Robert served as a turret mechanic in the U.S. Army and deployed to Iraq. When he returned home, a fellow Veteran encouraged him to reach out for support. VA programs and a connection with Veterans groups helped Robert reconnect with himself and the world.
View Video TranscriptThe Road to Healing
Robert: Maybe it was a metaphor or something, but I left it out in the road. It ended up being beneficial for me.
My name's Robert. I served in the United States Army, turret mechanic from 2000 till 2003. I didn't grow up in the best of neighborhoods. Getting involved in gangs, juvenile halls, youth camps. In and out since I was 14. Following that, I joined the military. I ultimately ended up deploying to Iraq. You get your eyes opened to a snapshot of the rest of the world. There are some things that happened that I regret it and that I struggle with.
When I went home, I followed a series of steps. I went from my outpost to an airfield, from an airfield to an airport, and from an airport out of the country. Seven of my brothers took the same route on a different date. They went the exact same way, and unfortunately they didn't make it home. Knowing that some of the people that I served with didn't make it home is something that has played in my mind countless times.
After coming back there are some things that happened. Definitely has not been easy for my wife. She's seen every side of me. I realized that this was a problem. I was working as a mechanic for U-Haul. A Vietnam veteran saw my old unit shirt, asked me if I've ever visited the VA. I had no idea what that was. Couple of weeks later started the whole enrollment process.
Several weeks following that, and I still had PTSD. The staff were just there for me. They're legitimately trying to help. I was doing one-on-one for most of the time, and then I was told that there was an OIF and OEF group. They meet every Fridays. Gave it a shot, and I ended up meeting some really great people. Just being around someone that was in my shoes, it was such a sobering feeling. It's something that I look forward to coming to every week. It wasn't really to get somewhere. It was just really just to be there.
That was the same feeling I get when I ride my motorcycle. I started riding for a few years, and the more and more I started riding, the more I started seeing a lot of bikers, especially around the veteran community. It was something that they saw beneficial for them as well. I asked about it and looked into it, and I ended up joining. Kind of sounds cheesy, but feel like your bike is a part of you.
I'm proud of have a wife that has stuck by me through everything. Proud to be a member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. It just clears my head feeling the gears shift, going faster or slower, or making that turn. It's really not a destination. It's just the experience of it.
I would suggest that you have to take ownership of your own health. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek help.
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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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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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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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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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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