Iraq vet, Marine says "I have no problem telling people I have PTSD"

"I have no problem telling someone I have PTSD. It's not a bad word. I went through something that was traumatic. It may take me time to get over it,'' Seitz said. "The veteran has to want to get the treatment. You have to be proactive in your own recovery from what you went through. You just have to tell somebody you need help, and they'll help you."

Let those words sink in.
Iraq War vet celebrates progress over PTSD
By Mary Delach Leonard, Beacon staff
Last Updated ( Friday, 15 August 2008 )




For Iraq War veteran Brad Seitz, the color purple symbolizes five years of life after near-death.

Purple balloons will direct guests to a party this weekend noting the fifth anniversary of the day he earned a Purple Heart in service to his country. He will hang out with family and friends at the bowling alley in the recreation center of the Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center. Refreshments will include a Purple Heart cake, compliments of the VA.

Seitz, 31, has a fondness for the place. On Thursday nights, the pool, weight room and other facilities are open to all area veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's a place to find people who understand what he's been through, he said.

Here, too, Seitz has found help to cope with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I just like getting my story out there. I guess I would be considered a good story for the VA. All of my treatment has been excellent,'' Seitz said. "I think I've gotten the top-notch care that the VA offers. People should know that it's not all bad stories. There are good things that happen.''

Five years ago – on the night of Aug. 13, 2003 – Seitz's convoy of Humvees was ambushed by insurgents. Shrapnel from a rocket-propelled grenade peppered his right arm, the explosion knocking him unconscious. He was also shot in the foot during the attack.