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Rita Hawkins

Hq, 22d Supcom, ACS-TRANS

My life has changed 100% since my return from the Gulf War.  

No longer can I participate in the hobbies I once had; nor can 

I enjoy a day of shopping (malls, outlets, antique stores, etc).  

I can't camp out at historical re-enactments (Fur Trade & Civil 

War re-enactments are a great diversion).  

 

Just shopping for groceries can be difficult. Simple household 

chores can wreck havoc on my body. I found how difficult it 

could be to prepare meals. I love gourmet cooking & decorating 

cakes/cookies. Due to the GERD, I've had to sleep in my recliner 

for the past 2 years. I can only visit friends & family with recliners 

or suffer from sleeping in a bed.  My son had to take my dog, as 

I could no longer care for my beautiful Spitz, Honey. CAN'T (a 

word not allowed when I was growing up) has become my word 

for most everything. I can't be the person I once was, so I've 
learned to adapt my life to the person I am today.

In July 2002, I had to leave my position with the State of Florida, 

as I was no longer able to handle my responsibilities, due taking 

too much time off (without pay). Working was not conducive to 

pain management nor my other medical problems. Not working 

allows me to be compliant with my meds & get the rest my body 

seems to need. None of my meds are for PTSD, as my medical 

problems include: Reactive Arthritis (formally known as Reiter's 

Syndrome), Spinal Canal Stenosis, Bulging Disc, Fibromyalgia, 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Neurogenic 

Bladder, GERD, Chronic Sinusitis, etc. It takes 10 prescriptions to 

get me through a day.  Prior to 1991, I never took any meds, 

unless I was sick. These problems are now my reality.  Reading 

this is depressive, BUT...I prefer NOT to be depressed over my 

chronic conditions. I've had years to accept my present reality & 

have accepted what I have no control over.

 

Pain management is now easier. I've gotten a new hobby...

collecting PEZ (YES...those little plastic candy dispensers). I can 

call my friends when I have a better day to have dinner & great 

conversation.  I no longer care if the house wouldn't pass an 

inspection. Microwave meals & carry out aren't bad. A shower 

seat helps. All the OXO products help. I've learned to adapt to 

MY REALITY. IF I really need to vent, I can come here & everyone 

understands.

Service to my country has taken its toll on my body, BUT...I will NOT 

allow it to take my spirit. At 52 years old, I no longer care what 

others think, as I only care about doing what's right. That's WHY I 

will continue to fight the just fight for myself & my comrades. That's 

why I will continue to be active in our cause. During the war, we 

were often told, by LTG Pagonis; "You're making history.". History 

will eventually show how unjust Gulf War veterans have been treated. 

Take care!

FIRST IN SUPPORT!
Rita Hawkins ( DamePEZ@gator.net )
Disabled Gulf War Veteran
DSBR Florida State Commander

"I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, 

only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, 

its stupidity."
       The late President, Dwight D. Eisenhower