The Hidden War

By Leonard C. DeGrate Jr.

As a war vet, it is never believed that one gets rid of the war environment. It tends to stay with us through a lifetime. When one must think all it might be, is acting cool and mighty, the behind-the-scenes are quite the opposite.
With this book, myself, Leonard Clarence DeGrate, Jr, retired from federal service on 31 March 2021, wants to expound on the disguised truths and disastrous aftereffects of having gone through multiple versions of wars. Everything a soldier is needed to bear even after they've had quit from the battlegrounds. From society's behavior to the drastic effect on a soldier's mental health.
The repercussion is often the worse part, as it doesn't just stay with you, but it disturbs everyone around you, from family to friends. Having constant depression and mental disorders would be one hell of a ride for not just you but everyone relating. Through this book, I want to pass on the information and experiences my family and I had to meet, along with various ways you look for to recover—all those disorders and all the symptoms, causes, and cures to it.
You are not alone; you served the country and now it's time for the country to play a bit of its part. This isn't the time to feel helpless or lost when you've been escaping death for years, courageously and headstrong. You are the reason this country exists right now, and it's time to hold some strength for yourself too! You are not lost and you will never lose to ix something so mere, with a bit of knowledge and will; this shall indeed pass.
I hope to give my fellow brothers a way to find hope within themselves and believe in themselves, with all I can do for them in this book. We are in this together

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leonard C. DeGrate Jr.
• Release date: Jan 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781801285339

Book preview

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge all active-duty soldiers in uniform and veterans struggling to meet the challenges of living in today's diverse and divided society.

About the Author

Leonard Clarence DeGrate, Jr. was born in Waco, Texas in 1950 to the parentage of L. C. DeGrate Sr. and Edna Marie Evans. Leonard credits his maternal grandmother with providing him emotional and psychological support, encouragement, and inspiration that were the driving forces and motivation for him to be successful in all endeavors.

Leonard graduated from George Washington Carver High School with honors in 1968. While in high school, he advanced to 1st trumpet in the school’s international award-winning band. Afterwards, he attended the University of Texas at Arlington until 1970 when he joined the United States Army. In 1971, DeGrate attended Officers’ Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma for 11 weeks.

In 1972, he was transferred to the Republic of Korea where he was made Battalion Training Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) while assigned to HHC, 802nd Engineer Battalion Construction - Sections S-2 (Intelligence) and S-3 (Operations). In addition, he used his extra time to work as a Human Relations Specialist and Drug Abuse Counselor while using his other extra time to study and make Deputy Dan Black Belt in the art of Tae Kwon Do Ji Do Kwan.

DeGrate was discharged from the Army in 1973 with awards of a United States Presidential Certificate of Appreciation for Distinguished Military Service; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Expert Badge with Rifle Bar; and the Korean Defense Medal.

Leonard resumed his studies at East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1975 with majors in Psychology, Sociology, and Counseling. In 1978, he graduated from East Texas State University with a master’s degree in counseling and minor emphases in Psychology. In 1980, he received his Master of Science degree in Social Work with major in Administration graduating with honors.

In February 2005, Leonard achieved the Diplomat of Clinical Social Work (DCSW), the highest recognition awarded by the National Association of Social Workers’ Competence Certification Commission. He passed examination for Licensed Chemical Dependence Counselor (LCDC) in November 2016.

Leonard began employment at Terrell State Hospital in 1976 as an entry-level caseworker and left employment in 1978 after completing his second master’s degree. He resumed employment in 1980. Leonard completed Edwin L. Cox School of Business Executive Education Mid-Management Program at Southern Methodist University in 1993. In 1994, he was promoted to Director of Social Services.

In 1997, Leonard completed the Governor’s Center for Management Development’s Management Program. In July 2002, he was promoted to Director of Program Operations (entry level executive position). Leonard retired in August of 2003 after over 27 years of dedicated service to the State of Texas. In October 2003, he was rehired to the position as Director of Social Services. In June 2005, he completed the Kaufman County Leadership Training Program. In May 2012, Leonard resigned from Terrell State Hospital after 34 years of dedicated service to the State of Texas; and began employment with the Department of Army at Fort Hood, Texas. Leonard worked as a Behavioral Health Medical Evaluation Examiner and he also provided individual and group therapy (Embedded Behavioral Health) within the 1st Calvary footprint during his tenure with the Department of the Army.

Leonard’s desire and passion to give his talents to benefit those men and women who have served in defense of our country was instrumental in his accepting a promotion to become Team Leader (Director) at Killeen Heights Vet Center, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as of 13 July 2014. In April 2015, Leonard was given opportunity to return to direct practice work and accepted yet another assignment near his hometown of Terrell at the Dallas County Vet Center in Mesquite, Texas as a Readjustment Counselor Therapist to present. Leonard continues to possess highly competent clinical, progressive administrative/ management, and supervisory skills, talents, and abilities.

Leonard Clarence DeGrate Jr. became the first African American member of any Independent Order of Odd Fellow Lodge in Texas when he was selected and voted into IOOF Lodge # 232 of Terrell, Texas in 1990; and progressively, he was elected Vice Noble Grand in 1991 advancing him to the recognition of being the first African American to hold an office of any Independent Order of Odd Fellows’ Lodge in the United States. In 1992, he was elected as Noble Grand of the Lodge and is distinguished as Past Grand. Leonard as well is a Master Mason (Free and Accepted Mason) hailing from JNO G. LEWIS Lodge #622, Copperas Cove, Texas.

Leonard describes himself as a loyal family-oriented man who enjoys spending quality time with his family: Linda Ricard DeGrate of Terrell, wife of 33 years; daughter Olivia Catrina Denise DeGrate-Robinson, age 29, a graduate of Texas A & M University in Commerce with a BSW degree and a master’s degree in Advanced Criminology in August 2018. Olivia works at Jonathan Place as a Reset Coordinator and grandson Kyrie DeGrate Robinson age 3 months; daughter Carla Ricard Denson, age 49 of Terrell who works as a Licensed Vocational Nurse at Terrell State Hospital for the last 30 years and grandchildren Kennedy Chambers age 21 who is Sophomore at Sam Houston State University, and Christopher Denson, age 14. Leonard has two older children, Ebony Charlene DeGrate, age 50 of Rosamond, CA. Ebony is employed as a Family Advocate Specialist at Edwards Air Force base: and Christopher Leonard DeGrate of Dallas, TX, age 41.

Leonard and his wife Linda are members of Temple of Refuge where he serves as an Ordained Deacon. Leonard retired from federal service on 31 March 2021. Leonard enjoys traveling, reading and writing and spending quality time with his wife Linda.

Preface

As a war vet, it is never believed that one gets rid of the war environment. It tends to stay with us through a lifetime. When one must think all it might be, is acting cool and mighty, the behind-the-scenes are quite the opposite. 

With this book, myself, Leonard Clarence DeGrate, Jr, retired from federal service on 31 March 2021, wants to expound on the disguised truths and disastrous aftereffects of having gone through multiple versions of wars. Everything a soldier is needed to bear even after they’ve had quit from the battlegrounds. From society’s behavior to the drastic effect on a soldier’s mental health. 

The repercussion is often the worse part, as it doesn’t just stay with you, but it disturbs everyone around you, from family to friends. Having constant depression and mental disorders would be one hell of a ride for not just you but everyone relating. 

Through this book, I want to pass on the information and experiences my family and I had to meet, along with various ways you look for to recover—all those disorders and all the symptoms, causes, and cures to it. 

You are not alone; you served the country and now it’s time for the country to play a bit of its part. This isn’t the time to feel helpless or lost when you’ve been escaping death for years, courageously and headstrong. You are the reason this country exists right now, and it’s time to