Herman didn't get a lot of support from his employer when he was deployed to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. The mortgage company also wasn't patient. He felt stress from home and was disturbed by the damage and suffering he saw. It all took a toll and pressures mounted after he returned. Hear how support from other Veterans helped Herman cope.
View Video TranscriptHerman:
I'm retired U.S. Air Force 20 plus years. Was an Aircraft Crew Chief for the military. Well, a thunderstorm comes in and decides they want to go ahead and threaten, you know, the populous there in Louisiana. So, as soon as Katrina came in, I was about to get deployed and I had to tell my employer about that. It didn't go well. Next thing you know, I'm on an aircraft taking off to Louisiana so I'm given a weapon. I'm having to leave my job. I'm having to leave my wife who was pregnant with our son. I left the home construction process that I undertook earlier that year and then having to deal with my civilian employer thinking, oh, there goes Herman off to another vacation with the military.
Well, not necessarily this time. This was, I mean more real than anything else, you know, because people’s lives were at stake with this. I need to go do this other job that the military is asking me to do. I mean, I will drop everything to go and do that. Why? Because it’s in the best interest of my country. I remember that cargo door opening. As soon as they open it up and you just feel that vacuum. And it was a smell and a site that I still remember to this day. Everything just smelled wet. It was like a war zone. It was just a site that was just devastating, but I knew that I had to maintain my gung-ho attitude and I’ve held everything else in just to kind of make sure we’re here to do a job. It took a toll.
I endured whatever scars I endured while there and I’m on a plane back to Austin where I find out that my employer wants to fire me, in a roundabout way. I was able to secure another job, but I left that particular job. So, now I’m at this new job; horrible hours, horrible pay. My wife’s still unemployed, you know, and I was doing whatever I could to just kind of make ends meet financially and friends and family, you know and the VA are coming in to try to like, it’s as if I called in the cav, the cavalry. They came in and they kinda started helping me out.
The VA was there for the emotional support. Over the course of my career towards the latter part of it, I came up with one acronym and it was Post Military Career Stress Disorder. I run myself a certain way. There’s a level of accountability, discipline, integrity, and how I do things and I found that I was a little bit too square, so to speak. You know, I had to do things a certain way and it was to do them the right way. When you’re asked to do something, you do them right and I apply that to everything that I do and in the civilian sector, it’s just a little bit of a different environment because in their mindset, it seems and you can hear it in conversation, they’re out at a bar already while we’re trying to do a job or they’re out playing soccer when we’re trying to do a job. So, if you’re not focused on your job, you’re obviously focusing on something else because then it’s going to affect the performance of what you’re doing and that’ll eventually affect, you know, the outcome of a task.
So those are the frustrations that I kind of deal with. Going to the VA and talking with them about these instances was definitely a help. VA support, outreach programs or VA groups with the social media network that is at hand, it’s amazing how you can share experiences. When I think of the VA, I think of a focal point where there’s a lot of Veterans there that yes, we want to be given a certain service, but they’re also there for the camaraderie. We come to see the docs or whomever, but we’re also there to talk with other Veterans because they may have similar stories. It’s amazing the wealth of knowledge that they have to disseminate so as long as you want to come and get it. And that’s what it’s about, the resource is there. I wasn’t kidding when I said, “They educated me.” The Montgomery GI Bill helped out and they continue helping out.
Katrina still lives in my mind and, you know, being deployed overseas in support of Operation Desert Storm, OIF/OEF, you know, and I was deployed over to Spain to help that relief effort, you know, that still lives in me, so I’m still deployed. I may be physically here right in front of you, but I’m still deployed. But I know now that there are resources out there that can help me with what I’m still finding myself deployed for.
So, whenever I feel down in the dumps, I rely on those resources and I get back on my horse again. I continue to ride because sometimes I fall off my horse, you know, but we’re still knights. It’s how we get back on it and the attitude it takes to get back on there and take care of business. So, we need to go where there’s professional help and guidance because the soldier is not the only person that suffers from, you know, the battle zones, the combat zones, the humanitarian relief efforts that we’re faced with, but it’s the families. We need to use the faculties that we’ve been gifted with and apply them to like, getting help. We got training and we welcomed it, let’s get the help and welcome it. You know, but the VA has all kinds of resources available; I mean tons and tons and tons that they’ve helped me with. They just have an enormous amount of talent and when you talk to the representatives there, they wanna help you out.
No matter what you may be experiencing, there is support for getting your life on a better track. Many, many Veterans have found the strength to reach out and make the connection.
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If you are experiencing dizziness, lie down for a few minutes with your head slightly elevated. Lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, getting enough rest, and avoiding alcohol or drugs can help. Medications and medical conditions such as heart disease or ear issues can also cause dizziness; consult a medical provider if you get dizzy on a regular basis. If you suddenly lose function in part of your body (e.g., arm weakness, face drooping, difficulty speaking) along with experiencing vertigo, this can indicate a serious problem, such as a stroke. Call 911 and seek medical help immediately. Learn more steps you can take on our Dizziness page.
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Flashbacks
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A flashback can be distressing for you and those around you. Try grounding yourself by focusing on details of your surroundings or neutral physical sensations, such as the feeling of your feet on the floor. Call someone you trust and tell them what is happening. Your family, friends, or health care provider may be able to provide support and help you deal with your flashbacks. Learn more steps you can take on our Flashbacks page.
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Noise or Light Irritation
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If I'm experiencing noise or light irritation, what can I do about it right away?
Learn what triggers episodes of noise or light irritation. Try making adjustments to computer and TV screens, and ensure you get the right amount of sleep. If you're taking medication and want to know if it could be affecting your sensitivity to noise or light, talk to your doctor. Certain drugs or medications may cause vision or hearing problems. Never stop taking a prescription without first consulting a medical professional. Learn more steps you can take on our Noise or Light Irritation page.
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Nightmares
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If I’m having nightmares, what can I do about it right away?
To manage upsetting feelings after a nightmare, focus on what's real by touching and describing objects around you. If you're unable to sleep within 15 minutes, leave your bed briefly to wash your hands or drink water while avoiding any strenuous activity. Also, talk to your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions. Learn more steps you can take on our Nightmares page.
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High-Risk Activities
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Alcohol or Drug Misuse
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What can I do about drinking or drug use?
There are many options for Veterans who want to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol or using drugs. One option is counseling, either one-on-one or in a group. Another involves medication to help reduce use. A third option is mutual-help groups. You can work with your doctor or counselor and try different types of treatment to find the one that's best for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Alcohol or Drug Misuse page.
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Gambling
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Video Title: Gambling for the adrenaline rush
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If I’m experiencing a gambling problem, what can I do about it right away?
The first step in addressing your challenges is to acknowledge that gambling has become a problem in your life and recognize that it is possible to make a change. Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing to manage stress and urges to gamble. Spend time with supportive people who do not gamble, and talk with your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions that are right for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Gambling page.
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Reckless Behavior
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What can I do if I’ve noticed myself engaging in reckless behavior?
There are ways to prevent yourself from engaging in risky behavior. Plan to avoid situations that might lead to recklessness. For example, leave early or late to avoid rush-hour traffic, or arrange a ride home if you'll be drinking. Talking with your family members, close friends, or a health care provider may help you find support and resources to address your challenges. Learn more steps you can take on our Reckless Behavior page.
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