Stories of Service, Hope and Healing - The Veteran Community

PictureMy Grandfather's WW 2 Navy Guard Belt and Hat

In my office I  keep a navy hat and guard belt that belonged to my  grandfather  who  served in the Pacific theater of World War 2.  I enjoy  looking at the  his  name on them, as my middle name is his first name.  My brother  served in the U.S. Marines during O.I.F. era.

During that  time I was trained an later employed as a psychologist for the U.S.  Dept. of  Veterans Affairs. I am proud to have served those that have  served the country. Serving Veterans has been more of a calling than a place of  employment.  I am  grateful to my patients  who have given me  gifts as  tokens of their appreciation.

A former special operations client of   mine, involved in   the operation in  Mogadishu Somalia during the   Blackhawk Down conflict, honored me with his UN Medal; it carries one of   the most   moving words on a military Medal, "In the Service of peace."

Perhaps one of the most  rewarding responsibilities I had entrusted  in  me at the VA was providing treatment for PTSD  for both  combat  and non-combat service members. I have worked with hundreds of veterans in my treatment groups who tours of duty included, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)  - Afghanistan, Granada, Beirut, Vietnam, and Gulf War.
 
Moreover, I was  lucky to be chosen to  participate in the V.A.'s roll-out and implementation of  proven and   signature treatment for PTSD, Prolonged Exposure (P.E. for PTSD).  It  involves having the service member do the almost unthinkable, stop  avoiding thinking about the worst thing they have ever experienced and   then go into the world and face the world and society they have also  avoided.
Picture
UN Military Service Medal - "IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE"
PictureGift from a Combat Veteran

Some of my young combat veterans, all of whom had opiate addictions and PTSD, declared, "Dr. Furr when you asked me to do these things I thought you were crazy!" But they bravely faced their traumas, gave up the addictions that medicated their minds and bodies, and returned to normal lives BELOW detection levels of PTSD in less than 4 months.  One such veteran gave me a model car he made while in the residential treatment unit. This veteran found peace after combat trauma by saying the things he never wanted to say while in treatment.   He was one of many I was proud to serve.

                                                                                                                      - Dr. Tyson Furr