This morning on PTSD Patrol, we're talking about how some people want to think veterans are all broken, damaged beyond repair. You know, the ones who think we're all supposed to feel like giving up.
After over 3 decades, it would be easy for me to explain the difference between "broken" and what a survivor looks like.
It is like looking at a vintage car that has been fully restored.
A senior veteran can be fully restored too!
PTSD Patrol Sunday Morning Empowerment Zone
Your ride may be getting old, but it is far from ready for the junk yard. Most people value antiques and if you are a senior veteran, that is a great way to look at what comes with age.
You have a lot of miles on your spare tires. Your shock absorbers may be a little worn out. You may need some body work. The truth is, you survived all of the events that put miles on your ride. A lot of them were bad but more of them were good times.
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She was sure she was about to die at Navy Yard, and five years later has built a new life
Washington Post
Anne E Marimow
September 15, 2018
The anniversary comes as a group of victims’ relatives and survivors, including Stultz, have reached settlements in their negligence lawsuits against two private companies that employed Alexis, who was fatally shot by police who flooded the scene. The agreements close a chapter for the 15 plaintiffs who went to federal court in Washington seeking a combined $189 million in claimed damages.
Lori Lee Stultz no longer works at the Washington Navy Yard, where she escaped a mass shooting in 2013. She now runs a linens company that she credits with helping her heal. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)
When the first shots were fired inside Building 197 at the Washington Navy Yard, Lori Lee Stultz huddled beneath a desk with two colleagues, gripping their hands and trying to stay quiet, certain they’d be killed.
All around her, glass shattered, fire alarms blared, desk phones rang incessantly, and a colleague screamed, “Help me!”
The shooter, Aaron Alexis, gunned down 12 Navy civilian personnel and contractors that morning in September 2013, including too many of Stultz’s friends and colleagues from 15 years at the Navy Yard.
Stultz, of Arlington, and about 20 other survivors from Building 197 plan to gather Sunday to mark five years since the mass shooting.
“You become part of a strange community that no one else understands. We’re not crying; we’re just remembering,” Stultz said. “You can’t really talk to other people about it. It’s just upsetting, and they don’t know what to say.”
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Thank you Al Whitaker! We’ll miss your flair for going after scam artists, fighting for what’s right and telling rich stories
WHNT 19 News
Denise Vickers
September 15, 2018
Al fought for a veteran who fought for our country.
Al’s story began, “Ron Buis served his country with honor but now he’s serving time.”
Buis was charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling – a felony and he was being held without bond. Al’s narrative explained, “It’s not that Buis was outside shooting into someone else’s house. He was in his mobile home and the bullets traveled into the mobile homes near his. It happened on more than one occasion, too. His friends tell us Ron wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. They say he was shooting at the voices in his head.”
Buis came home from Vietnam with a Purple Heart, a Vietnamese Citation for Gallantry with Bronze and Silver stars, and a Gold Star from the Marines in lieu of a second Purple Heart. Al’s story revealed, “He also brought with him the haunting memories of a horrible experience that would later manifest themselves as psychotic depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”
On live tv, Al stared directly into the camera and closed his report vowing, “Mr. Buis, we make you this promise, sir, we will not rest until you get the help you need. And we promise you we’ll keep you apprised of any developments.”
It took 5 months, but Al Got Results for Buis.
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It's about me
North West Florida Daily News
By Kaylin Parker
Posted Sep 15, 2018
“One of the reasons that made me do it that very first time I did it, someone said, ‘it’s about me,’ and I get that all the time,” Morgan said. “It wasn’t a show. It wasn’t a pity party. It was about me, and that means something.”
Members of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors team bring fish to the weigh scales during the 6th Annual Soldiers on the Water deep sea fishing event.
Michael Snyder Daily News
DESTIN — Combat wounded troops, caregivers, service dogs and active-duty military were among the large crowd on hand Saturday for the 6th Annual Soldiers on the Water event hosted by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors.
Natalie Sayles, who lives in Atlanta, has been coming for three years. She served as an Army combat medic for 17 years and was medically discharged in 2012 after breaking both her legs during training.
Sayles said she enjoys the “camaraderie” among the veterans.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to take care of myself medically, so I like to try to extend that favor ... through conversation, through talking,” Sayles said.
Soldiers on the Water features a free fishing trip for veterans or active-duty troops who have combat-related injuries.
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NC National Guard has ‘historic’ response to Hurricane Florence
Fayetteville Observer
Drew Brooks
September 14, 2018
North Carolina National Guard troops are working alongside first responders as Hurricane Florence makes its way inland.
Officials said they know the worst is yet to come as the state prepares for more flooding and high winds.
Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division prepare themselves and their equipment for the potential impacts of Hurricane Florence at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, Ga September 13. In addition to the Army's preparation happening on bases, Hunter Army Airfield has become a staging point for U.S. Coast Guard helicopters who mat be called on to assist in hurricane response efforts.
“We still have just over 2,800 National Guardsmen on state active duty,” said Lt. Col. Matt DeVivo, a spokesman for the NCNG.
That is the most troops ever activated ahead of a major storm.
“We’ve never had this many already ready to respond,” DeVivo said.
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