focused on better things. For those with limited family and other support resources there is help everywhere from local community support groups and military families who offer assistance, to online social organizations that have experience and empathy for vets with PTSD. And there is the new and improved VA which offers programs for inpatient and outpatient licensed care. There are other licensed and popular programs like "Transformations" which help Veterans and their families and first responders to cope with and alleviate PTSD, anxiety, and other emotional and mental issues. My point is that help is readily available, and we only need to reach for it.
Everyone has a different lifeline and for some it's professional help for others a compassionate human being. Some of my military friends relied on their spouse. One of my military brothers was injured and paralyzed from his waist down. For the last 50 years his wife took care of him. She was young and beautiful when they were married and in spite of his disability, she stayed with him and more than that labored to give him a life. Let's call her Carole, Carole would help him with his wheelchair, clothe him, feed him and remain a compassionate ear when his demons crawled out and loving heart for his loneliness. She could have turned her back on him 50 years ago as a beautiful young woman and continued with her life, but her love and devotion were greater than her self-interests. There are people like this, but they are few and far between.
In my case the comradery of brothers in arms, a supportive family and other local organizations made the struggle worthwhile with a positive outcome, which has stayed with me for the rest of my life. The important thing is not to fight the battle alone, to understand that outside influence and compassion provides a new perspective, and a renewed interest in life and good things that lie ahead. Yes, it’s a struggle, but there’s help all around us, and that’s what gives us a positive life to live with purpose and optimism. •
PTSD SUPPORT : HELP IS AVAILABLE
The Veteran's Administration has expanded their programs for veterans and their families with challenges of PTSD or other related disabilities.
The VA offers an "About Face Program" with group support as well videos that help show experiences of others who have faced the same problems ptsd.va.gov/apps/AboutFace
For veterans and their families with challenges of PTSD or other related disabilities, the VA's Program Locator points you to facilities in the area nearest to you for clinical and other care va.gov/directory/guide/PTSD.asp
If you are just looking to get started you can go to any Vet Center and work with them to find the right place to go. va.gov/directory/guide/PTSD.asp
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dominic Certo, author and businessman, served with the 7th Marines in Vietnam and is an advisory board member of Operation Home Front. He has since served as an advisor and Chairman of the Advisory Board for Operation Homefront. Certo has served as President of Hillside Publications, and Chairman of The Certo Group. The Certo Group is a food services company founded by Certo in 1985 which went public in 2004. Certo was knighted by the Royal Family of The Reigning Order of St. John in Russia. He has also received two Presidential Volunteer Service Awards.
