http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/01/03/the-killing-of-a-park-ranger-on-mount-rainier-reminds-us-to-help-returning-soldiers.html
On one hand it is not fun to start the New Year engaging in the reality of how troubling PTSD is to returning combat veterans and their families. But we must be reminded constantly to be vigilant in recognizing the symptoms of PTSD and help those who are in pain to seek treatment. In this case, former Iraq combat veteran Benjamin Colten Barnes was in real pain since returning from combat duty. He ended up killing a Mt. Rainier Park Ranger, and was eventually found dead in the wilderness. Each week it seems there is a story either in the news or not regarding the realities facing some 20% of combat veterans returning home with symptoms of PTSD. The statistics of high suicide among combat veterans is also painful to think about. The referenced article is a stark reminder to all of us to be more aware and help where we can. This is very personal to me since living in a toxic home while growing up with a parent who suffered terribly from symptoms of PTSD. I write about our family struggle in my book, Reconciliation, A Son’s Story. Everyone needs to be educated on the subject of PTSD and can learn much from reading my book along with other sources of information on this website.
Steve Sparks
Author
Reconciliation: A Son’s Story
