I just recently saw SMA Chandler's PTSD commercial where he admitted to having PTSD and needing to seek help.

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 04:36:56 -0500

I must say, I was very impressed with his willingness as a senior leader to admit to this. It really opens the door for service members who have problems to not feel embarrassed or ashamed of needing counseling and treatment.

Who else has seen this commercial, and what do you think about it?

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jan 6 at 2014 4:48 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 04:48:41 -0500

Sort of easy when you're at the top and don't have to worry about whether or not it is going to keep you from going any further...<br>Still, a nice touch.<br>

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 6 at 2014 5:39 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 05:39:35 -0500

I like the gesture, but I might have gone with someone with more "street cred" when it comes to combat.

He was a CSM with an aviation unit when he deployed, so I have a hard time imagining how many "traumatic blood fests" he was in..

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jan 6 at 2014 7:13 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 07:13:48 -0500

While I have not seen the commercial, I appreciate his efforts to raise awareness of the issue.  I work for a nonprofit, Project Sanctuary, that helps the service member and the entire family deal with some of the effects of PTSD.  Check us out at: http://www.projectsanctuary.us <div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://projectsanctuary.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/jf_challenge_winner.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.projectsanctuary.us">Home - Project Sanctuary</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">At Project Sanctuary, we believe the whole family serves, and the best way to “support the troops” is by supporting the family. We provide therapeutic retreats, enabling military families to reconnect...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2014 4:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 16:06:24 -0500

Chief nailed it. PTSD can be caused by being involved in any
traumatic scenario. With everyone else it takes a leader to step up to ask for
help with issues. We are human we do not know everything nor do we know how to
do everything. Kudos to him

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 11:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 11:04:31 -0400

...Personally I first saw it later part of 2011 or there about. I must say it is one of the most uplifting gestures I have seen from a higher-up such as the SMA. What that commercial was meant to achieve was to tell EVERYBODY....most especially the enlisted lower ranks to seek help when and where they need it. He mentioned the fact that his boss...Gen Casey, at the time encouraged him to seek help and this had no effect on his career. The problem however is that, many enlisted personnel still believe coming out to seek such a help...especially those of behavioral in nature will harm their careers. We can pretend it is not true but that perception still exist.

Another angle that many worry about in going out to seek help is the stigma in the eyes of civilian employers...when the military life is over...I heard...again perception...that some civilian employers think soldiers who sought behavioral help when they needed it are serious PTSD victims and cannot be trusted...that is yet to be proven but some folks would not want to test it out...

Personally I would encourage everyone to seek help...if or when they need it...we are not here to impress anyone...if you are sick and need help go for it...the colleagues you are trying to impress will PCS or retire and you might never meet them again...but you would certainly return to become a burden on your family because they will be there for you. Why not throw the pride away and be there for them now and get the help you deserve!...IF THE SMA SOUGHT AND GOT THAT HELP, SO CAN EVERYONE...ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE ENLISTED!!!...THAT IS INSPIRATION!!!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 5 at 2014 3:21 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:21:59 -0400

Well done SMA Chandler! Thanks for sharing SSG Private RallyPoint Member. Anything that eases the tensions of self reporting PTS symptoms on active duty is welcome! When it comes from the head shed, it doesn't get any better than that.