PTSD sign for Forth of July: Are we going to far?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 18:05:41 -0400

Lately I have seen this pop up way too much. First, I have a serious issue with those that claim PTSD for little more watching a movie or hearing a war story. This website that makes the PTSD sign was called out by, http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=60565 , for making up PTSD claims. To make it worse this guy is making money by selling these signs.

I don't need to share my experience with PTSD. I have rode that ride. If you run into a guy claiming how bad their PTSD is then you will often find one that is embellishing or bagging for attention. It isn't think that I like to bring up and when I do it is with the ones that know what it is like.

Now a days many Veterans want to be put on a pedestal. I don't want your sympathy or your sorrow. I just want to be like everyone else, a productive citizen. I don't need to be treated with soft gloves or some preference. I didn't ask for that and I don't expect it.

These signs are doing more harm than good. It makes people think that you can't even make a loud sound around a Vet without them snapping. If fireworks are really an issue then I would ask you to seek hope and visit your neighbors in person and let them know if your concerns. What I don't want is to ruin my neighbors weekend by preventing them to celebrate it how they seem fit.

Do you have one of these signs? Are they really just a grab for attention? Is it be or are we glorifying our veteran status? Last of all, how many of these veterans do you think are exaggerating their PTSD claims? I have seen my share of some serious cases. I have never known one to put up a PTSD sign in their yard or advertise their PTSD.

Free Veteran Lives Here Please Be Courteous With Fireworks Sign

If you would like to get a Veteran Firework Sign, you can make a contribution to Military with PTSD and receive a Free Firework Sign.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 6:08 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 18:08:51 -0400

just like drive-by weather repairmen. scam artists see an angle & they are going to take it. despicable!

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jun 30 at 2015 6:18 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 18:18:42 -0400

I tend to see it as "humble bragging" but reserve judgment on individuals as I don't have the experience to really connect with the problem.

Response by PO1 Dustin Adams made Jun 30 at 2015 6:22 PM

PO1 Dustin Adams — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 18:22:19 -0400

I think people need to keep in context that there are various "stressors" that can lead to PTSD for Service Members/Veterans. Symptomology and triggers vary as well, not every Combat Vet is going to trigger off of loud sounds/explosions/thunder.
While some may be using the signs to get attention, I think it is a legitimate appeal for some consideration of their personal ordeal/hell.
Although I have to agree that most of the people that will even admit they have PTSD will rarely talk about it with someone that doesn't have similar experiences, let alone advertise it to the world (other than maybe a dysfunctional Veteran T-Shirt).

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 6:31 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 18:31:05 -0400

Fireworks don't sound like military grade explosives or gunfire. The only people I've met who support this fireworks bullshit are fakers who claim PTSD without having ever been in combat.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 30 at 2015 6:47 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 18:47:22 -0400

I think this is unfair, not every is this guy or that guy or that lady, people experience it in different ways, to say it can all be solved by "sucking it up" just isn't true.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jun 30 at 2015 7:17 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 19:17:10 -0400

It starts to look like an appeal for attention. Look at me, I have PTSD. I am a veteran, I deserve special consideration and accommodation or I might go off on someone. Honestly. These kind of images being blasted across the internet only reinforce negative stereotypes of veterans as unstable and kooky.

I would challenge anyone that put one of these out and certainly wouldn't curtail any fireworks I might have planned.

Response by Cpl Clinton Britt made Jun 30 at 2015 8:03 PM

Cpl Clinton Britt — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 20:03:26 -0400

A Vet with PTSD can tell if another has it because of their mannerisms. it never needs discussion

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jul 1 at 2015 2:06 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 02:06:39 -0400

Those with it, don't want it and sure as hell aint gonna to advertise it.

Response by SGT Adrian Thompson made Jul 1 at 2015 7:11 AM

SGT Adrian Thompson — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 07:11:00 -0400

The self-victimization of veterans is the biggest cancer in the community right now, followed by veterans who embellish their service. Usually the two go hand in hand. Are there veterans who suffer from PTSD/TBI? Yeah- but the 85% who yap about it (with their operator beard, operator cap, and operator tuxedo on) on social media ruin it for the rest.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jul 1 at 2015 8:24 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 08:24:34 -0400

I am shocked that this didn't get merged in to the one from last year like mine did.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jul 1 at 2015 8:29 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 08:29:09 -0400

To quote MOH awardee Sgt Dakota Meyer...

*image edited to blur out profanity

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 11:19 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 11:19:06 -0400

It seems to me that if you do suffer from PTSD, you should take measures to prevent yourself from being adversely affected by fireworks instead of telling others that they should tone down their 4th of July celebrations. Isn't putting a sign in your front yard about your suffering from PTSD tantamount to your immediate family having to "walk on egg shells" around you?

On another note... If you didn't already hear... the EPA is now looking into the long term health implications of using fireworks.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 11:44 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 11:44:13 -0400

I have PTSD, it has never had me. I recognized I needed some help for it before things got totally out of control in my life. It is just one of those things that comes with doing what we do. In regards to the 4th of July, I love it! As a Soldier and a Patriot, how could you not love celebrating this holiday? We all know that when the sun begins to set, fireworks are part of the festivities. Knowing this, I've never had a problem, nor have I ever met a fellow Vet who legitimately has PTSD who has ever claimed an issue with fireworks on the 4th. The ones that startle are the random blasts on a random night when nothing is going on; the kid down the street with a couple of M-80s that rattle your windows - those are the ones that get you. It is disconcerting to see someone exploiting combat-related PTSD for what is most likely personal gain. This is not helping any of us - it is only further stigmatizing us.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Jul 1 at 2015 2:07 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 14:07:04 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I understand your position and think it has validity. We fight for Americans to have freedom. However, I also believe there are veterans with real PTSD issues that should be considered. Those involved in explosions and IEDs, I can also certainly understand where they may be setback with the noises, lights, and starling nature associated with fireworks.

Response by MSgt Matt Ott made Jul 3 at 2015 2:27 AM

MSgt Matt Ott — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 02:27:57 -0400

Review the evidence presented by this slideshow concerning this organization. I would not give them one red cent. http://www.slideshare.net/opnovetfraud?utm_campaign=profiletracking&utm_medium=sssite&utm_source=ssslideview

opnovetfraud

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 3 at 2015 11:55 AM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 11:55:10 -0400

YESSSS!!!! We are... CPT Private RallyPoint Member CSM Michael J. Uhlig TSgt Joshua Copeland

Thanks for the post! And for your service!

Vietnam Vets, Korean Vets, WWI vets never asked for such nonsense, as far as I can remember, or Greneda, Panama, Somalia, Desert Storm etc... I personally think far too many people are jumping on this bandwagon...

I am veteran, have PTSD, and TBI, and I call BS on this. Many of the folks who proffer this message, have no reason to. I hear many war stories, and most times I have found those who talk the most have done the least. I was blown up more than once, and around many IEDS, Rocket and Mortar Attacks; including many combat causalities. Yes, when I came home the last time (each time), I was jumpy... but it passes.

If this bothers you, than stay in your house, or don't go see fireworks.

Response by SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr made Jul 3 at 2015 7:58 PM

SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 19:58:45 -0400

Each to his own ... It should be more of an issue of those exploiting it, either for their self or just for personal gain over those that do have PTSD.

I never thought I had PTSD the entire time during my service; but after retirement I sought counseling for (what I thought was) anger management and drinking (Non VA counseling) only to have my therapist have me open Pandora's box and dump everything on the table in one jumbled mess. Needless to say the past affect of PTSD hit me like a brick wall, it had me think about everything 24/7. I now see VA counseling and attend a weekly SIT Group for PTSD (Stress Inoculation Training) were we learn how to somewhat desensitize our trigger and not let everyday things affect us. We have VETs from Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Somalia, OIF, OEF, and all branches of services.

As for saying that PTSD is not affected by fireworks is a personal opinion ... will the little fingers poppers be an issue maybe not. I can speak from personal experience if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time ... Disney World near display at launch the sound wasn't as intense and as the "smell" ... it took hug from my daughter to help bring me back.

Enough about my soapbox ... things change once you leave the service, you don't always have that next objective or next mission to allow you to forget about the last.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jul 4 at 2015 4:29 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 16:29:48 -0400

This may come as a surprise here on RP but there are actually some documented cases of PTSD related to situations other than the military and there is finally some progress available for services for those that need help. Let's not return to the days when the mental asylums were closed and people who could not function outside of a hospital setting were loosed on the street. We are now building jails instead to house the mentally ill. With that said, the original sign was a request for courtesy, not a demand for a ban. If a person feels they need to have one on their property, it is his/her choice. Courtesy can be as simple as neighbors having a block party and spreading a start time. The people who view the sign also have a choice, to be courteous and not aim their fireworks directly at the house or ignore it. It's a sign. The signs I generally choose to interpret loosely are the speed limit signs on some of the longer stretches of highway. I think of them as suggestions.