By Sean Savage
@SeanSav13
Peter McMahon recalls the many harrowing nights serving the United States – over 6,000 miles away in Afghanistan – like it was yesterday.
“Back in 2004, I ran over a bomb and was awarded the Purple Heart [medal],” McMahon said, referencing a medal that honors members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were wounded or killed in service.
“So I sustained injuries, I can deal with my own stuff and adapt. But when you see one of your fellow team members get hurt, that was probably the hardest thing.”
McMahon’s service was even harder to withstand at times because of the dangers of combat that were out of his control – such as trying to protect those around him.
“It’s all about selfless service,” McMahon said. “When you see someone else go down, you don’t have any control over it – that was pretty difficult.”
While stationed in Germany, McMahon specialized in artillery, which is the operation of large-caliber guns, howitzers and missile systems – providing strategic support for other comrades. Along with Afghanistan, McMahon was also deployed in Iraq.
Despite several hardships and traumatic experiences, McMahon cherishes some of the life lessons he took away from the people he served with.
“Being 18 years old and growing up in Western Massachusetts, joining the army took me out of this bubble,” McMahon said. “It put me in this place where you have people you would’ve never met. They’re from all walks of life; you live, train and go to war together; they are people you can count on.”
Nonetheless, after six years of service, it was time for McMahon to transition away from what he knew best: military life.
“Leaving duty after six years, I found a career with being a first responder, which is paramilitary,” McMahon said. “A lot of the people I worked with were veterans, so it wasn’t much of a transition because I knew the culture already.”
Following a year of being a paramedic, McMahon retired and now finds himself on Alden Street as a junior pursuing a degree in psychology, a place where he isn’t entirely comfortable.
“Being in a school environment, I’m like a fish out of water so I’m trying to figure it out,” McMahon said. “So if you guys have any tips, see me on campus and let me know.”
While finding his feet, McMahon also navigates the task of wanting to give back and help Springfield College students, using what he has learned from his past experiences.
“Set goals inside your goals,” McMahon said. “If you’re here studying for a bachelor’s, don’t think four years down the road. Think of just surviving each semester, and you’ll see that it just kind of goes by faster.”
Another aspect that McMahon reminisces about is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity he stepped into.
“The travel, where you’re going to see a lot of Europe and a lot of other places while getting paid for it,” McMahon said. “That was great; that was a good experience.”
Additional reporting done by Luis Rodriguez.
Photo: Peter McMahon