Hey all,
Location is Darrington, WA.
Long shot here, but I figured it couldn't hurt to see if there is somebody in the area.
Back story:
I am a retired Marine with a few struggles of my own, and believe that I could help if I was closer--so what? If you frequent this forum, you can probably help.
My Brother in law Lucas is a former Marine Machine Gunner and current Idaho Conservation officer--He could also help if he was closer, but is working out of Idaho County.
My Brother in Law's best friend Doug is a former Marine infantryman who has struggled immensely in the last ~15 years. He held things together via brute force and ignorance for quite awhile, but increasingly used alcohol to cope. I spent some time with him at Lucas' wedding in 2006, and was concerned, but not terribly. About 5 years ago while drinking, he had a flashback (common occurrence) and ended up breaching his neighbor's front door and discharging his weapon (uncommon). Thankfully, no one was injured, but Doug spent several years in jail and rehab until last fall. He and his wife were doing well, but I do not know the specifics of his treatment/medications/therapy. In the last few months, he has been hanging out with some Vietnam vets who are likely good folks, but not really what he needs as he has returned to using alcohol to cope and told his wife that she should leave so that he doesn't accidentally hurt her.
What would be useful: If there is another veteran in the area that can help drag him out of the bad habits--not asking for an intervention or a savior, but somebody who can help Doug cope via taking him on wheeling trips, providing someone to talk to on occasion, and most of all, someone to keep him convinced that he is not in this alone, and does not have to do it alone.
Also, if there are local resources that you think he could benefit from, those would help too.
Hit me up via PM, and I'll put you in touch with Doug and Lucas.
Thanks!
Dan
Location is Darrington, WA.
Long shot here, but I figured it couldn't hurt to see if there is somebody in the area.
Back story:
I am a retired Marine with a few struggles of my own, and believe that I could help if I was closer--so what? If you frequent this forum, you can probably help.
My Brother in law Lucas is a former Marine Machine Gunner and current Idaho Conservation officer--He could also help if he was closer, but is working out of Idaho County.
My Brother in Law's best friend Doug is a former Marine infantryman who has struggled immensely in the last ~15 years. He held things together via brute force and ignorance for quite awhile, but increasingly used alcohol to cope. I spent some time with him at Lucas' wedding in 2006, and was concerned, but not terribly. About 5 years ago while drinking, he had a flashback (common occurrence) and ended up breaching his neighbor's front door and discharging his weapon (uncommon). Thankfully, no one was injured, but Doug spent several years in jail and rehab until last fall. He and his wife were doing well, but I do not know the specifics of his treatment/medications/therapy. In the last few months, he has been hanging out with some Vietnam vets who are likely good folks, but not really what he needs as he has returned to using alcohol to cope and told his wife that she should leave so that he doesn't accidentally hurt her.
What would be useful: If there is another veteran in the area that can help drag him out of the bad habits--not asking for an intervention or a savior, but somebody who can help Doug cope via taking him on wheeling trips, providing someone to talk to on occasion, and most of all, someone to keep him convinced that he is not in this alone, and does not have to do it alone.
Also, if there are local resources that you think he could benefit from, those would help too.
Hit me up via PM, and I'll put you in touch with Doug and Lucas.
Thanks!
Dan