Soldier reaches out to veterans suffering from PTSD

Soldier reaches out to veterans suffering from PTSD

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff
Daily News Tribune
Posted Sep 24, 2009 @ 01:20 AM

NEWTON — Pulling a photo of a young infantryman out of his pocket, retired Brigade Command Sgt. Major Samuel Rhodes explained, "He is the reason I do this."

He carries the picture with him everywhere, the picture of the young man who killed himself on July 28, 2009, suffering from depression after serving in the war.

Rhodes, who served 30 months in Iraq over three years, understands all too well - intense guilt and anxiety about surviving the war, while so many "kids" in his unit did not, almost cost Rhodes his life, he said.

"I watched 21 of my fellow soldiers die, and every time one died - if you care at all about life - it has an effect on you," Rhodes said.

Overwrought with the feeling that he was actually responsible for traumatic events, which he later realized he had no control over, Rhodes was preparing to kill himself in April 2007, he said.

"I've got all kinds awards and medals, you name it. You'd think I'm invincible, but I'm human," Rhodes said.

"I was a walking zombie ready to die."

Somehow, a single thought of reaching out to a friend interrupted the barrage of thoughts that he had no reason to live. That thought saved his life, he recalled as he spoke to a group of veterans and their loved ones, as well as state Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, during a presentation on helping veterans cope with post-traumatic stress at the Marriott Hotel in Newton last night.
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Soldier reaches out to veterans suffering from PTSD