The Blue Star Mothers of American, Iowa Chapter #1, will be hosting a special meeting at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum on Wednesday, June 12th at 6:30 p.m.
They are hosting speaker Andrew O'Brien, currently touring the U.S. talking about the struggles of PTSD. See below for more information on Andrew and his story.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Andrew O’Brien served honorably in the army, deployed to Iraq, was a gunner on convoys and survived in IED attack. In 2010, while stationed in Hawaii, soldier Andrew O’Brien tried to take his own life.
“I went home that day and decided I was done. I was tired of putting up…it’s like I went to war and came to go to war again in my mind” – Andrew O’Brien
Andrew overdosed on anti-depressants and sleeping pills.
Andrew survived.
Andrew is a now dedicating his life to assuring other veterans have the support and tools they need to overcome the obstacles faced when in and out of combat. More American service men and women die of suicide than in combat and more are dying each and every day due to not having access to the help needed to stay fighting for their life and mental being.
Currently, Andrew is touring the US interviewing and speaking with soldiers who are struggling with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome) in support of his new book, “Welcoming your soldier home” – a how-to guide for families expecting a returning vet. Andrew is creating a documentary film telling the stories of these soldiers he meets and his own.
The film will follow Andrew as he travels the US interviewing and speaking to veterans and soldiers about the experience of the US Military service and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome). We hope to capture and share through the lens a look into their lives and their very real mental struggles and what we are doing to support them. Our interviews are not limited to soldiers and vets but will include their families, mental health doctors, and military officials with a main focus on the problems of PTSD and their solutions.
This film will not only be a great resource for families of returning soldiers dealing with PTSD but a raw view for those who may not be aware of the sacrifices off the battlefield these men and women have made for our country.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.