Community Stories

The Human Cost of War

I served in the army for just over 11 years as an infantryman. My first deployment was Aug 04-Aug 05. I was hit by multiple IEDs and after one IED my leadership left me behind in the house we just raided. I came outside to find out I was alone surrounded by 200 plus local nationals that were staring at me like a piece of meat. From that point on my nightmares controlled me and the constant feeling of abandonment caused major issues in my life. I was told PTSD wasn't real and that I should just drink it away because if I went and got help it would cost me my career. I used substances to numb all the pain and doubt. Second deployment only mad it worse. I came home that time a complete cold hearted shell. I was medically retired after 11+ years in Aug 14. Only after a couple months I found myself on the edge of my bed with a pistol in my hand ready to end it all. Then God spoke to me and changed everything. He told me " To quit feeling sorry for myself. Look at everything He pulled me through. What good is it to have an answer to a secret if you keep it a secret. To share my struggles and hardships with others to give them hope and strength to pull forward." So I now heal loudly. I travel and tell me story to help pull our brothers and sisters out of the darkness. We all have the ability to save a life, and sometimes the simple act of listening can make the world of difference. So I cofounded the Objective Zero foundation where we created the OZ app. It is an app the is ran by peer support and full of mental health and wellness resources. It is completely free and available for the entire military community, to include active, veterans, and ALL their families. Thank you save22 for what you all are doing.