To the editor,
There are few things that remind us of the cost of freedom more than seeing a flag-draped coffin containing the body of a fallen service member being carried off a military transport plane.
However, there are unseen costs of freedom: one of which is the emotional damage being carried within the service member who is able to walk off the airplane. I am referring to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD.
As I age, I recognize PTSD much more often. My family has been affected by PTSD since the Civil War and continues to be affected to this day.
Quite often, the service member does not even recognize it themselves. Depression, anger, being startled easily, substance abuse, and marital and family problems can all be traced to PTSD.
Your local American Legion post is sponsoring a discussion of PTSD and the resources available to deal with it. It will be held at the Greene County Community Center (Rec Center) on June 6 at 7 pm. We hope to start the healing process with this meeting. It will be addressed to veterans and their families. Even if the veteran has passed, surviving family members may benefit from understanding PTSD and how it may have affected the veteran. If you would like to get a better understanding, American Legion Post #11 invites you to attend.
Elvin Thompson. Vice-Commander, American Legion Post #11
