{"id":31541,"date":"2021-09-23T17:58:22","date_gmt":"2021-09-23T17:58:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2021\/09\/23\/veterans-at-revolutionary-battlefield-dig-find-camaraderie\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T02:36:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T02:36:10","slug":"veterans-at-revolutionary-battlefield-dig-find-camaraderie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/veterans\/2021\/09\/23\/veterans-at-revolutionary-battlefield-dig-find-camaraderie\/","title":{"rendered":"Veterans at Revolutionary battlefield dig find camaraderie"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

STILLWATER, N.Y. (AP) \u2014 Military veterans<\/a> who carefully dug and sifted through clumps of dirt this month at a Revolutionary War battlefield in New York did more than uncover artifacts fired from muskets and cannons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meticulous field work gave the veterans \u2014 some dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and physical injuries \u2014 a familiar sense of camaraderie and mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while the archaeological dig at the Saratoga National Historical Park produced evidence from the tide-turning Second Battle of Saratoga, the teamwork behind the finds also benefited the veterans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can all come together, share your battle stories, your deployment stories, and share your love for the history of what you\u2019re digging,\u201d said Bjorn Bruckshaw, of Laconia, New Hampshire, during a break on a recent hazy morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bruckshaw, 38, was part of a three-person crew that spent the morning digging small holes at spots that set off metal detectors, then searching though the damp clumps to uncover … old nails, mostly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the self-described Revolutionary War buff was loving it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Veteran Megan Lukaszeski takes part in an archaeological dig at the site of the Second Battle of Saratoga, Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Stillwater, N.Y. Veterans with American Veterans Archaeological Recovery are searching for Revolutionary War artifacts at the Saratoga National Historical Park this month. (AP Photo\/Michael Hill)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bruckshaw, an Army veteran injured in a roadside bombing in Iraq, is among 15 veterans taking part in the dig through American Veterans Archaeological Recovery, an organization that helps service members transition into the civilian world. While the group deals mostly with vets with disabilities, their focus is on what participants can do in the field instead of any injuries, said AVAR\u2019s Stephen Humphreys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn the military you\u2019re trained to be on time for everything,\u201d Bruckshaw said. \u201cSo transitioning into the civilian world is a little bit harder for a lot of people. For me, it was a little bit difficult suffering from TBI (traumatic brain injury) and PTSD from my combat injuries. But you have support groups like these.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

National Park Service archaeologist William Griswold said the team is looking for artifacts that shed more light on the Battle of Bemis Heights, or the Second Battle of Saratoga, on Oct. 7, 1777. The American victory over British and German soldiers is credited with persuading France to lend crucial support the fight for independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\t