A Veteran's Story on Veterans Day | Knowing Better

Knowing Better opens up about his military experience.

---

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer

---

Most images and video are my own (or from people who gave it to me, who will remain anonymous), unless otherwise listed.

Video Credits -
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
Designated Survivor Season 2 Episode 17 - Overkill (2018)
Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
Generation Kill (2008)
American Sniper (2014)

Photo Credits -

---

Intro/Outro and Background Music by Michael Cotten/Nomad

Intro Art and Channel Avatar by PoetheWonderCat

---

Hashtags: #veteransday #army #military #veteran #veterans #usa #america #american #unitedstates #support #troops #supportthetroops #ptsd #honor #militaryveterans

---

This video was sponsored by Skillshare.

[matcauthon]

Probably the best joke I have seen about military nomenclature is this. "When your buddy says he loves the M1 but you can't tell if he means the rifle, carbine, tank, or helmet."

[politepupper]

“4 star democracy distributor” made me lose it. “Hey kid, wanna buy some freedoms?”

[DavidBrocekArt]

The only guy on Youtube who takes everything seriously, but doesn't take himself seriously. Funny yet truthful.


Thank you man!

[loolylooly]

I’m an Iraqi citizen who lived the 2003 war events
I enjoy your videos so much. But this one has opened my eyes to another side of the multi layered story of life.
I wish you the best

[stayslapped]

Man I got choked up when you started to get emotional talking about how lonely you were when you got back. I know the feeling, but I’m glad you made it through and are here today.

[FrogEnjoyer]

His badge says "Better" lmao, first name Knowing, last name Better

[RubenGarcia-rtus]

"You do learn things, but it doesn't count without that piece of paper"
God damn I hate how true this is

[ericarowanarts]

My dad served in the army for 20 years, retiring in 2009. He spent most of my life deployed and gave me a life I wouldn't trade for the world. While he was always kind and compassionate toward me and my sisters, he never really let us in on how much he's struggled since retiring. I just sent him this video because I feel like I might understand his struggles a little bit better now. Thank you.

[JaxMerrick]

"I'm not particularly special..."

*Sees Specialist rank pins*

[markwuahlbuargg]

That freaking subtle quivering in your voice when you talked about how the VA saved your life... That has to be the realest thing I've ever heard. Watching this video, how freaking real and genuine it is... You've just jumped from being one of my favorite youtuber, to being my absolute top favorite creator.

[Jsuarez]

A veteran drinks a 10 year old soda. This is what happens to his patriotism.

[Amazatastic]

"soda in Iraq was made of actual sugar and not corn syrup" wait til you hear about every other country in the world

[WolfvineGaming]

“But we’re all united in making fun of the Chair Force” lol

[potatopants]

You know you've pissed America off when the coast guard starts storming your beaches.

[Quroe_]

You won my heart when you talked about the help you got at the VA. That was the most sincere and vulnerable I think we've ever seen you.

You have my respect.

[DiegoAlvarezBeltran.]

It legitimately sounds like coming back from the military is a lot like coming home from prison.

You’re just... shoved back into this world that’s kind of moved on and you’re kind of desperately trying to become situated to those changes with no real idea where to even begin.

That sounds.... I couldn’t even begin to envision it.

[Steiveplays]

There's an insane amount of emotion in the small moments where he discusses his return home. Amazing video.

[MesiterSode]

"Look! That's a camel in the back of a toyota!"

Don't you mean a technical mounting a camel?

[boscoprez]

Watching you smile going through your memories chest is one of the most heartfelt things I’ve seen on this site. Thank you for sharing your story with us

[jordienoel]

Thank you for being so raw with your emotional reactions.
A few years ago, I was a manager at a pet store and speaking with a man about dog food, and suddenly he asked “hey, can I ask you a really personal question?” In my head I’m thinking that’s it’s going to be a weird sex question, but I went ahead and said “sure”. He said, “How long have you been diagnosed with ptsd?” He said he knew because of my tattoos, rolled up his sleeve to show me his and said “ink therapy, right?” He said he was military, and that he had tattoos to help him remember what he went through and that he’s still here. Then he asked if I was getting help, and mentioned a support group that he was in, if I needed it. I never saw the dude again, but I never forgot him and the empathy that he showed towards me, a complete stranger.

Reaching out to others because someone out reached out to you is a testament to your strength, sir.