Warriors & PTSD
I know many of you are familiar with the organization “Freedom Is Not Free”. But I know there are those out there that have not yet learned of these great people and what they are trying to do, to not only help our troops, but to also bring awareness to the American public of what it means to dedicate your life in service to your country, to be a Warrior.
Below are two projects that “Freedom Is Not Free” are working on. Please go and read them, learn from them and help make a real change in how our citizens see our Warriors, our Protectors. Your one voice can reach many others and can make a difference!
The first is very dear to my heart since I am dealing with this first hand through my oldest son. There are days that it is not easy to hear what he has to say, to hear his stories of combat. then there are days that I can laugh right along with him over some of the funny things that they do to relieve the boredom. But in the end, my son’s body may have returned home, in a healthy condition, but his mind didn’t, and now we have to work together to heal.
THE UNKNOWN CASUALTY OF WAR – PTSD
These soldiers are injured. These soldiers do not receive Purple Hearts. These soldiers may or may not receive benefits. These soldiers are forever changed. These soldiers suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD.) These soldiers are the unknown casualties of war.
Posttraumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that is triggered after witnessing a traumatic event. In a war-zone, traumatic events are not uncommon and the men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan must bear the stresses placed on them, mentally and physically, as a result.
PTSD may be more widespread than is often acknowledged. According to Jim Garamone from the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, 15-20% of veterans returning from Iraq and 6-11% of veterans returning from Afghanistan suffer from PTSD. And these are only the reported numbers.
The second is another that touches my heart. Coming from a long line of Military service members, you would think that I of all people would understand what it means to be a Warrior. Heck, I even went to Iraq and worked and supported many of these Warriors. But hearing their own words, talk about their thoughts feelings, and devotion to not only our Country, but to their brother, their sister, in arms, well….. if it doesn’t touch your heart and make you proud to be am American, then you have no heart. This is a film and a book that every American should see and read. Click on the headline to go to the site and view the trailer, because I can not put into written words what they can tell you. Just look, and listen for yourself.
WARRIORS….. in their own words
Our Mission is to Honor Our Warriors
and to raise funding through our documentary, portrait book and exhibit –
to aid wounded service members, their families, and the families of the fatally wounded.
