411 ISLAND WARRIORS by Jennifer Ponce https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene INSTRUCTIONS What are your initial impressions of the film "Island Warriors"? What do you think about the unique struggles Guam faces as a territory of the United States? Respond to at least two (2) of your classmates comments en-us 2021-04-26 19:06:08 UTC 2021-05-22 04:08:07 UTC hello@padlet.com What we don't realize... samrodriguez0829 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1461930122 As a whole the video represented something that is not talked about. As a matter of fact, I had this conversation with mom not to long ago about this very subject. The subject of people enlisting into the military as a way to serve their country and receive benefits, and in turn, not receiving support after they are discharged. The military  advertises the job as something easy and brisk, that anyone can do. However, they don’t show the aftermath, they don’t show the PTSD that the veterans struggle with. You can say that they could get help, but choose not to. However, think about the last time you felt depressed or anxious; were you desperately asking for help, were you seeking validation, comfort, or someone else to be there for you? I will answer that for myself, I didn’t, but I do now because I have gotten help. However, just like these veterans it took me years to get to the point of me wanting to help myself, and then later to help others in the same predicament. This ties into depressed and mental health being a touchy subject for everyone. It is taboo to talk about you being depressed, anxious, etc. Therefore, it gets brushed aside, or never gets addressed from fear of not being validated or being judged by others that may be suffering just like you. We always have a perfect image in our society, that tells us we cannot have anything wrong with us, yet so many of us have so many different things going on, affecting us, and making it hard to  feel like themselves. The military is a huge contributor to why many veterans are shells of humans when they come home; they do not know how to cope. 
For the unique circumstances of Guam, it is said that they do not get to vote for the president of the United States nor the country officials, yet they will gladly go to war for the country?? That statement in itself is so backwards. There is no reason for them to want to fight for a country that does not want to fight for their own people. At the risks that war can have on these individuals, it is not enough just to honor them, and say they did a great job on the battlefield. It is so much more than a pat on the back. They need to be taken care of for their time and effort of creating peace on other soils, at the expense of their own sanity. ]]> 2021-04-26 23:09:44 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1461930122 Island Warriors discussion sjreal https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1466370641 I learned a lot from watching this video! I did not know much about Guam before the video. A few things I learned from the first few minutes is that Guam is a tiny island smaller than New York City with fewer than 200,000 people. It is an unincorporated United States territory 6,000 miles away. I didn’t realize how much Guam's community revolves around the service to the country and the family members that have served. The men and women in Guam are US citizens and serve in the American military at a rate that's 3 times higher than the rest of the country. I didn’t know that a lot of them serve in the military. At least one in eight adult Guamanians is a veteran. Many return from war with mental and physical health challenges. I find it crazy how they are US citizens and can go to war yet they can’t vote. That is unfair, they should be allowed to vote. Guam's poverty level is about 50% higher than the national average and the unemployment rate is also higher. The military occupies almost 30% of the island. The United States does not do enough for the veterans in Guam. Guam lacks many resources. Lack of awareness and lack of money translates into a lack of services. They deserve to have the resources they need. ]]> 2021-04-27 20:32:06 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1466370641 Island Warriors maggielin10 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1466637831 The film, "Island Warriors" spread light on the little island off the coast of America. Though it is considered an "U.S. Territory", it definitely is not treated like one. The people of Guam do not get the same opportunities or resources as the people on the mainland. It is unfair and unjust. Guam does not get as much attention as the rest of the 50 states. Consequently, I feel there is not much attention being paid by the government. After watching the video, I did not know that many top United States soldiers are from Guam. Nor did I know that this population struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder because of a lack of resources. I’m not sure if because the island is not on the mainland or if the U.S. government fails to recognize that these people need help. 
I think it is heartbreaking because these Guam descendants are willing to serve their country, but the country fails to provide back for them. Despite being a U.S. territory, they do not receive enough attention nor are they provided with the services that other parts of the United States are given.
]]> 2021-04-27 22:17:40 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1466637831 Island warriors tranliean https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1467361775 I thought that this film taught me a lot about Guam. Initially I did not know much about the island and how their people are affected. In the film, it states that 1 in 8 people in Guam have served in the military.    Those who serve in the military aren't recognized as they should be. I feel like the United States do not do much to honor the people in Guam who served in the military. Those who served in the military and comes back home are left with traumatic experiences they have to endure for the rest of their life. Many of the veterans are diagnosed with PTSD. I learned that one of the veteran that was diagnosed with severe PTSD had to wait 12 years to get a settlement. On top of that, those who have PTSD do not have the resources to help them. It's hard to find mental health resources in Guam, which is sad because there are veterans who have served for a long time but is not getting the help they need after finishing their service. 

]]> 2021-04-28 03:24:23 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1467361775 Island Warriors Christine208 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1467661676 This video was very interesting and has taught me something new about VA and the after effect causes them to have PTSD. Personally, I thought it was kind of ridiculous how Guam is part of the US territory but the people that lives on that island doesn't seem to have the right and freedom like many other states in the US such as voting. Their health care system is much worse than the US alone. Another impressions I had was that not many country know that there are people currently lived on the island. For those individual who are serving our country are not being treated with respect, receiving the proper service, recognition and they have to lived with the prolong PTSD since therapy or health care service are mostly like in Hawaii which is approximately 3,800 miles away from Guam. ]]> 2021-04-28 06:00:55 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1467661676 Island of Warriors adrews5 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1471082805 The people of Guam have done a great service to our nation, however do to the status of their land being considered a territory they get no say in the senate and are unable to vote for a president who also it the chief of the military. Although they are citizens and and have a high sense of nationalism for fighting for our country, many Americans fail to recognize or acknowledge this group. Due to the islands high level of unemployment and poverty this has caused such a high prevalence of this population to enlist in the military, yet they are not provided the resources they need on the island once they have become veterans and have suffered the violence of war. This group has been isolated and their issues havent been addressed. In order for our nation to raise to a better quality of living the people of Guam need to be recognized and their issues need to be addressed with the proper resources. ]]> 2021-04-28 20:49:23 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1471082805 Island Warriors atarizavareh0 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1471372480
The video was very interesting, and I learned a lot from it. I haven’t heard about Guam and its people before watching this video, and I think as American citizens, we owe them a lot. They sacrificed their lives, health (physical/mental), and their loved ones just to serve and protect our country. It was so sad to see them suffer from the traumas they’ve been through and, in return for their services, not get appropriate help from the federal government, as they mentioned. PTSD is a severe mental illness that should address appropriately to prevent other side effects on the individuals. Guam is considered a U.S. territory, and its people are U.S. citizens; however, they don’t even have a proper healthcare system, especially for mental health treatments. Those people serve in the military and deal with the stuff that most of us cannot even imagine, so I think the U.S. government should recognize them as its citizens and serve them with a lot more respect and fairness they’ve never received from the government. They should create a big plan to end poverty or lessen it as much as possible; maybe that way, they can do a little in return for the services they’ve done to protect the United States and its soldiers. It is unfair and ridiculous that they, as U.S. citizens, don’t have the same right as the rest of Americans, especially the right to vote.



]]> 2021-04-28 23:04:47 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1471372480 Island Warriers christinbailey https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1471415246 I thought this video was really interesting. These short PBS documentaries are so cool! I had not idea where Guam was, even though I have friends whose family is from there. It is really disheartening to see how the US treats the people from their "territory." The people from Guam should have the rights of US citizens that exist in the United States. All people who serve in the military should be better taken care of as well. There are so many ways to ease the burdens of those after they serve, whether it be through better healthcare, mental healthcare, job placements, or monetary aid. ]]> 2021-04-28 23:30:35 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1471415246 Island Warriors cindychavarin https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1471557330
After watching the film, “Island Warriors”, I thought about how unfair it is to those people who were serving in the military in Guam were not fairly treated and did not get the recognition that they deserve. People who serve in the military to fight for their country should be given respect at all times because those people go through very difficult times that only those who live it can understand. Many of these people in the military end up with PTSD or depression from being isolated from their loved ones or from being in difficult situations where they witness traumatic events like shootings or killings. I feel like the country lacks to show the praise and respect towards these Guam military individuals. Guam individuals should be giving the same resources and services that they need to live a better life.


]]> 2021-04-29 00:30:54 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1471557330 Island Warriors amyla0415 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1471808693 After viewing "Island Warriors," I felt that it was really unfair to the people in Guam due to the way they're treated. Since they had a poor lifestyle, the only way to escape was to enlist in the military. They are risking their lives for the country but they aren't getting respected for doing so. While in the military they are experiencing traumatic things which will cause mental issues. I think they deserve more than they are getting and we should do more to raise awareness and help them. They should get more recognition and the proper care they deserve. They are doing everything they can for the country but it is sad to see that the country isn't doing anything for them. ]]> 2021-04-29 02:05:47 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1471808693 Island Warriors kauaigirlmadison https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1475420721 I found the video to be a very informative video about Guam. I feel bad that Guam is a territory and not a state because although they pay taxes to the US and are bound by decisions made by the supreme court and US laws they don't get to vote. Basically they have to do what our leaders say without getting to vote for the leaders. ]]> 2021-04-29 18:48:17 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1475420721 Island Warriors amandashubin https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1475622374 According to the film from PBS, I was surprised to learn at what a high rate individuals from Guam enlist in the US military. I feel conflicted emotions thinking about the hardships men from the military face. On one hand, it is sad the propaganda the US pushes out about the military. They act as though serving is a honorable and dying is the ultimate sacrifice of life. This may have been true at one point, but I do not believe this is the case anymore. On the other hand, it is sad citizens today still subscribe to the idea that serving in the military is honorable. Individuals in Guam are probably looking for a better life and believe the military will give them these opportunities. Im not sure why there is so much attention given to Guam veterans with PTSD and veteran services. There should be attention given to them, but it should be recognized that all US vets face the same lack of resources and hardships after serving. The amount of suicides outside of VA offices that are unable to help those individuals break my heart and need to be addressed. ]]> 2021-04-29 19:36:34 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1475622374 Island Warriors jasoncac https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476175384 1. My initial impressions of the film “Island Warriors” is just how unjust and unfair it is that the people of Guam are so patriotic, loyal, and helpful to the United States, yet they don’t have their efforts reciprocated by the US government. The people of Guam were 3 times as likely to participate in the US military compared to other US States; however, they were one of the territories that received the worst veteran healthcare funding. Further, I thought it was unjust that these people did not and do not even have a say in politics since they are only a territory of the US and not a state. 


2. I think that the unique struggles Guam faces as a territory of the United States are unjust and require reform. For one, I believe US territories should be allowed to vote for policies that affect them directly. Second, I believe that since Guam’s people are so dedicated to helping the US military, they should be adequately compensated after their service with at least appropriate medical services to treat crippling side effects like PTSD. The people of Guam deserve to have the same rights, freedoms, and privileges that people of other states get to enjoy, because they represent part of what helped make that possible. 


]]> 2021-04-29 23:19:28 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476175384 Island Warriors ashley_v174 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476217584 The very first impression of the film “Island Warriors” is about how bad the U.S Governments treating Guamanian patriots, who out there are proud of their patriotism as their culture. Another impression about the movie is surprisingly I don’t think I’ve seen anywhere else in the U.S sacrifice for their country as a lot as GUAM. As a territory position, the unique struggles Guam has been facing currently are the lack of essential resources, care, and appreciation from the U.S Government. with a population of almost 20,000 people, but there are only three PTSD specialists treating for the entire island population, I think it sounds like almost nothing, they do it just like being pushed to do it. Hearing stories about different kinds of struggles from veterans, I can tell that there’s apparently no appreciations from Washington D.C to thousand of patriots out there in Guam, which is extremely unfair. ]]> 2021-04-29 23:42:47 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476217584 Island Warriors saraharrod https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476254271 In the documentary "Island Warriors", it shed light on how mistreated Guamanian individuals who serve in the U.S. military. Many return from active duty with mental and physical health challenges such as PTSD. Some Guamanian individuals shared that they served to help the country and show pride as well as follow within tradition. Guams poverty and unemployment rate hare higher than the U.S. and many join to have the economic benefits U.S. has to offer. It's unjust that they can are not giving Guamanians the right to vote but allow them to serve in the military. As U.S. citizens they should be treated fairly like everyone else and supported with health benefits. ]]> 2021-04-30 00:00:11 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476254271 Island Warriors https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476562060 For our military suffering from PTSD, it is no uncommon for veterans in finding proper or accessible care throughout the United States. However, I do not think that it is a surprise that a US territory such as Guam does not have a good or efficient resources, especially when it comes to VA services. Understandably, it is difficult to allocate resources to an offset of the United States, especially a far-away Island across the Pacific Ocean. As it is, it may be difficult for said island to get other resources when it comes to general medical supplies, services for the homeless, produce that cannot be grown in such a climate, but it does not deny them of any rights as American people. I think that it is  very one sided regarding how Guamanians are not allowed to vote for the presidential candidates as POTUS is in charge of sending all of these people who of many are soldiers to war. I can understand if mistakes would be made to collect Census data since, again, they are very far and people sometimes collect it door-to-door, but if a stark amount of the population presents all of these problems, it is neglectful to be overlooked.
As a territory of the United States, I can only see a technical problem of supplying the island itself with a sufficient amount of resources from the homeland. I do believe that the US might not focus too much on a territory and put more focus and funding into the states that are in the mainland. While difficulties may arise due to communication or distance, I think that places in need should get at least the minimal amount of needed resources to be able to function as a stable society. ]]> 2021-04-30 01:55:00 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476562060 Island Warriors HonilynM https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476578341 After watching Island Warriors, I felt so sad for the veterans who sacrifice their lives for our country. One of the veteran said, " they are sacrificing for what we are enjoying today" which is true and most of us do not appreciate it.  People in Guam are joining the military not to take advantage of citizenship but it is because of their passion and love for their country. They want to represent their country by fighting for it. Guam produces more than what the mainland has in numbers of military personnel yet they have the least help and resources for them. There is a big inequality and the government ignores Guam veterans so bad.  

Guam faces a lot of struggles even though they are a United States territory and people are U.S. citizens. It is just so unfair to see our fellow countrymen struggling, especially the veterans who fight for our country. I see the military and veterans as heroes that we need to give respect and take care but not for Guam veterans. The fact that their representative cannot vote is a big factor of inequality. Everyone should have a voice, especially them who plays a big part in protecting our country and its people. Due to lack of awareness of who they are and what they contribute, it results to lack of money and resources to help them. 


]]> 2021-04-30 02:01:23 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476578341 Island Warriors balvarez101 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476663307 This documentary really shed some much needed light on a very exploited group of Americans from Guam. The amount of people that sign up to serve the country that's an entire ocean away. Not only are they looking to better their personal life but they are willingly enlisting to protect and serve unselfishly yet aren't being taken care of upon return from service. This is all separate from the fact that Guam as a nation is not doing as well as the U.S and benefits from having it serve as a station for branches like the Navy who use up to 30% of the island respectively. It truly is incredible how they still take pride in serving and beaming with patriotism. ]]> 2021-04-30 02:36:39 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1476663307 Island Warriors diazal5 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1480461245 This documentary really answered some of my thoughts and questions on territories of the United States. I am a part of the population that is fairly ignorant about Guam. I know Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and all I knew was that they are considered American citizens. I was not aware that Guam has limited voting rights yet a majority of the their population are veterans when compared to the U.S. Veterans in the U.S. are known to be dismissed but there have been expanding resources over time. Guam seems to show the opposite according to the documentary. Cutting the funds for mental health services is not truly showing respect and appreciation for U.S. veterans. It is quite unfortunate that U.S. territories like Guam are ignored when it comes to seeking help and services. The island does not seem to provide adequate or efficient programs. 

]]> 2021-05-01 04:03:55 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1480461245 Island Warriors juditramirez1 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1481562982 This documentary was very surprising! I had actually never really known about Guam and what they were going through. However, after watching the documentary, it saddens me so much. PTSD is such a difficult thing to have and to know that those people don't get enough of the US resource is upsetting. The US government has to see Guam as more part of the US and favor its people. It makes me think that Guam people are tricked in knowing that after serving for our country, they are going to receive funds or something in return but at the end they receive nothing. Little by little if the government starts to bring up this issue, something can change for the better. People will start to live happier and healthier. 





]]> 2021-05-02 00:54:23 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1481562982 Island Warriors kimberjo https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1481565577 To be honest, I knew about the Island o Guam, but had no idea the population, that it was a US Territory, or that the people were extremely patriotic. From the documentary I saw that the following the family tradition of service is extremely important to the people of this island. But was hard to grasp was that these beautiful people serve with their whole hearts and souls and do not get what they need and deserve in return. When 1-5 suffer from PTSD after serving the Country they love and can not get the proper mental health care, there is something extremely wrong. Also they can not vote and don't have enough numbers to have  a say in the senate is also wrong. I think that the Federal Government needs to make some changes and had more services for these people that would give their heart and soul to serve again if opportunity arose. 

]]> 2021-05-02 00:58:45 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1481565577 kimberjo https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1483147898 2021-05-02 21:37:03 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1483147898 Thoughts on Island Warriors klairence https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1483287433 After watching the video, I believe that it is saddening and unfair that Guam citizens who served in the military are less likely to receive military benefits or sufficient resources to support themselves. Although Guam is part of the United States, they are less likely to receive the support they need. Guam citizens who serve in the military are not recognized for their efforts that they have made for the country. 

The unique struggles Guam faces as a United States territory is that although their citizens are more likely to serve in the military than the rest of the country, they are less likely to receive veteran benefits. Based on the video, one in every family has a member who had served in the military. These individuals sacrifice their lives, leave their families, in order to fight for the United States. When discharged, citizens who served in the military struggles with many disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorders. Yet, these individuals do not receive resources for their mental health. 

]]> 2021-05-02 23:40:49 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1483287433 ashley_v174 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1483670060 2021-05-03 03:08:14 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1483670060 Hello! I learned quite a bit from watching this video, and was actually very frustrated and saddened for the citizens of Guam. Guam is a US Territory just like Puerto Rico, which means that the people of Guam have US citizenship and are able to join the military, fight and die for this country, yet they are not able to vote for the US President that is sending them to war, and worst of all they do not have the same resources to fight for their mental health issues such as PTSD when they come out of war in Afghanistan and Iraq. I was especially disheartened to learn that Guam has 3 times the rate of people joining the military in comparison to the rest of the US states, and they have 6 times the amount of casualties. Their culture is largely based around veterans and patriotism's, and they are proud to serve for their Island, yet many of these people come back home and suffer from PTSD and do not get the help they need. What is even worse is that they would have to travel up to 3000 miles away to get the help that they really need, because they do not have VA hospitals, and resources for those living in Guam. Many people are very ignorant that Guam is even a US territory, which I find to be very sad but true. The United States needs to do better! There should be no reason that these people are able to serve this country, die for it, and come out with serous health issues, yet do not get the help they need. In order to do better they do need to start by calculating the Census better, and provide more and better resources for the Veterans of Guam. briana_vick https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1486656131 2021-05-03 18:18:35 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1486656131 Island of Warriors socallayne https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1486722394 The film Island of Warriors was extremely eye opening about the disparities that the veterans of Guam face. Many people are unaware that Guam is a U.S. Territory and the people have citizenship and even serve in the military. Many come back from deployments with PTSD and on the island, there is not adequate veterans’ services available to those who need it. It is baffling to learn how forgotten these people are and while they are U.S. citizens, they do not have the ability to vote and make a change to 
The people of Guam serve in the U.S. military 3 times as much as the rest of the United States per capita. They also have six times higher death per capita from serving. Many who go over-seas and fight come back with both mental and physical issues stemming from their service. It is already extremely difficult to receive medical care from the military and the VA, but for veterans of Guam the government funding is extremely low. The closest facility for them to receive government treatment is over three thousand miles away in Hawaii. These individuals are able to serve in the military, fight, and die, but they are unable to vote in a country that is willing to send them to war. Overall, the veterans and people of Guam should be given more rights as American citizens and should not be overlooked when those who served are in need.
]]> 2021-05-03 18:31:52 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1486722394 Island of Warriors mbell90362 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1487726324 After watching this film I learned a lot about the island and people of Guam. Guam is considered a territory of the United States and they have people in the military serve at a rate that is 3x than the rest of the country. Roughly 1 in 8 Guam people are veterans but they don't receive enough credit for their service. A lot of veterans develop mental disorders such as PTSD and are not able to get the help they need. Guam has a poverty level that is about 50x higher than the rest of the US as well as a higher unemployment rate. People of Guam often join the military because it is a family tradition and the military is on somewhat of a pedestal to the people there. It was interesting and disheartening to learn that the people of Guam don't have the same rights as United States citizens such as getting to vote; yet they put their life on the line for this country. ]]> 2021-05-04 00:52:58 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1487726324 Island Warriors rjiema41 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1492510661 After watching the film, I started to realize that just because you are part of the United States such as a territory, you do not have the benefits of being a regular American citizen, however you are supposed to uphold your duties for the Country as a whole nonetheless. For example, be willing to serve in the United States military if called upon, but at the same time do not have the right to vote, because Guam for example is not part of the 50 States of the United States. Which I find very shocking and sad, because the people living in Guam definitely deserve better than they are being treated. ]]> 2021-05-05 05:29:43 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1492510661 Island Warriors wendyy01 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1496171966 After watching the film “Island Warriors,” it left me to think about how little I know about the territories that the U.S. holds. I wasn’t aware that a lot of people from Guam serve a huge role in our military, and aren’t given the benefits and acknowledgment for their efforts. They barely have any resources on the Island to treat PTSD, which many veterans suffer from. It’s frustrating to see that they are overlooked and are not being adequately represented in the senate even after showing loyalty and patriotism for their country that won't give them the aid they deserve. They face a very unique struggle because it's assumed that our country holds great respect for our veterans, yet Guamanians who have served for our country aren't seen as equals to those who live and served from the states. They sacrifice their lives for our country at no cost but yet aren't given resources to treat their mental illness.]]> 2021-05-06 00:31:47 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1496171966 Island Warriors bjaramillo157 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1505900608 The film was definitely an eye-opener for me because I had heard of Guam but I never knew that it was considered to be United States Territory. That being said, I was also unaware that they were struggling to receive the care that they need after serving in our military. What they go/went through is truly traumatizing so without getting treatment, they are left to deal with debilitating conditions such as PTSD on their own. What really surprised me was the fact that although they are not getting the help they need, they would enlist again if they could go back in time. Them saying this is really admirable but also sad because it shows how much they love the country they belong to, yet their country is failing to pay them back for their service.]]> 2021-05-09 05:56:45 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1505900608 Island Warriors rptag https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1511144119 For our military suffering from PTSD, it is no uncommon for veterans in finding proper or accessible care throughout the United States. However, I do not think that it is a surprise that a US territory such as Guam does not have a good or efficient resources, especially when it comes to VA services. Understandably, it is difficult to allocate resources to an offset of the United States, especially a far-away Island across the Pacific Ocean. As it is, it may be difficult for said island to get other resources when it comes to general medical supplies, services for the homeless, produce that cannot be grown in such a climate, but it does not deny them of any rights as American people. I think that it is  very one sided regarding how Guamanians are not allowed to vote for the presidential candidates as POTUS is in charge of sending all of these people who of many are soldiers to war. I can understand if mistakes would be made to collect Census data since, again, they are very far and people sometimes collect it door-to-door, but if a stark amount of the population presents all of these problems, it is neglectful to be overlooked.
As a territory of the United States, I can only see a technical problem of supplying the island itself with a sufficient amount of resources from the homeland. I do believe that the US might not focus too much on a territory and put more focus and funding into the states that are in the mainland. While difficulties may arise due to communication or distance, I think that places in need should get at least the minimal amount of needed resources to be able to function as a stable society.]]> 2021-05-10 21:14:30 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1511144119 Island Warriors schryer1 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1515380641 Although most military personnel return with severe PTSD, there is not any kind of help out in Guam. People in the military need help while they are serving and the US does not give Guam any acmes to the resources they provide the military serving inside of the United States. All of the trauma they endure while over seas is really sad and to know that they do not have access to the help they need seems unfair. 

]]> 2021-05-11 21:42:36 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1515380641 Island Warriors PUBH 411 javieraraiza22 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1515753949 This film was eye opening for me because I only had 1 guamanian friend in the past and I did not know how patriotic and passionate that Guam is for the United States despite getting the treatment that they receive. The statistic of 50% of guamanians out of 2.7 million people who were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11 struggle with mental health and physical problems. Furthermore, I think the unique struggles that Guam faces as a U.S.A. territory is horrible because they are not well known, medical care spending per veteran was ranked 3rd to last, and many veterans suffer from PTSD. On top of that, guamanian veterans struggle to get settlement and many of them feel they are not recognized by who they are and what they can contribute. Guam lacks awareness and lacks resources which translates to lack of services. A lot of Americans do not understand the type of pain that veterans from Guam go through. ]]> 2021-05-12 00:48:26 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1515753949 Thoughts on Island Warriors samm1e8 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1516631329 Before watching the video, I did not have much prior knowledge of Guam other than it being a small tropical island. I had no idea that it was a US territory, nor did I know that so many from this area served in the US military. It was quite remarkable to hear that, if asked, so many of the veterans were willing to re-enlist despite the circumstances. It was also very disheartening to hear that they were not supplied enough resources to properly care for the veterans. The Guamanian culture revolves around continuously sacrificing all their time and effort to fight for their country and their island. Still, they cannot even be granted basic care for their veterans or even have a voice in the house of representatives. However, I was glad to hear plans to expand the VA facilities and hire more healthcare professionals for those in need. I hope that they continue these efforts until all veterans in Guam are cared for. Additionally, I hope that the US government will adopt Guam as part of the US and allow them to vote, as they have rightfully earned. ]]> 2021-05-12 07:43:08 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1516631329 Island Warriors emilyrumaldo16 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1519313125 When watching the film I admired how woven in the serving country was for them and how they had no hesitation in enlisting to the military. Though this was nice as it is not the common reaction, it was sad but not surprising how poorly the U.S. treats these veterans and how they are so quick to accept their men and women but when it comes to giving out services there is radio silence. It was astonishing that when they showed on camera searching for a VA center that the closest that could get was in Hawaii and how no one has addressed this barrier. Even though this seemed like a new occurrence, we've seen with other minorities and extensions of the U.S. how much they get mistreated or used until they are no longer capable of serving. 

]]> 2021-05-12 21:54:37 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1519313125 Island Warriors https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1519954608 My thoughts about the video was heartbreaking. First of all, I didn't know about Guam or where it was even located, and its just so heartbreaking to hear about their mental health struggles of PTSD for serving in the US military. Secondly, I did not know how many people from Guam served in the US military. Watching this video taught me a lot about the struggles they face when it comes to mental health care services they have on their island. It was sad to hear that had to travel thousand of miles just seek mental health services on Hawaii island. Its so crazy, that even though the US military isn't treating them fairly with health services they would still serve their country.
- Selina Camerano]]> 2021-05-13 02:54:56 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1519954608 parmidaba76 https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1527608318 The video was very interesting to me however before watching this video I have no idea about Guam and what struggles the people are going through. I learned that Guam is part of the united states and the people living there are US citizens, but they do not have same opportunities and they do not get treated the same as other people in other United stated counties. Even though there are high number of people from Guam serving in military comparing to other people from all around unites states. From this video I learned that there are high number people struggling from mental health and PTSD from serving in military and they do not get same treatment and respect same as other people from other united states counties. ]]> 2021-05-15 23:38:22 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1527608318 Thoughts on Island Warriors sabrinapatam https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1545820187 The Island Warriors film raised awareness about many of the struggles of the people living in the U.S. territory of Guam.  My initial impression about everything the film shed light on, was shock and even disbelief.  I think so many Americans are very blind to the struggles these individuals face on a day to day basis.  The fact that so many of these citizens are so proud to be part of this nation and so ready to fight in the most brutal frontlines of war, while we remain uneducated about the after-effects, goes to show a severe disparity that the U.S. has yet to properly address. The lack of proper resources, funds, and representation adds to the ongoing crisis as veterans are unable to obtain the help that they truly need. Indeed, actions to help remedy these issues are necessary, and it is important that government officials and agencies be properly informed so that these citizens can be recognized to the full extent.]]> 2021-05-20 22:38:31 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1545820187 Bethany Lamb https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1549649624 Sorry it has me liste]]> 2021-05-22 03:34:43 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1549649624 Island Warriors bbethanyy https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1549650799 Part of me cannot believe how incredibly uneducated I was on this problem. The other part of me can believe because I feel our education system fails to teach on many things. I really appreciate this class for informing me on things like this. Like the one lady in the video said they teach us in schools about the pilgrims starting the country but never on the stories of people like the island warriors. I think that the system is so disgusting. These men and women are risking and giving their lives for this country and this country doesn't even give them right to vote, or the access to proper mental health resources for when they return home? I can't think of anything other than to call that disgusting and wrong. This needs to be in the headlines and they need to receive everything they deserve and more!]]> 2021-05-22 03:36:17 UTC https://padlet.com/jeponce/34b8oa5zmg9jmene/wish/1549650799