An Open Letter to Sarah Palin January 21, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: Bristol, charity, Palin, PTSD, Recon, Sarah, sniper, Track, USMC, VA
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Dear Mrs. Palin,
I am a former US Marine and US Navy Officer with a Combat Action Ribbon as well as service connected disabilities. I am also a Republican. I have also served with, and am friends with, dozens of combat veterans who suffer daily from various injuries and wounds to include PTSD. I recently read your comments related to PTSD in which you attempted to excuse your son’s arrest on domestic abuse charges and firearm charges by referencing his supposed PTSD. Based upon your previous comments I am not surprised that you would choose to use this very serious condition as a political football and, once again, attempt to divert blame from your own family’s abhorrent, violent behavior.
In 2014 your entire family was involved in a late night ‘drunken brawl’ at a party in which Track Palin (the accused domestic abuser) was involved in a bloody fight. While you publicly stated how proud you were at your children’s violent actions, maybe this should have been a sign that Track has a problem. It is certainly curious that you did not feel the need to reference his supposed PTSD in this situation and instead stated: “…my kids’ defense of family makes my heart soar!” Maybe, instead of encouraging Track’s violence, you should have taken the opportunity to get him help. Maybe, instead of being the result of PTSD, your son was simply trying to uphold the stated Palin family values and “…make your heart soar” by abusing a woman.
PTSD is stigmatized in the media and not well understood by the general public. An estimated 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the United States. This is nearly 8,000 veterans who take their lives every year. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) stated: “Every day in the United States, 22 veterans succumb to suicide — losing their personal battle to invisible wounds of war.” Veterans who have willingly given so much in service to their country should not have to bear the burden of being further stigmatized by your ignorant and foolish statements.
While I do not propose to speak for all veterans, I am clearly not alone in my views regarding your unfortunate statements. They were unfortunate for the many veterans who face further disdain and discrimination based upon your inaccurate and ignorant portrayal of those who suffer with PTSD as well as the causes of the condition.
While I would personally prefer that you simply avoid public life and simply fade away, if you insist on trying to use your “celebrity status” for a cause, please educate yourself on the facts of PTSD and try to help veterans by using your significant influence in a more productive, and less political manner. There are a number of veteran’s organizations to which you can donate time, money and energy to make a difference. Two organizations you may want to consider is the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation and the Recon & Sniper Foundation.
Regards,
Chris Mark
Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management 
An awesome letter with revered forethought. I suppose many of us readers will hope dearly that Mrs. Palin reads your letter and hope that she does not respond as ‘usual’. It would please me if others read your letter and realize that ‘critical thinking’ can be so much more powerful then listening and running with a celebrity social comment that has no merit. I hope others read this and read about PTSD and grow their understanding. Well done.
Very well said…thank you so much for your service to our great Nation Chris~~
Thank you Chris. Thank you for your service, thank you for being one of the reasons that I sleep sound at night, thank you for not only defending our nation but our soldiers as well. Thank you for your honesty and for being strong enough to stand up and speak the truth. I am greatful that there are still good people in the world such as you. Thank you for writing this letter, and for sharing it with the country.
very well said . I hope she reads this letter and remembers every word. I too said the same thing when she blamed her sons actions on PTSD because my son also has PTSD and he doesn’t act out like Track Palin did – as a matter of fact – I sought help for him instead of blaming the president or the war.
Well said Mr. Mark. I am a republican, but she needs to go away.
Excellent, we’ll written letter. And in her defense, she’s always been an idiot. Its a shame that (by some) she’s been put on a pedistal.
It would be wonderful if she had read this, but sometimes I wonder if she can read!
If you recall during McCain’s presidential run Palin was asked what she liked to read and she could not mention anything that she reads, newspapers books etc she couldn’t even think of one just a make up so she would have an answer she was simply stumped. So yes good luck on her ability to read this post or any other.
Yes, this is true and she tried to blame her lack of a good response on the media(Katie Coric)—she said they tricked her!
Right on. Thanks for sharing this info and putting that idiot where she belongs. Shows us what idiots are in politics and the level they will go for their own gain. Thank you for your service and making this statement.
Rich
Beautifully and thoughtfully written! Thank you for this response and for not just burying your resentment. Your voice is powerful!
This would be a good argicle if the author hadnt politicised it himself. I am also a vet and i think both dont truly understand ptsd and should leave diagnosis to doctors
The article was not about PTSD it was about Sarah Palin’s politicization of the issue and use of the issue to excuse her son’s domestic violence.
Mark, I disagree with one aspect of your letter, when you state ‘your significant influence’. Sarah Palin is a certifiable airhead, with zero influence.
Chris, you really are no better than her airing your political feelings about someone on public media…..doesn’t matter who it is, you and her both are using PTSD as an excuse to get attention and make excuses….soldiers aren’t the only ones who suffer from PTSD. Police and Correction officers also experience this unfortunate side effects from their job duties. Only one in about one hundred men can actually be a true warrior…..the other 99 will suffer mentally for reasons and weaknesses beyond their control…sorry that’s just the way it really is!
Very thought provoking open letter Chris…
First, I want to thank you from my heart for your service in defense of our country, It is a sad but true reality that the majority of people here in America truly have no concept of the sacrifices our fighting men and women make on a day to day basis. Secondly, I commend you for voicing what all Americans need to know about PTSD. As concerned Americans, we need to be educated and understand what is truly happening to our veterans when they come home from combat duty.
This is a true epidemic, and certainly not a new concept, as I am living with a Persian Gulf War Veteran who shows tattered remains of this syndrome himself. But in all frankness, how can you be certain that Track Palin does not suffer from PTSD? In that light, it is really is irrelevant who his mother is, no matter how much of a lightning rod she may be. All of his signs and symptoms, including apparent alcohol abuse, are a red flag to what a large number of veterans exhibit when returning home from their tour(s) of duty. Now, in defense of Sarah, she does operate in a political environment, but let’s not forget the important issue here, and that is Track. We as mothers only want the very best for our children, no matter how old they may be. Denial is bliss! Educate, Educate, Educate!
Thank your the thoughtful response!
Thanks Chris! I know this is a very critical subject. With war comes unspeakable damage to the men and women who have to shoulder the brunt of it. Thanks again for your service and bringing this issue to light.
Christine Baker
Thank you Christine. Very well said🇺🇸👏🏻👌🏻
Thank you Martha!
Christine, you made some good points. No one can know at this point whether or not Track has PTSD, so unless he was officially diagnosed his mother ought not to be making such a pronouncement – that is not only unfair to Track it is also unfair to millions who have been diagnoses. Excusing bad behavior is not the answer either. To boot, Track had a history of similar behavior before he ever enlisted. Many people with PTSD do not behave as he did so making that an excuse is also a disservice. It has been said that Track did not even see combat (I think it is more than just a rumor) and that he enlisted because it was either that or go to jail and then his mother used his enlisting in 2008 as a political selling point. His mother has a history of exploiting and excusing her children — that is the crime here, in my opinion.
Tina, I have to agree with you on the excusing bad behavior. You are absolutely right if Track has had a history of violence prior to his enlisting in the military. We recently just relocated from the Matanuska-Susitna Valley (Palmer) after living there five-plus years, but were never really in tune with Wasilla’s goings-on. As far as Track seeing combat or not, I do know that my husband, son, and son in-law have served a combined twelve tours between them in that region, starting with the onset of the Persian Gulf War way back in 1990. No matter the longevity of the tour or the degree of combat exposure, they each have had to deal with a magnitude of stressors when returning home, alcohol abuse included. I’d be interested in knowing the true number of veterans that are having these same types of issues upon returning home…
Now as far as the former Alaskan governor is concerned, I’m no Palin apologist. And by no means am I trying to single any one person out, we are all guilty of doing this at one time or another. It just seems to me, that it is extremely easy for all of us to sit behind our computers and armchair quarterback the motivations behind her perceived excuses. There is no question she is easily one of the most polarizing and divisive political figures in the public arena today. But no matter what we think, how we feel, or what our political affiliations and moral sensitivities are, you have to concede she is, at the very least, gutsy enough to put herself out there and engage on the issues while we the public, denigrate, ridicule, and criticize her every word from within the relative safety of our anonymous bubbles. It really has become too easy to attack any political figure (conservative or liberal) from behind our firewalls; what we need is more people to step up and put themselves out there like she is doing, instead of whining and pontificating the why’s of what she is saying or not saying. Otherwise, how can we expect any change in direction for our country.
I would agree with you…I was thinking the same thing as I read it.
Christine Baker….very well said. PTSD is different for each person who suffers from it. No one can say for certain how anyone will behave or react to a situation when PTSD is an issue. Mrs. Palin, will do what loving mothers do. Love her children unconditionaly. No one knows what their children will do. She is not responsible for her sons actions. He is an adult. If he is suffering from PTSD, I hope he gets help and learns from his mistake.
I like the article. My thoughts about the politics. I think she should get her son on the track of some help for his violence. I had two friends who commited suicide after their tours. and 4 years in a POW camp. She needs to spend some of her energy getting him some help. They were working and when we were together having a beer and a burger Fishing together, They kept saying they were so tired. It was an unbearable load after time. Then signs of the condition are elusive to a Layman. They has erosive family conditions due to being gone so long And being called baby killers when they arrived on a plane after R&R on the Phillipine islands did not help. Mrs Paline needs to re-access her direction and think more about getting her son some needed positive SKILLED attention.
Walter I am so sorry for you loss and I agree with the sentiment of getting Track the help he needs. Did you serve also? If so, thank you for your service! Every military member, past or present, are our countries finest! I, from the bottom of my heart, appreciate all of the sacrifices our service members make in defense of our country.
Christine Baker
Thank you for your service and thank you for this letter that I also hope she reads .
Excellent letter! Thank you. If you listen to her for over 2 minutes, it’s apparent she misuses words, makes up her own, and rambles like someone using mind altering substances. She doesn’t have a moral compass, and clearly isn’t helping her son by blaming his actions and behavior on PTSD. He clearly needs help, and hopefully he will get it, but as long as his mother enables him and covers up his behavior with excuses and blaming others, he won’t get better. It’s a shame. She’s not a positive role model for anyone. She is a media hogging egotistical idiot.
I tried to listen to her speech but her murderous use of the English language was more than I could handle.
God bless every Veteran in this country and shame on you Sarah!
Chris, I also thank you for your service to our country and wish to share your thoughts with my friends around the world. Hopefully Mrs. Palin will actually get to read your post and take some positive actions. I wish you well in the future.
Thanks so much for your service and for your continued support of the United States through your work with veterans. Thanks also for this letter and I do hope it has the effect that you intended. Thanks also for having the courage to write this.tb
Chris thank you for this letter and thank you for your service. It is a sad state in our country when Americans are so disillusioned with the political system that Trump and Palin are the fore runners in this primary. My wish would be abolishment of all political parties and let candidates run on their merits not on their party lines. This would take awhile, but in 20 years I hope we would end up with better fish in the pond. Maybe I am naive but my aspirations would be a blending of our system/society goals together like the melting pot American actually is. What can I say, I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s.
Thank you Chris and all our military. My son-in-law suffers from PTSD but has seeked help with it and is doing much better! For those calling Mrs. Palin an idiot I feel that she is not an idiot so much as she is ignorant. We have a lot of ignorant people in the US and they prefer it that way. They do not take the time to read and study facts. It’s just easier for them to scream lies and half truths and get people riled up.
Dear Mr. Mark,
I can’t thank you enough for your articulate and well-reasoned response to Ms Palin’s harmful,almost delusional comments.
As a staunch liberal, I know that we likely disagree on many issues. Nonetheless, I hope that people like you, if not you yourself, might consider a run for political office. I’ve been watching in dismay as the Republican party has unravelled and know that this only jeopardizes the common good – meaning a strong economy, a safe and healthy environment, a well-educated public.
People with your capacity should be our leaders and not the buffoons who seem to rise to the top, for whatever reason. As my father says, ‘If the good people wont put themselves forward, what you get is what you got.”
To be sure, you’ve already served this country more than most and to ask you to do more is really unfair, if not outrageous. At the same time, we desperately need people who are balanced, sane, thoughtful, articulate, and willing to speak out. On both sides.
With great respect and gratitude for your service,
Thank you for the kind words! I think we are all better served if we can simply have polite, reasoned discourse and debate instead of the divisive rhetoric that has pervaded our nation’s politics. Thanks again!
Here’s a soldier addressing his PTSD in an amazing way – creating a military magazine for veterans. He’s doing a kickstarter campaign and could use a few bucks. He’s only got 36 hours left…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/thomas-brennan-war-horse_us_56bcb5bce4b08ffac1242019
Bravo Miss Emily B… we do need bright and insightful people to run for public service. I stand with you to nominate Chris!
What a thoughtful, well-reasoned case you make for the acknowledgement, understanding and support we all owe American veterans who are so deeply injured while keeping the rest of us safe. Thank you for the reminder and for the rightful chastisement of anyone who uses their honor and suffering for selfish political ends.
The important issue is not Sarah Palin but her son, and in fact her family. If Track Palin has PTSD (although since he had a noncombat role it seems unlikely to me that this would be the case) or if he is “simply” a violent alcoholic, he should not be living in a house with multiple family members and where access to firearms is easy. Sarah Palin’s denial of responsibility and her absence at a crucial and dangerous time seems to leave all of her family, and particularly Track, in a tenuous situation.
Since his parents don’t seem interested, I hope that other family members or a veterans’ organization steps in and gets Track help in a secure environment where he cannot hurt himself or others as he recovers. We owe that kind of support to all of our vets, and I thank you again for calling us all out on that issue.
well said.
The woman whom Track has beaten may now suffer from PTSD as well. Our challenge is to take trauma and turn it into growth: Post-Traumatic Growth.
Very good point!
Poignant on several levels…
Thank You Chris, & All who,protect us & I can only hope that she, reads your beautifully PUT, letter, God Bless, to all our Men & Woman in military, & who suffer from PTSD 🙏🙏⭕️❌
Beautifully put.
Thank you.
Thank you Chris for your service, I am also a combat Marine from the Viet Nam era who lived through the ups and downs of PTSD. It is sad to think someone would use that as a defense for his bad behavior. Thanks again and God Bless, Semper Fi .
.
Thank you for your service and the MANY others who gave so much. My brother was so weakened after his time of service and is no longer with us. My prayers will be for your letter to be read and understood by many – especially Ms. Palin. My prayers will be with you.
Thank you so much for your letter. My father and my uncle were both combat survivors of Vietnam, unfortunately, although my uncle survived the war, he did not survive ptsd. He committed suicide in 1979. My father, who is still alive, has suffered for decades but will not seek help due to the stigma. I get so angry hearing Ms. Palin talk about ptsd and then in the same breath, suggest we should be sending more of our young men to war. I grew up in a military family and I have nothing but respect and admiration for our men and women who protect our freedom, but I believe in using their lives for that reason sparingly and as a last resort. Polititions who are so quick to respond to everthing with the lives of our soldiers should be standing on the front line of combat. Let them learn the horrors of war from the line and perhaps they will learn that diplomacy should be our first response.
Thank you, Chris for attempting to set this foolish and ignorant woman straight…and thank you and ALL those in the military for your service.
[…] This post originally appeared on GlobalRiskInfo.com. […]
While this is an articulate and heartfelt response to Palin’s statement, I find it a bit disingenuous, perhaps because the author is, as he states, a Republican. In reality, Palin’s comments had nothing to do with PTSD. PTSD is merely the most recent cudgel with which she has bashed her favorite target: the man who resigned her forever to the also-ran status that she so richly deserves.
[…] This put up initially appeared on GlobalRiskInfo.com. […]
PTSD should never be used as an excuse for poor behavior by anyone. In spite of the difficulties one faces, he/she is still responsible for their actions. This includes Sarah Palins children. That being said, it has brought PTSD to the forefront of discussion and to the political spectrum. It has highlighted something that needs to be addressed in the politics of today and may help bring help to those who need it. Rather than lambast her for mentioning it, she did bring it to the table.
One other thing. Adult children are responsible for their own behavior. No one else needs to accept responsibility for them. Whether it is her kids or mine, honey make choices that may be radically different from what they were taught or what was expected.
Lastly, she is a mother first, a politician second. Her family is held to a standard and the media in ways which most of us will never have to face. A mother defending her child, no matter the situation, is what mothers do. I wish our potus could do that for our nation.
Thanks for your service! As a Combat Veteran with a Purple Heart, that fights my demons on a daily basis I find this letter to be written by someone that is uninformed. Contrary to popular belief, PTSD is not just a Combat Veteran problem. Unless I missed something in the letter that is purportedly written based on first hand knowledge of PTSD its quite possible that her son could have PTSD from a traumatic event in his life.
Right on Chris. Thank you. 22 every day hurts my heart. I lost my dad to PTSD. He never really did come all the way home from Vietnam. I am forever thankful that we found a place in our relationship to talk about the ghosts that haunted him but even so he got stuck in the bottle and could not find his way out. It is very real and not to be thrown around in the way Pailin is doing. She really pisses me off. Much respect to you.
You all have it wrong..It’s O’Bama’s fault, that’s what she said..Funny thing is, Track was in the Military when Bush was President..
Sorry, Your wrong. Check again.
Thank you for your courageous statement. I am a Democrat and this doesn’t keep me from recognizing the plight of so many veterans affected with this condition.
Thank you for your service to this great nation that allows and encourages all of us, with different political beliefs, to express our ideas and feelings. You and every service person make me proud to be a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Thanks to the Marine for his service. Track is her kid and this guy should probably just STFU. Last I checked she is a private citizen just expressing her opinion, not an elected official.
She thinks she is going to be Trumps running mate.
Keith, really? She said it on a very public forum. She was endorsing a Presidential Candidate publicly. She may be a private citizen, but when she makes foolish comments publicly, she deserves to be criticized.
Taking your point further, basically you think people can say whatever they want publicly but cannot be held accountable because they are not elected?? wow. That is some serious “exception” clause.
Well bloody well said Chris mark
For speaking up & thank you for your service !!!!
Beautiful letter but one omission. She blamed Barack Obama in that how he acts toward returning veterans—what would you expect, she said?
Thank you for your service to our country and for your thoughtful response to the woman who has yet to realize her many limitations in the area of human relationships. The fact that she would choose to sanction Trump attests to her lack of intelligence and hatred for other people. We could say, “Leave her to Heaven,” but I don’t think it wants to deal with her either.
BRAVO OFFICER CHRIS MARK…BRAVO,OOOoooorahhhhhhh!
Not too difficult, in this age of offense, to find some wrong headed veteran who gets butt-hurt over Sarah Palin’s comments. What is increasingly difficult is finding MSM outlets who are bringing more light to the horrors of PTSD.
Sorry you think I am ‘wrong headed’. I think her comments were uninformed and dangerous.
One can only hope that this letter makes it to that “nut case’s” attention. This woman gives a bad name to good, honest women out there struggling to get into public office. She is a certified nut case and if her son truly is suffering from PTSD (which I doubt) then I hope he gets help. What she should be making speeches about is how hard it is for our war vets to get the kind of help they certainly deserve. As for her son he showed a violent side before any service he may have given to this country . As for you Chris Mark, thank you for your service to our country….as the grand-mother of a Marine who heads to California soon for more training at 29 Palms and off to fight (he hopes) where ever he is needed. We all fear for his safety as well as for the safety of many men and women on the front lines for this country. When politicians abuse their status in the way that Sarah Palin and others have they need to be put in their place, thank you for doing so!!
I am not a fan of Palin either but mentioning PTSD as a cause of domestic disturbance is not a falsehood. Mayo clinic definition of PTSD includes anger and aggressive behavior. So dislike her for a number of reasons but you missed the mark here in my mind. I have donated thousands to help veterans and one was to make it possible for therapy instead of jail for domestic disturbance violations. It is slow going but working. Thanks for your service.
Chris: Thank you for your dedicated service and committed support of your fellow veterans. As for your comments regarding Sarah Palin, you stated so succinctly what so many of us feel about her and her family. They need to seriously review their behavior before telling the rest of us how we should behave. Thank you for the courage you’ve shown in writing this letter. I sincerely hope that you have a long and fulfilling life!!
I had read recently that Track never saw combat by someone who served with him. And, that it was his mother’s idea to say that he did serve in a combat role, not his. If she used her own son to enhance her political views, shame on her. A wonderful letter from you and a big thank you for not letting her get away with this ignorant and hurtful and dangerous rhetoric.
PTSD should not be politicized, but given the medical treatment so needed for so many veterans. Taking care of our returning soldiers is an ethical and deserved benefit for all who serve our country. My gratitude goes out to you, Chris, and all our soldiers who keep our citizens safe.
[…] This post originally appeared on GlobalRiskInfo.com. […]
Chris, thank you for your service to our Country. I’m not sure if you are aware that Track never seen any combat. So PTSD…. From what? Its sad his mother is so ignorant to what PTSD actually is.
I will continue to pray for you and all military personnel and veterans, without all of your bravory we would not have all the liberties due to us as Americans.
Many blessings to you
NWR
Brilliant. Thank you for your service and your elegant letter. You are a real example of why the US military is so brave and so good. I wish your Government would see that and do more for you.
Thank you Chris Mark for your service, compassion and honesty…the political class seems particularly low on the latter.
She always makes me just shake my head in disbelieve and think what the hell was McCain thinking!