SANFORD, Fla. — As we come on the heels of the Fourth of July holiday, most Americans celebrated getting together to enjoy the sights and sounds of fireworks.
But for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the traditional holiday festivities can be far from welcome.
What you need to know:
- According to the National Center for PTSD, seven out of every 100 veterans will have PTSD at some point in their life; fourth of July fireworks celebrations are often a trigger.
- Decision Tactical in Sanford decided to host an event for veterans and their families to come together and cope with the stress of the holiday celebrations.
- Dozens came together for competitions between the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
- According to event organizers, proceeds from the event will be donated to Mission 22, a national veteran nonprofit organization.
According to the National Center for PTSD, 7 out of every 100 veterans will have PTSD at some point in their life.
That’s why one organization in Seminole County decided to host an event for veterans and their families to come together and cope with the stress of holiday celebrations.
Decision Tactical in Sanford has a mission to train law enforcement, security officers and first responders with mock buildings and realistic environments. But on Friday, they came together for the veterans in the community.
They hosted the Battle of the Branches, a free event for veterans and their families to find a safe space to cope with their PTSD and celebrate the Independence Day holiday.
For Army Officer Justin Lane, getting his firearm ready to go is a very familiar feeling. But this time, it’s only a simulation.
“We just went through the competition course. Probably one of my favorite experiences here,” he said.
“It’s very fast paced, extremely dynamic. You’re shooting accurately at speed. I’m looking forward to going to the range after this,” Lane said.
He said he enjoys having this opportunity to connect with other veterans. “It’s really exciting. I think it’s a great place to come and to share fellowship with people who have similar experiences.”
Co-Founder and C.E.O. of Decision Tactical Remo Eyal says the goal is to have a safe space for veterans who usually struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder around the holiday.
“Veterans, a lot of them, have a difficult time with fireworks and the loud noises due to some PTSD elements. And so, this is an opportunity for them to celebrate July 4th without the concern of those kinds of potential triggers for them,” Eyal said.
Dozens came together for competitions between the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
“We spend all of our time in the military living on these little pockets of communities, these military bases around the world, around the country, surrounded by people going through the same thing as us. A lot of veterans leave service, they lose some of that community,” Lane said.
They come to find community at places like this one, where they can share a good time surrounded by food and drinks, giveaways, music and a live band. The event also featured several nonprofit organizations and local businesses.
“This gives them that chance to really connect with themselves and with each other in a way that they weren’t able to do before,” Eyal said.
This was the first time they hosted this type of event, but so far Eyal said it has been welcomed by the veteran community.
“We’re literally seeing trained veterans, soldiers that get teared up over the whole event and they get teared up over the experience and the connection that they’re showing here and then experience in here. It’s been a real blessing for us,” Eyal said.
According to the event organizers, proceeds from the event will be donated to Mission 22, a national veteran nonprofit rganization.
They plan to have another event like this one in November.