On Veterans Day, we pause to honor those who served and sacrificed. For Harold Phifer, this day carries deep meaning. His memoirs, Sleepwalking Out of Afghanistan and Surviving Chaos, reveal the untold realities of being a civilian contractor in war zones, where the dangers were as real as any battlefield.
Phifer survived bombings, chaos, and the daily uncertainty of whether he would return home alive. But even after the physical survival, the emotional battles continued. His writing became a way to process trauma, find peace, and encourage others walking through their own war,s whether literal or personal.
This Veterans Day, Phifer’s story reminds us of the invisible scars many carry. Service doesn’t always wear a uniform. Sacrifice doesn’t always end when the contract is complete. His courage lies not only in enduring war zones but in sharing his truth.
Let Harold Phifer’s words guide us today: survival is only the beginning healing is the true victory.
