Wounded veteran with PTSD kept out of theater because of service dog

One of the hardest things to do when you have PTSD is to go into a dark room with a bunch of strangers. My husband stopped going to movies as soon as we got married. His reason? He said he couldn't feel comfortable there so since we were married, he didn't have to go anymore. Well, that made sense to him anyway. Our first official date was going to see a movie, The Dark Crystal in 1982.

Knowing how difficult it is for a PTSD to even try to go into a theater, I can tell you first hand how much Becker really wanted to be there and how much he needed his dog with him. This theater owes him a lot more than an apology since they just insulted some of the bravest people in this country.

Wounded war vet seeks apology from movie theater owner
August 19, 2011


Alexandra Field
COBLESKILL -- A wounded war veteran who depends on aide from a certified service dog, Annie, says he was denied entrance to a Cobleskill movie theater.

Major James Becker tells CBS 6 the owner of Park Theater insisted a dog would not be allowed in to the theater, despite the fact that Annie was wearing a service vest. Becker says he was also carrying identification for the dog.

Major James Becker, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was struck twice by improvised explosive devices. He was hospitalized for more than two years, battling brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. Becker was given his service dog a year ago and says Annie helps him cope with the symptoms of his PTSD.

read more here