By Amanda Munoz

Post 8541 Quartermaster

For most of us, the Fourth of July represents fireworks, hot dogs and fellowship. This mid-week holiday brings a chance to fire up the barbecue grill, have our families and friends gather and wear bright red, white and blue outfits.

However, military veterans with PTSD consider Independence Day as a day to avoid altogether, especially because of the pyrotechnics. For some veterans, they enjoy the summer fare and meeting friends, but in moderation without the Black Cats exploding nearby.

As a retired military  professional, I would like to help non-military friends and families to understand how to help your veteran enjoy their Fourth with a little restraint on your part.

First, it’s important to understand in general terms how the Veterans Administration and its PTSD researchers determine what they believe causes this medical and mental health issue

“Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem,”  the VA.gov website  defines it.

“PTSD can only develop after you go through or see a life-threatening event. It’s normal to have stress reactions to these types of events, and most people start to feel better after a few weeks.”

The definition provides some context to this issue, but it also takes an optimistic view how most people can deal with PTSD issues.,

For the Fourth of July, many veterans  like Rebecca Miller avoid fireworks because loud noises caused by those cherry bombs and black cats bring back memories of combat.  “Fourth of July, especially …. any of the mortar type firewooks…. they will send me back to 2002 in Iraq,” Miller said in a VA public service ad.

How can friends and family members help veterans like Miller deal with their wartime experiences?  I’d suggest the following:

I would first forget the fireworks while a veteran with possible PTSD issues attending your party or gathering.  I would make sure other guests understand the need to understand why unexpected noises might concern the veteran.

For those who need to use up their fireworks purchases at your party, I would suggest you tell them to find an alternative time or location to use up  their firework purchases at your party, I would suggest you tell them find an alternative time or location.

Not every attempt to minimize fireworks will assist veterans with PTS issues.  The Fourth of July still provide a chance for family members to discuss how a veteran can get help through his doctor and mental health team.

Many veterans will not want to initially share their experiences with their family members about these triggering issues.  That’s where a respected family member might discuss how to get ahold of options to begin treatment for PTSD issues.

Research shows that veterans who obtain professional medical and mental health services demonstrates that the combination of treatment with work by the veterans they treat can often help those who served in combat zones like Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam.   While the Independence Day holiday brings a lot of opportunities to celebrate America’s birthday with festivities, it’s also a chance for veterans and their families to begin the path towards possible healing.

(Note:  Post 8541 will host a Fourth of July celebration starting at 5 p.m.)