SHARE - an epic voyage in self-discovery

SGT Seth Napel — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 10:02:46 -0400

Nine days after 9/11, I enlisted in the California Army National Guard. That’s when my own battle started.

When I saw the planes hit the towers on TV, my priorities just changed. At the time, I was 32 years old, living in Nipoma, California, and working as a landscape contractor. As I mowed lawns during the next couple of days, those planes stayed in the back of my mind. I knew there was a bigger purpose for me.

In 2009, I voluntarily deployed to Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion of the 121st Infantry Regiment of the Georgia Army National Guard. Two weeks into the 13-month deployment, eight soldiers from my unit were killed. We felt like sitting ducks.

By the time I left the Army in 2011, I was drinking heavily and addicted to pills.
I have heard others say that the hardest part of being in the military is leaving. That was definitely true for me. It was a such a fast-paced tempo, it was hard to slow down once I got off deployment.

I got sober after an arrest led to a stint in a post-traumatic stress (PTS) facility. I focused on my health and entered endurance competitions, such as day-long obstacle course races. I thought I was fine. But, in a motorcycle accident in 2017, I broke multiple bones and a sustained a traumatic brain injury. Issues related to PTS – panic attacks, severe depression – returned.

I remembered a fellow veteran who’d talked glowingly about the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, and I knew it was finally time for me to reach out.

I joined the program in the summer of 2018 and was instantly struck by its support and structure. While at SHARE, I focused on changing my habits of over-generalizing and thinking about everything in black and white. SHARE presented me with strategies to improve my vision and memory skills. As the weeks went by, I could see improvements in my memory, pain level, mobility and thinking skills. The dynamic approach of the program kept me moving purposefully and quickly boosted my self-worth. My goals of going back to college and being more helpful at home finally seemed within reach.

Once I got out of my comfort zone, I found hidden talents, new passions and made lifelong friends. I tried things I never would have tried on my own, such as indoor rock climbing, drumming in an all-vet band and swimming with sharks at the Georgia Aquarium. Having other veterans by my side as I confronted my fears provided comfort, while also building my confidence. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn yoga, improve my cooking skills, work on scheduling and time management, play drums and improve my communication skills.

My time at SHARE was truly an epic voyage in self-discovery.

Since I graduated from SHARE in December 2018, I have enrolled in college with plans to get a psychology degree and help veterans as a peer counselor or therapist. My PTS symptoms have lessened, and I feel so much better than I did. I still keep in touch the other vets I met at SHARE and follow up with SHARE staff. I can’t imagine that ever changing. They saw me through all the way, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

To learn more about the SHARE program, visit here: https://rly.pt/SHARE

SHARE Military Initiative | Brain Injury & PTSD Rehabilitation

SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center is a comprehensive rehabilitation program that focuses on assessment and treatment for service men and women.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 24 at 2019 10:05 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 10:05:41 -0400

Excellent share brother Seth.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Sep 24 at 2019 10:24 AM

Capt Brandon Charters — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 10:24:25 -0400

SGT Seth Napel thanks for sharing this story with us. How difficult was it to qualify for services through SHARE? Any tips for other veterans who might consider applying?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 10:24 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 10:24:52 -0400

I'm glad you found a way to navigate through it all. That is a journey not all of us make successfully.
A success story like this shows those of us that are struggling that there is a way back to a better place. It might not be the path you took, but there is a path.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Sep 24 at 2019 10:36 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 10:36:30 -0400

Thank you for your post.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Sep 24 at 2019 11:44 AM

SPC Nancy Greene — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 11:44:17 -0400

Excellent share!!! Congratulations SGT Napel on your successful recovery process! It takes courage to complete a program such as SHARE! Good Luck in all your future endeavors! I managed to obtain two Masters Degrees post Active Duty by using VR through the VA! Good to see you on RP! This is an AWESOME website!’n
Nancy

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2019 12:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 12:43:44 -0400

Your experience will make you a tremendous asset to those you will be willing to help. Never misplace your ability to listen...both to yourself and those who you will be guiding along on their journey. Stay well and thank you for your efforts and honesty.

Response by SFC Luis (Coolwhip) Ochoa made Sep 27 at 2019 5:14 PM

SFC Luis (Coolwhip) Ochoa — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 17:14:49 -0400

Welcome home Brother

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 29 at 2019 8:27 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 08:27:07 -0400

Great story. Read it a few times. Appreciate you sharing it with all of us.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 1 at 2019 7:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 19:46:44 -0400

I am glad that you won. PTSD hits hard when life becomes black, with afflictions of depression, regrets, suicidal thoughts, racing thoughts, and a feeling that all the king's men cant put Humpty Dumpty back together again.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Oct 3 at 2019 6:51 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 06:51:21 -0400

I tried to go back in...I had retired the year prior to this

Response by LT David Cornelius made Oct 9 at 2019 9:15 PM

LT David Cornelius — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 21:15:24 -0400

WHAT ABOUT VETERANS BEFORE 9/11???????????

Response by PO2 Johnie Russell made Oct 9 at 2019 9:35 PM

PO2 Johnie Russell — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 21:35:42 -0400

Yeah where the fuck do I actually get this help or cool shit

Response by PV2 Edward Moore made Oct 9 at 2019 9:42 PM

PV2 Edward Moore — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 21:42:56 -0400

Thanks for sharing your powerful story. I got kicked out of the Army during Vietnam as a result of my addiction to alcohol and numerous other drugs, specifically I. V. Cocaine. By the grace of God I survived two decades of addiction, which took me through two failed marriages, jail, prison and even miraculously coming back from an overdose on PCP, at a 3 day rock music festival in Sedalia, Missouri the Summer of 1974. Sadly, after coming back from being flatlined in an E.R. at the University of MO., Hospital in Columbia for 2 & 1/2 minutes, I continued to use drugs for another 14 yrs., before I finally got sick & tired of being sick and tired and reached out for help.

I went through 30 days inpatient treatment at a V.A. Hospital in Big Springs, TX. Then I did 30 days in a half-way house down in San Angelo, TX, and by the Grace of God & the miracle of NA, I have been clean 31+ years now.

Response by SGT Kermit Pearce made Oct 9 at 2019 9:48 PM

SGT Kermit Pearce — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 21:48:55 -0400

Good on ya !

Response by SP5 Gary Waggoner made Oct 9 at 2019 10:44 PM

SP5 Gary Waggoner — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 22:44:16 -0400

My question is: Does the VA have any resources using TMS? Transcrainial Magnetic Stimulation? I've heard it can help with PTSD? Did the VA offer that type of therapy to you? Glad you made it back from where you were.

Response by CPO Oscar Waldheim made Oct 9 at 2019 11:13 PM

CPO Oscar Waldheim — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 23:13:20 -0400

I too had symptoms return after traumatic brain injury after 26 years full blown PTS returned still struggling with it after ten years.

Response by PV2 Rob Smith made Oct 9 at 2019 11:17 PM

PV2 Rob Smith — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 23:17:23 -0400

I’m glad you were able to deal with your tbi and other things. I don’t know if you have had brain surgery like some of us . College has been a struggle learning and retaining almost impossible and to maintain the family.: it’s great to hear success stories

Response by SP5 Connie Dodson made Oct 10 at 2019 1:51 AM

SP5 Connie Dodson — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 01:51:07 -0400

I understand T.B.I. brain injury is openly discussed, now.

It is the mild, moderate and severe neurological impairments is the disability for me, that and general spine sprain/strain, spinal process fx’s, and C-4 C-5 contusion of the spinal cord.

The anaphylactic shock heart failure and stage II kidney failure of allergic reaction to a procedure for alcoholism I didn’t need didn’t help.

I never did alcohol or drugs.

It was incompetent health care, willfully disregarding what I was admitted for, or deliberate contempt for enlisted personnel.

I have also had efforts to write it all off and destroy any credibility I would have by writing me up T-2 psychiatric, that led to more abuse.

I was never mentally ill, all trace or trait ruled out during my Social Security Administration SSDI application.

Nevertheless, that record only caught up after more harm was done.

It is my experience the military and the VA prefer a mental disorder because there is no accountability, or is about avoiding accountability for incompetence for the care for actual injuries and all the rehab that you can achieve.

It seems only a “poster boy” gets competent care, by bringing in private sector specialists.

Fortunately, the Director of the Western Regional Center, San Jose, CA Spine Injury Project and Head Injury Project made me his no-fee private patient he used for teaching purposes. He was teaching how to do a rating report when he died.

He was the expert.

He has a national prize in his name now.

Fortunately for me, the Social Security Administration accepted the draft rating report and his signed letter stating I am disabled.

The Social Security Administration determined my date of disability was 31 January, 1975 while on active military service.

The Letterman Army Hospital MD Orthopedist signed me out to a Surgeon General of the Army private sector Orthopedist.

I never returned to duty.

I like that you got the help you needed.

It hits me hard you say you had traumatic head injury, as-if it was a only trigger for your problems, not the actual disability.

I put this comment here, because I feel maybe someone will listen.

43-years, no benefits.

No denial, the regional representative said she went over to the Oakland office to see about all the applications with documentation she had brought over.

..pointed to the shredder, she returned to the, then, new multimillion dollar San Francisco Downtown Center to tell us that she quit.

It isn’t the only time.

This is more typical, that getting the help you need.

I have 8-cartons copies of medical records, a copy of the bound two volume set the Social Security Administration used, and I have copies of the most succinct documentation gathered together in one place for ease of review.

I cannot speak of the circumstances, warned by an Intelligence Officer assigned.

I was hoping I could tell SECDEF Mattis, because of his broad portfolio.

Now, it is a civilian.

Response by SPC Robert Ritter made Oct 10 at 2019 12:48 PM

SPC Robert Ritter — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:48:44 -0400

I served during the cold war in West Germany where we spent 9 months of the year in the field in combat-ready status it was the sign of the times between the United States and Russia long before the wall came down there was a real threat of war. however, our job was to slow down any attackers so a proper response could take shape. my years in uniform was a personal achievement that I always talk about also on togetherweserved web site.

Response by LCDR K Wallace made Oct 10 at 2019 12:54 PM

LCDR K Wallace — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:54:08 -0400

Thank you for your service and for sharing your journey through PTSD and showcasing the SHARE program. Your testimony demonstrates the essential component of support walking through trauma.

Does SHARE include any testing for toxins which may contribute to PTSD? The brain may store emotional events with the toxins that accumulate in the body. As those toxins are released, the emotional responses may also get triggered.

Any of us exposed to burn pits, bio-warfare toxins, ultra-fine particles from jet fuel, toxic chemicals, cleaning compounds, fire retardant, PCBs and asbestos in building materials used for barracks and mess halls/ in ship construction before 1980s can accumulate toxins through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact, EMF/RF or ionizing radiation. Destroyed buildings built with asbestos roofs also contain asbestos particles. Some of the ultra fine particles of petroleum based products contain naturally occurring arsenic. Aluminum is a neurotoxin.

These toxic metals and toxic chemicals compromise the immune system, decrease the liver’s ability to detox the body, and allow for the accumulation of toxins. At some point, the body has a toxic overload similar to the ‘straw that broke the camels back'. At that point, our body has multiple systems failure including brain fog, joint pain, confusion, liver, kidney, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal damage , and even cancer. As the body detox’s from these toxins, the emotional responses come back negatively affecting our relationships.

Testing for toxins is available through labs recommended by your health provider such as Great Plains Laboratory. https://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/envirotox-complete-panel Try to avoid supplements 48 hours prior to the test. The heavy metals panel work up is a 24 hour urine test https://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/metals-urine-test without provocation. The lab panel says before and after, but the test can be done without a provoking agent, particularly if your body is already experiencing PTSD as you are likely toxic.

I ran all the tests to know what was harming me. Here is what results can be expected:
An indication of the type of toxic heavy metal stored in our systems:. https://symptoms.rightdiagnosis.com/cosymptoms/chronic-gerd-like-chest-pain/heavy-metal-poisoning-all.htm
An indication of the type of chemical toxin
An indication of Candida growth in gut or mold toxicity- Each requires a different treatment.
An indication of the type and quantity of harmful bacteria and parasites
An indication of the type and quantity of beneficial parasites.

An ultrasound on the liver can determine whether we have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which prevents the body from naturally detoxing. Early NAFLD is difficult to detect without an ultrasound. A liver function test will not show early NAFLD. The earlier that you catch it, the easier it is to restore the liver’s ability to detox, improve the immune system and restore brain health.

Treatment: detox and restore gut health, once the invaders are known. I detox in a sauna 3 times per week 10 minutes in/shower/10 in/ shower/ 10 in /shower repeated 3x per week or more often as able. This allows the skin to detox bypassing the kidneys and protecting them.

I am attempting to reduce my toxic load: I avoid sugar, diet drinks, all processed foods, canned food, all non-GMO foods, all GMO foods, all foods containing preservatives. I try to increase organic foods, garlic, cilantro, parsley, celery, beets, pasture-raised (as opposed to free-range), increase vegetables and non sugary fruits. Many non-organic foods and processed foods contain nitrates and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which destroy gut health, contribute to NAFLD. Some of the herbicide residues in non-GMO and GMO foods cause kidney, liver, gastro-intestinal, and cardio-vascular damage and even cancer. One herbicide residue glyphosate chelates essential Zinc and Magnesium from our bodies allowing the accumulation of neurotoxin Aluminum. I use 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water filtered through a carbon block filter to wash my fruits and vegetables. Tap water contains carcinogenic water treatment chemicals which can be reduced with a carbon block filter. I rinse oatmeal and rice as many times as needed until the water is clear as rice is known to contain arsenic residue from pesticide use in the 1930s and oatmeal may contain glyphosate residue as high as 2000 parts per billion, 1 part per billion being sufficient to induce human cancer cell growth.

With good group support for our mental health such as through SHARE, good support for our immune system, and good support for our spiritual health from any battlefield demons, we can make progress.

Thank you for sharing your success and encouraging us.

ENVIROtox Complete Panel — The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc.

Response by SGT Robert Junior made Oct 10 at 2019 5:04 PM

SGT Robert Junior — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:04:55 -0400

I have been working on a sailing inclusion for the Salton Sea for ten years. And still no money from the federal or state side. I get pushed away from my three minutes at http://saltonseaauthority.org meeting because I want to do this veteran project. A Woman then filibuster my time as she said veterans do not matter. Unfortunately, After doing 27 years military and fifty per cent disability from the service; I still get treated intros way. I guess I must be reminded on how the military ruined my life and non veterans are making more money

Total cost for the four sailboats-one trailer-portable dock-C crane and electric boat is $100,000 which was given to the wall instead of the 150,000 veterans forced to live around the Salton Sea.

Salton Sea Authority

Approval of Proposition 68 by California voters on June 5th grants $200 Million toward projects that will accelerate progress at the Salton Sea. For more information click on the link below:

Response by LT John Teerling made Oct 10 at 2019 5:26 PM

LT John Teerling — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:26:57 -0400

Navy carrier pilot with 2 tours in Vietnam.

Response by SFC Kevin Coulombe made Oct 11 at 2019 1:28 PM

SFC Kevin Coulombe — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 13:28:48 -0400

I am thankful for havin my phone... when I go out to a store or place, I sometimes get lost. The problem is I have been on the roads before and My mind just goes blank. My set up my phone so all have have to do is push a button and say “ take me Home”.
I hate leaving my house... I’m afraid to forget where I am, gets embarrassing.
I spent 27 years in the Army, and enjoyed serving our country. I had five deployments and the last to really put a toll on my body and my mind. I spent quite a while in the hospital recovering from injuries I incurred while out on deployment .
I was in my driveway the other day and with the heat and the breeze am smell I had a flash of being back in Baghdad.... I try to avoid the situations that bring back some of the worst days of my life.
I can’t say that I am one of the fortunate one... I came back with all my body parts… Lots of scars on the inside and on the outside. Are usually don’t talk to people about my experiences other than the counselor I went to for three years. I thought I would try this to see if it would help Clear my mind.

Response by SCPO Todd Sheckley made Oct 12 at 2019 11:42 AM

SCPO Todd Sheckley — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 11:42:29 -0400

Seth Thanks for the post. It is nice to let others know there is a place to get help free of charge; airfare, a place to stay, free advanced care etc. I went to SHARE for help with the residuals from TBI and 23yrs of Service. They are Amazing! If anyone has questions please do ask.

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Oct 24 at 2019 5:57 PM

1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 17:57:01 -0400

Thanks so much for being vulnerable here in this forum to share your story. War, trauma, death and loss all alienate you from those around you who don’t “understand”,and you have shared that with us. God bless you and keep you in Hi s grace..

Response by CPO Arthur Weinberger made Nov 9 at 2019 7:42 AM

CPO Arthur Weinberger — Sat, 09 Nov 2019 07:42:29 -0500

Sgt. Napel; thanks for your love of my country

Response by MSgt Lee Hartwig made Nov 14 at 2019 2:26 AM

MSgt Lee Hartwig — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 02:26:00 -0500

Thank you for your service and for sharing your story. I know it is really hard to adjust to civilian living, as it was tough for me to do after serving 21 years. Having post-traumatic stress on top of that is no joke. I'm glad you are reaching out and getting the help you need and that things are a bit better now. Just remember that this will stay with you. You will continue to have both good and bad days as you manage this condition. As the service gets further away and you broaden your horizons and learn new things, your experience will eventually fit into a certain perspective and your memories will fit into a certain footlocker in your head, so to speak. Eventually you will have mastery and can pick and choose when to open that box and revisit those memories...if that makes sense.

Response by Maj Scott Kiger, M.A.S. made Apr 13 at 2020 3:09 PM

Maj Scott Kiger, M.A.S. — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 15:09:27 -0400

I was already in but it was such a challenging time that I think we all changed.