PHOENIX — Valley veteran Anthony Rumore always knew that he wanted to be a soldier. Now, the retired Military Police member is sharing what Veterans Day means to him, and the importance of getting vets the support they need.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affects roughly 16% of deployed service members who participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"I always felt that I was bulletproof," Rumore said. "Well, I know that to be untrue. Upon my first combat tour return, I was feeling signs of not being myself. And I didn't know how to deal with it."
Rumore urged veterans like him to seek the help they need.
"If you're not already registered with the VA, go ahead and do it. There are different places you can get help, whether it's a psychiatrist or just therapy, someone to talk to, group sessions, get it all out there. You would be amazed at the results that you get from just being able to talk to somebody about what you're experiencing," Rumore said.
Rumore also shared what the community can do to support veterans they meet.
“I hear this all the tome, whether its somebody who sees my veteran license plate or I’m wearing some type of military insignia on me and people always thank me for my service. And I would say I loved what I did, I loved being a solider, I loved being in the military and the camaraderie, and being able to do that selfless service. So gosh, just thanking a veteran goes so far,” said Rumore.
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THOSE WHO SERVE
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