Post Traumatic Stress Disorder lessons shared

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder lessons shared
The Fort Gordon Signal - Fort Gordon,GA,USA
Charmain Z. Brackett Correspondent


Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Samuel Rhodes spent 30 months in Iraq from April 2003 to November 2005. Although he returned physically sound, the trauma of seeing bodies on the side of the roads, the horrors of losing 37 Soldiers including two to suicide in theater and the fear of attack took its toll on Rhodes mentally and emotionally.

"The easiest way to let it go is to talk about it," said Rhodes, who retired in January and spoke about his battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at Alexander Hall April 13.

As a leader, said Rhodes, it was difficult to admit he was suffering from PTSD. In April 2007, however, he reached a turning point. He was depressed to the point of suicide, and he realized he needed help. While sitting waiting for an appointment at Martin Army Community Hospital one day, he had several young Soldiers ask him why he was there. Was he there for one of his Soldiers? was the question he was asked.
click link for more