by stevesparks | Aug 24, 2026 | Mental Health Advocacy, Veterans
USS West Virginia BB48 December 7, 1941 Doris “Dorie” Miller was an American Sailor in the United States Navy. He manned anti-aircraft guns during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, for which he had no training, and tended to the wounded. He was...
by stevesparks | May 25, 2026 | Mental Health Advocacy, Military, Veterans
Memorial Day means so much more to me these days at the prime age of 80 (almost) than anytime in my life. Since researching and writing my book in 2011, awareness of the lifelong suffering of severe trauma and PTSD has increased exponentially. We know so much more in...
by stevesparks | Nov 10, 2025 | Mental Health Advocacy, Veterans
The old photo above was taken just before my father, Vernon, was deployed during the Korean War. It was Sunday family time aboard the USS Andromeda (AKA15). I honestly don’t remember this day. I love to be reminded of a happier time for our family. Dad’s...
by stevesparks | May 24, 2025 | Mental Health Advocacy, Veterans
https://artslb.org/public-art/lone-sailor-maritime-memorial Quote from the link above… “Sculptor Stanley Bleifield created several Lone Sailor memorials throughout the country; however, the Long Beach statue is the only one that looks out to sea. It is a...
by stevesparks | May 20, 2025 | Mental Health Advocacy, Veterans
Vernon H Sparks BMC USN 1936-1960. 1918 – 1998 Post War Transition and Recuperation… “Originally designated “U. S. Naval Hospital, Pleasanton, California”, this 2000 bed hospital sprung up in a vast area of flat land a few miles east of the Oakland...
by stevesparks | Dec 5, 2024 | Building Healthy Communities, children, Family, Mental Health Advocacy, Military, Ptsd, Veterans
PTSD During the Holidays… Quote from this reference link… “Holidays and family functions can make the PTSD sufferer feel like an outsider. They may feel uncomfortable joining in the celebration and, as a result, end up feeling alone and isolated. Although family...
