Army Staff Sgt. Scott Snyder gets hope from Illinois Warrior Assistance Program

Local soldier struggles with PTSD

Posted: March 15, 2008 03:17 PM EDT


Quad Cities -- Three years after returning from Iraq, Army Staff Sgt. Scott Snyder was watching a war movie when he dropped to his knees because of a flashback. Snyder was eventually diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Snyder had wanted to join the military since he was only 19 years of age. He volunteered to be a part of the first troups on the ground in Iraq.

"I was ecstatic. I was excited so it was equivalent of athletes going into the Olympics," said Snyder

He returned from Iraq in 2004, but was unable to escape the atrocities of war. While watching a war movie in his living room, Snyder dropped to his knees only seconds into the film.

"I could hear and see and smell Iraq, and I was no longer in my living room."

Snyder was eventually diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He received treatment, but originally did not have the option for a support group until he learned about the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program.

"I feel much more positive and hopeful today than I did several months ago."

The program provides counseling services, brain screenings, and a 24-hour help line for soliders and war veterans.
http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=8021670