Why did you write Friends for Life?
While our family members were deployed, we realized that most people don't know of understand the trials a military family experiences during a loved one's deployment. We wrote the book to help people understand these experiences. We wrote the book to help people understand those experiences. Our book also includes a resource list of military support organizations for families and veterans in need and for readers seeking a way to get involved in the support of our armed forces.
How did you meet?
Our meeting was arranged by fate. We found each other online on an internet forum for our soldiers (http://strykernews.com). We quickly learned through our soldiers that they were battle buddies, and this was the start of our friendship.
How did you write this book together with such a big geographical distance between you?
With one co-author in Indiana and the other in Arizona, it was a challenge to write the book. For six months, we scheduled weekly conference calls, assigned each other writing tasks, and met online just as we had during the deployment to write the book.
What can you tell us about PTSD and TBI, from your personal experiences?
According to a study published by Management Science, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) will affect as many as 35% of Veterans of the war in Iraq. It is important to remember that PTSD affects not only the veteran, but the veteran's family, friends, and coworkers. As the soldier deals with his own feelings of anger, confusion, fear and grief, the family struggles to understand and cope.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is also difficult for veterans and their families to learn to live with. Those suffering from TBI related symptoms often undergo personality changes, depression, and other associated challenges. Family support is key to management and recovery.
For both our families, dealing with a veteran who experiences depression, anger, avoidance, nightmares and more has been stressful. Our veterans are in treatment through the VA and thankfully we provide support for each other as well.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with PTSD or has suffered a TBI, the important thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are many great resources availalbe to help. Find out as much as you can about PTSD and TBI, even if your veteran doesn't want to seek treatment. Listen to your veteran, but don't push. Let them know you are there for them. Most important, be ready with information when they are ready to get help!
How are James and Jon doing now?
James and Jon have both left the military and are building new lives in the civilian world. James is now one of over 1 Million Disabled American Veterans in our country. He receives regular treatment from the VA for his combat injuries as well as counseling for his PTSD. Joining a local support group for Veterans of OIF/OEF has been extremely helpful with his recover. Jon is now a proud husband and father and is also receiving support from the VA.
Do you have any suggestions for ways to honor our Military Families and Veterans?
To us, everyday is Veterans Day! Here are a few ideas:
-Display an American flag
-Invite the family of a deployed soldier to your home for a meal
-Adopt a deployed soldier to support (see our resources page for organizations)
-Purchase small American flags and take them to your local nursing home. Staff members will gladly distribute them to resident Veterans. If you have the time, ask if you can present them yourself. This is VERY rewarding!
-If you have a Veteran in you family, send them a thank you note!
While our family members were deployed, we realized that most people don't know of understand the trials a military family experiences during a loved one's deployment. We wrote the book to help people understand these experiences. We wrote the book to help people understand those experiences. Our book also includes a resource list of military support organizations for families and veterans in need and for readers seeking a way to get involved in the support of our armed forces.
How did you meet?
Our meeting was arranged by fate. We found each other online on an internet forum for our soldiers (http://strykernews.com). We quickly learned through our soldiers that they were battle buddies, and this was the start of our friendship.
How did you write this book together with such a big geographical distance between you?
With one co-author in Indiana and the other in Arizona, it was a challenge to write the book. For six months, we scheduled weekly conference calls, assigned each other writing tasks, and met online just as we had during the deployment to write the book.
What can you tell us about PTSD and TBI, from your personal experiences?
According to a study published by Management Science, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) will affect as many as 35% of Veterans of the war in Iraq. It is important to remember that PTSD affects not only the veteran, but the veteran's family, friends, and coworkers. As the soldier deals with his own feelings of anger, confusion, fear and grief, the family struggles to understand and cope.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is also difficult for veterans and their families to learn to live with. Those suffering from TBI related symptoms often undergo personality changes, depression, and other associated challenges. Family support is key to management and recovery.
For both our families, dealing with a veteran who experiences depression, anger, avoidance, nightmares and more has been stressful. Our veterans are in treatment through the VA and thankfully we provide support for each other as well.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with PTSD or has suffered a TBI, the important thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are many great resources availalbe to help. Find out as much as you can about PTSD and TBI, even if your veteran doesn't want to seek treatment. Listen to your veteran, but don't push. Let them know you are there for them. Most important, be ready with information when they are ready to get help!
How are James and Jon doing now?
James and Jon have both left the military and are building new lives in the civilian world. James is now one of over 1 Million Disabled American Veterans in our country. He receives regular treatment from the VA for his combat injuries as well as counseling for his PTSD. Joining a local support group for Veterans of OIF/OEF has been extremely helpful with his recover. Jon is now a proud husband and father and is also receiving support from the VA.
Do you have any suggestions for ways to honor our Military Families and Veterans?
To us, everyday is Veterans Day! Here are a few ideas:
-Display an American flag
-Invite the family of a deployed soldier to your home for a meal
-Adopt a deployed soldier to support (see our resources page for organizations)
-Purchase small American flags and take them to your local nursing home. Staff members will gladly distribute them to resident Veterans. If you have the time, ask if you can present them yourself. This is VERY rewarding!
-If you have a Veteran in you family, send them a thank you note!