Gold Star Family Second Loss, Iraq Veteran to PTSD

Gold Star family endures another loss -- Former Marine dies after suffering from PTSD
Midland Reporter-Telegram
By Shanna Iverson
September 13, 2105

A Midland mother has now lost two of her four children to war. One, in Baghdad combat; the other to a long-fought battle after he returned from Iraq.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Jeremy Arsiaga, 31, of Midland died Sept. 4 after suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. His brother, Army Spc. Robert Arsiaga, also of Midland was killed April 4, 2004, when his unit was attacked by rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire.

Robert’s death at the age of 25 had a profound impact on the family -- perhaps especially for Jeremy, who was known for following in his big brother’s footsteps. So it came as no surprise when Jeremy embraced deployment to Iraq.

“He had the option of not going, but he chose to go because of what happened to Robert,” their brother, Gilbert Arsiaga, said. “I think he thought it was not fair, something like survivors’ guilt, because he was home safe,” said their sister Angel Munoz.

Family matriarch Sylvia Munoz Macias appeared strong in recent days as loved ones gathered while trying to make sense of the latest tragedy. It had been more than a decade since that fateful day when a military mother’s worst fears were realized. While no one saw this coming, signs of Jeremy’s attempt to grapple with civilian life since his 2009 discharge were slowly becoming clearer.

Jeremy’s wife, Patricia, recalled his diagnosis, when the military sent her husband home for medical reasons. Patricia doesn’t know much more than his PTSD diagnosis, and no specifics about what might have triggered his symptoms.

“As far as his pain, he never shared that. Not even with me,” 

she said.

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