The Warrior Heart October 2014 | Page 29

Pledge against PTSD Andrew R. Jones I am a Combat Veteran with PTSD. But it WILL NOT own me. I refuse to embrace it. I refuse to wear it as a “Badge of Honor.” I refuse to take possession of it. I WILL NOT use it as an excuse for my behavior. I will take responsibility for my actions and I will seek out help in every possible form until I find what works for me. If I do not find help which works for me, I will study and research until I can create a form of help Which works for me. I was trained for combat which means I was trained to adapt, To overcome, To endure hardships To help those in need and To accept help when in need. I will apply my training To the struggles created from PTSD and I will continue to push forward in faith, Spreading love and hope wherever I go and I WILL NOT accept any words of hate or discouragement in my mission. I will succeed. I will prevail. I was forged in the fire of the most elite fighting force the modern day world knows to exist and I WILL NOT allow an enemy like PTSD to infiltrate my mind and run my life. I will attack with the same vigor and enthusiasm instilled in me while serving and I will take back control of my life. I am a Combat Veteran with PTSD. But it WILL NOT own me. 29