Taylor Milne ‘13
EE Staff Writer
Trumbull High School junior, Paige Paoletti, witnessed the difficulties of a veteran’s return to home from war during her brother-in-law’s recent homecoming. Paige’s oldest sister’s husband, Alan Bakula, was deployed to Afghanistan and spent thirteen months there on active duty. Alan thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent at war and now is planning to become a Navy Seal, but the transitions from war to home were not easy.
Returning home to his wife and family was a reoccurring dream of Alan’s while at war, but the reintegration into a normal lifestyle turned out to be much different than what he had envisioned while in Afghanistan.
This much-awaited return was not a simple adjustment. Alan describes the life he came back to as “far from what any individual would consider normal.” In the anticipation of Alan’s return, Paige and her family were eager to hear about what life was like in Afghanistan, but Alan did not open up to anyone.
“He does not like to share any stories.” Paige and her family had to accept that asking for a story is like asking him to relive the horrors, and information is disclosed sparingly, if at all. Therefore, any information shared is greatly appreciated.
During the months spent on active duty, Alan suffered a gunshot to the ankle and a mine blowing up in his face so the return home from war sounds as if it would be a huge relief, but it is not the end to the nightmare, literally and theoretically.
Alan returned from combat in April 2010 and was back on duty by the summer. “There was no leisure time to even adjust and ever get sleep. The nightmares kept me up at almost all hours.”
Relaxation during the short time off duty was a challenge in itself due to the ever-present horrors of war, “I hardly had time to chill with my family.”
Transitioning from living in a war zone to living in Trumbull with his wife was a dramatic change, but Alan shared surprising information about leaving the violence in Afghanistan. “It was so great to see my family and wife after so long, but I loved being there. I am so proud to be protecting everyone I know back home while I am away.”
The New York Times asked members of the military who previously served or are currently serving in Afghanistan to help document daily life during war using photographs, video, and writing. To view a selection of the writing that was submitted go to: http://documents.nytimes.com/soldiers-and-military-families-writing-on-afghanistan-war#document/p28. In addition, read the New York Times article and interactive page that followed young soldiers at http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/world/battalion.html#/1-87/32.
Photo courtesy of the New York Times.
Surprised to hear that he “loved” being in there, but not surprised why. Alan truly acted as a hero and should be regarded as one. Very glad he’s safe at home once again.