Situational Awareness/ PTSD

[H. Stone 1st MRB]

Now I am in a very tough situation as this Topic covers a political Issue, but more a social Problem.

I live in an area where we have a lot of Veteran Military Personnel, And this situation leaves me Upset on two ends.

A Buddy of mine was in a store with his 3 year old son. His son was walking with him, and was in an aisle of a grocery store.

Out of excitement, buddy told me, His son took off towards his favorite breakfast cereal, where he is met and grabbed up aggressively by a man and is squeezed very tightly.

Here is where the sad true story happens.

My Buddy Runs over and has to pry his son from this mans hands. At which point the man starts to break down an cry.

The man explains he is suffering from PTSD, and what just went through his mind was what happened to him in Iraq.

He explains to my buddy that while performing routine patrols, a small boy ran up to a group of his fellow soldiers and was a suicide Bomber and killed three of his friends.

He reacted because whenever he hears small children running it makes him paranoid, and he felt that if he didnt stop his son from running that someone else would get hurt.

He did not harm my Buddy's kid, just scared the crap out of him.

Here is the dilemma:

1. My buddy wants to report the man, as he is a threat to people.

2. He feels that it is not right to report a Vet. being he is not receiving the help he should for PTSD.

3. The Vet. told my buddy he was sorry, but being he was discharged for psychological reasons "unrelated" to military duty he will not recieve his benefits.

4. My buddy feels that if he does report him, the man might get the help he needs, but may get worse.

The point of all this is, I have a strong belief that we cannot blame those who have served for the Damage they have received, but we have to be aware of it, and report it to someone so that these men and women can receive help. I have a 2 year old son and would be afraid of this situation happening to me, and what could have been the outcome.

Suggestions, comments, insight-

This is not intended offend those members in the unit who are Military. Maybe you have incite into who to report to about this man, besides the police as my friend does not want it to go that route.

Edited June 4, 2013 by McDowell 1st MRB

[H. Stone 1st MRB]

I also wanted to add, Many of my Friends and relatives are funding members of The Wounded Warrior Project

If you have a few spare dollars try and make a Donation these men and women need our help

Note There is a One time Gift option that you can choose, you do not have to be a Monthly Donor.

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/D...CFUyY4AodngkARQ

Edited June 4, 2013 by McDowell 1st MRB

[Peaker]

That's a tough call to make and I could go either way. It's very important that this vet gets counselling services though. I have several friends who have served in both the US and Canadian army in actual combat missions from Bosnia to Afghanistan. One in particular told me she wouldn't have pulled through without counselling and therapy. It's sad but your buddy might be doing the vet a service by reporting him, because one day there might not be an adult on hand to stop him from squeezing harder.

[O'Hare 1st MRB]

He obviously needs help. His best bet would be from a non-govt agency that can't report his possible condition to the govt in case they decide to restrict his rights in the future. But if there isn't anything like that out where you are, get him to the VA. The VA is not the best bet. At least it's something.