
Here’s something I haven’t talked much about publicly: I’ve been more serious about prepping since COVID hit. That pandemic was a real wake-up call about how quickly things can change, and it got me focused on preparedness in a way I hadn’t been before. As an adult, I’ve always had some level of preparation, but COVID and the sudden and quick collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge made it serious business. For the last year, I’ve been actively looking for a family compound property to secure my own family.
Before anyone starts thinking I’ve gone full doomsday prepper, let me be clear – this isn’t about panic. This is about applying military principles to civilian life.
As service members, we were always prepared. We didn’t hope for the best – we prepared for the worst and executed accordingly. True preparedness starts with mindset, not stockpiling. It’s about:
- Discipline and adaptability – Plans change, and we adjust 💪
- Resourcefulness – Making do with what we have 🔧
- Risk assessment – Identifying threats before they become problems 🎯
- Taking care of your unit – In civilian life, that’s your family 👨👩👧👦
When you’ve served overseas and seen what happens when infrastructure fails, when governments can’t protect their people, when basic security disappears – you don’t take American stability for granted. You prepare.
That’s not fear talking. That’s experience.
Managing the Mental Load
For veterans dealing with PTSD or combat trauma, this news cycle is exhausting. Remember what we know about energy depletion – you have finite mental resources, and following intense news about military action drains that energy fast.
Practical steps for right now:
- Limit news consumption to specific times of day 📺
- Step back from social media if it’s overwhelming ❌
- Use your coping strategies – whatever works for you 🧘♀️
- Reach out to your battle buddies 🤝
- Remember: It’s okay to protect your mental space 💚
For families: Your veteran might seem more on edge, more vigilant, or more focused on “what if” scenarios. That’s normal. Their training is kicking in. Support them, but don’t try to talk them out of reasonable preparedness measures.
Resources (repeated because they’re that important):
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then Press 1 (24/7 confidential support)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (mental health and substance abuse)
- Your local VA Mental Health services
We Can Disagree and Still Have Each Other’s Back (IGY6)
Veterans are passionate people – it’s part of what made us good soldiers, zoomies, devil dogs, grunts, puddle pirates, squids and our newest – rocket jockeys! But passion doesn’t have to mean division.
I know some of you will disagree with my stance on supporting the Commander-in-Chief. Others might not share my faith-based support for Israel. Some might think my preparedness focus is overkill.
That’s okay. We fought for the right that people can say and do what they want – it’s an American foundational principle. We can disagree on politics, strategy, and personal choices while still supporting each other through these challenging times. What matters most is that we’re here for our brothers and sisters who are struggling.
Share your thoughts, but remember we’re all on the same team when it comes to supporting veterans and their families.
The Bottom Line
The world may feel unstable right now. People are scared, veterans are triggered, and families are having hard conversations about “what if” scenarios.
But here’s what I know: We’re battle-tested. We’ve been through tough times before. We’ve faced uncertainty, made hard decisions, and taken care of each other when it mattered most. That doesn’t change now.
Take care of your family. Prepare responsibly. Check on your battle buddies. And remember – we don’t leave anyone behind, not in battle, and not in the fight for the benefits and support we’ve all earned.
Stay strong. Stay prepared. Stay connected. 💪IGY6
🎖️~Sarge
Founder, Boots 2 Benefits, LLC
U.S. Army Veteran (1987-1998)
📧 sarge@boots2benefits.com
📞 (443) 924-6809
🌐 www.Boots2Benefits.com“You served. You earned it. Now file with confidence.”
⚠️ Even Sarge isn’t infallible—I’ve been known to mix up my left from my right during formation 🤷♀️, so always double-check everything I tell you because while my heart’s in the right place, my brain occasionally goes AWOL. The last thing we need is a friendly fire incident! 🚫🔥