Many people have endured recovery, and for many reasons. Most of us have heard of recovery for drug and alcohol addiction. Other forms of addiction as well. Many of us have heard of the recovery efforts for our military veterans. Recovery from physical injuries, emotional injuries, and "injuries" caused by excessive use of drugs and alcohol -- typically as a result of their combat deployment(s). But what about the civilian soldier -- the private security contractor?

Most people are of aware of private security contractors. However, probably, most people are not aware that private security contractors often suffer the same or similar injuries and addictions as their military brethren.

For those private security contractors who have suffered physical and or emotional injuries as a result of serving overseas in a combat zone, war zone, hostile region, or a non-permissive environment the injuries, pain and suffering are no less severe than for those wearing Uncle Sam's military uniform.

The road to recovery for these civilian soldiers, or shadow warriors as they are sometimes referred to, can sometimes be longer and more difficult to navigate. Why? Because most often the private security contractor is not entitled to the many forms of federal aid that their military counterparts are. As so it should be, you might say. But should it really be that way?

Most of the American private security contractors are in fact formerly members of the military -- veterans. And, without those private security contractors, Uncle Sam would have an incredibly difficult time doing what it does outside the continental shorelines. Many say the task would be an impossible one. That we would need a standing "army" of millions to affect what we are doing outside our country's borders.

But private security contractors make more money than their military counterparts, and they are not active military members, you say. On both accounts, strictly speaking, you would be correct. In terms of pay, the "average" private security contractor earns more per paycheck. But he/she also receives substantially less overall support, and he/she also costs considerably less to deploy and sustain than a member of the military. In terms of them not being a member of the military...well, again, you would be correct. Except that most of the times they were. And they are typically performing a hazardous duty in very much the same manner, if not the same manner, as a member of the military does or would.

So, what are thsoe differences, you ask? I'm glad you asked. While not assuming to cover all of them, the following lists at least some of them.

• Housing/lodging. Yes, it is typically provided or compensated while deployed but not so at home.
• Medical/Dental/Vision. Yes, sometimes those can be had through the company the individual contracts with but it is typically at a much higher premium, and sometimes does not cover certain injuries and malodies.
• Clothing. Yes, often times the individual contractor is supplied uniform clothing. Often, however, beyond the over-shirt the remainder of the uniform is sub-par and not up to the task.
• Flights/Travel. Yes, typically the travel arrangements come out of the contracting company's pocket. However, the logistics and support, including executive and diplomatic protections, bi-lateral protections and agreements -- including safe harbor and passage -- are often minimal or non-existent for the civilian contractor. In other words, if an American military escort or convoy is attacked the attackers will be shwacked. Not so for the American private security contractor.
• Accommodations. Yes, those have improved overall. And while there are some protections in American law, unless approved vis-a-vis an LOA (Letter of Authorization) and CAC (Common Access Credentials) card the civilian contractor is typically on his/her own.

(To be sure, there are notable exceptions to some or many of the items previously listed).

The American private security contractor typically takes a middle of the road attitude towards many or most of the issues facing him/her. That is, they say such things as "It is what it is," or "This is what I signed up for," or "Embrace the suck." There are other things that are said as well.

Regardless, the American private security contractor fills a vital role. He/she suffers the same or similar injuries. Unlike his active and reserve military counterparts he/she does not receive VA (Veterans Administration) benefits of any kind unless he/she is a retired member of the U.S. military.

As well, he she comes back, whether on rotation or retirement from "the game", without a pension, without medical benefits, and many or all of the same physical and or emotional issues. Yes, that includes such things as divorce, drug and alcohol addiction, inability to reintegrate back into society, and suicide.

And, lest there be any confusion about the matter, private security contractors sometimes die while performing their jobs. In fact, as of this writing, no fewer than 3,000-private security contractors have died since the commencement of the second Gulf War alone.

Isn't it about time we start honoring and supporting those who still serve -- even if not wearing Uncle Sam's military uniform?