When you watch war movies that are based upon a true story, you never fully realize just how that person was feeling emotionally during that time. Your thoughts aren’t focused on the soldiers emotions. I find when I watch a war movie, I imagine myself being that same hero, thinking that war is like a video game. But no one realizes the fear that goes through the mind of a soldier. But listening to Helmut Lemkes story was mind blowing, I couldn’t believed someone had to go through that. His story spoke to me about the soldiers emotions. It made me think about not only their actions but what goes on in their minds. Listening to his story made one word jump out at me, courage.

Helmut Lemke was a WWll German soldier. He came to our class to tell us his experience in the war. He was drafted to war in grade 11 and fought on the Russian front lines, the most action packed place on the battlefield. Helmut explained his whole story to our classroom on March 2nd, 2017.

 

Courage. What does it mean to have courage? Courage is defined by the ability to do something that frightens one or the ability to do something in strength and in the face of pain or grief. Doing whatever it takes to achieve your goal, no matter how much something frightens you.

Helmut Lemke story was so breathtaking and inspiring that I couldn’t stop listening. It had me wanting to know what would happen next and wanting him to explain further. His story showed true courage, he had the courage to search for his mother and he went through experiences that sounded like it was in a movie. He did the unthinkable on his journey to find his mother. Helmet stared in the face of the enemy multiple times, spoke to them in their own ally language even though he was German. He traveled endless kilometres, 750km across Germany to be exact. He set a goal and he didn’t stop till he achieved his goals no matter how fearful he was.

Our class was assigned a reflection. We had to come up with a few concepts and pick one, than show an example of our concept, come up with a question, research that question, than answer the question. Based on his riveting story. My question I wanted to answer is what are some ways the military is decreasing emotional mindsets, PTSD, and depression?

I was reading up on this article that was titled “Army To Train Soldiers In Emotional Resiliency” which caught my eye. The U.S Military are training not only physical fitness, but mental fitness to their soldiers. They are using this technique to lessen the chance of PTSD, depression, and suicide. This new procedure will give the soldiers new techniques to diffuse negative assumptions and emphasize resilience. Army Chief of Staff George Case says it’s going to be tough to change the culture that often regards talking about emotions as babyish nonsense. On this website there is an interview with Brigadier General Rhonda Cornum. She is the director of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness, and she oversees the new resilience program for the U.S. Army. Her full interview is on the site.

Down here is a podcast from Nolan, Matthew S, and myself. We are retired rappers that decide to start a podcast and our first podcast is about the story of Helmut Lemke and his journey. We touch up on the courage that Helmut Lemke showed throughout his journeys. Listen here to enjoy!!