Today The Health Journal featured former Mrs. Virginia, Amber Wandtke, a Navy Petty Officer who uses her position as a pageant winner to raise awareness of PTSD and to fight for better treatment. Amber was first introduced to the horrors of PTSD when her husband, also active duty, returned from Iraq with symptoms of the war-related disease. He benefited hugely from counseling but PTSD took a toll on their marriage, leading Amber to become an advocate for diagnosis and treatment. Read more about Amber’s efforts at The Health Journal.
PTSD is a subject that I touch upon in many of my novels, from my very first Navy SEAL story, FORGET ME NOT, to my latest novel, THE ENFORCER, in which my heroine, a militia leader in West Virginia suffers debilitating PTSD due to her work in mortuary affairs. Personnel in mortuary affairs are responsible for collecting the fallen from the battle field, putting them back together as much as possible, and even accompanying them stateside. They have the highest rate of PTSD in the military. In my opinion, these brave souls ought to get more public credit. Gratitude and acknowledgment would probably go a long way toward helping them heal from such trauma. For a sneak peek at THE ENFORCER, click HERE.
Thank you, Amber Wandtke,
Former Mrs. Virginia uses PTSD as her focus platform.
for doing your part in supporting our heroes!