National Adjutant Message
Barry A. Jesinoski, National Adjutant
Confronting and conquering the realities of PTSD
Suddenly, a veteran screams, jolted awake from a dream all too real. An inescapable reliving of an agonizing event. A desperate avoidance of people, places or activities reminiscent of the most anguishing days of one’s life. These are more than symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); they are realities faced by veterans afflicted with this invisible scar.
First recognized in war veterans, post-traumatic stress has had many names over the years. In World War I, it was “shell shock,” a reaction to being in proximity to exploding artillery shells. “Battle fatigue” was used during the Second World War to describe the psychological impact of combat. There are even accounts of Civil War veterans suffering from flashbacks.
No matter what we call the phenomenon, the connective tissue running through wars of the past to today is the panic-induced symptoms that can affect every facet of a veteran’s life.
In 1977, following the end of the Vietnam War, DAV funded the Forgotten Warrior Project, pioneering research that resulted in the addition of PTSD to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. That seminal recognition was critical in recognizing and treating PTSD and ensuring justice could be achieved for veterans of all eras.
DAV’s involvement in funding this research meant that our nation could no longer ignore the cold truth of what so many of our Vietnam veterans endured. The willingness of these veterans to confront their struggles has left a lasting impact that still echoes and will continue to do so for generations to come.
June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising our collective consciousness and educating the public about PTSD’s causes, symptoms and treatment options. It’s also a time to reduce the stigma associated with this mental health condition.
While many questions remain surrounding post-traumatic stress, what we know is that veterans who have PTSD aren’t alone. Combat isn’t a prerequisite to feeling the full effects of the psychological prison many veterans find themselves in.
Even during training, veterans have witnessed horrible events and experienced life-threatening events. Others have been tragically betrayed by one of their own in what we now call military sexual trauma.
No matter the source of trauma, the symptoms of post-traumatic stress aren’t just clinical criteria; they are reminders of the true cost of service.
DAV’s dedication to helping veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress remains steadfast. We assist veterans in submitting claims for PTSD and accessing the care they need. But I implore you to look for ways to discuss this diagnosis with your family, friends and, undoubtedly, other veterans—no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
Only together can we conquer what once seemed insurmountable.
If you want to find out more about the National Adjutant, you can find his biography here.