Veteran Scott Couture's family fund
Donation protected
Some of you might have read my friend Scott's story when I posted it on Facebook recently. He bravely told the story of his debilitating PTSD to the Bangor Daily News in February. Please read and if you are moved by his story, donate to his family.
Scott was a marine patrolman in Maine who joined the Army Reserves in 1999 in order to help support his young family. When his first deployment to Iraq came a few years later, he faced his responsibility and the challenges of combat head on. He was a dedicated soldier and a brave friend.
His unit's tours were extended time and again and he dealt with missing his family and the horrors of war as best he could.
Upon arrival back in the US, he was evaluated by the VA but he was so happy to be home (as well as part of a culture where you didn't look for mental health issues), that he was able to push aside the signs of PTSD. Time passed and his mood swings became more volitile. He became forgetful and he was forced to leave his job with the marine patrol dive team. His relationships with family and friends suffered greatly.
Two years ago, he was re-evaluated and was diagnosed with PTSD. He is now in a legal battle with the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, fighting for disability retirement benefits.
Scotty recently lost a member of his unit to suicide. As much as he is fighting his own battle, he is making an effort to bring awareness so soldiers in need get the help they deserve.
The Couture family is at risk of losing their home. They need funds to pay for their household expenses, health insurance, and legal costs.
I am infuriated that we send soldiers to war and ask them to tap into the basest part of their humanities in order to succeed but then leave them without the resources to help heal when they return to their families. They deserve so much more.
Scott recently wrote this which I found deeply profound:
"We have a responsibility to live, not just go through the motions and exist."
Please help him to stabilize his family's finances so he can start to live again.
http://bangordailynews.com/2016/02/16/news/midcoast/war-wont-let-go-ptsd-bedevils-maine-family/
Scott was a marine patrolman in Maine who joined the Army Reserves in 1999 in order to help support his young family. When his first deployment to Iraq came a few years later, he faced his responsibility and the challenges of combat head on. He was a dedicated soldier and a brave friend.
His unit's tours were extended time and again and he dealt with missing his family and the horrors of war as best he could.
Upon arrival back in the US, he was evaluated by the VA but he was so happy to be home (as well as part of a culture where you didn't look for mental health issues), that he was able to push aside the signs of PTSD. Time passed and his mood swings became more volitile. He became forgetful and he was forced to leave his job with the marine patrol dive team. His relationships with family and friends suffered greatly.
Two years ago, he was re-evaluated and was diagnosed with PTSD. He is now in a legal battle with the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, fighting for disability retirement benefits.
Scotty recently lost a member of his unit to suicide. As much as he is fighting his own battle, he is making an effort to bring awareness so soldiers in need get the help they deserve.
The Couture family is at risk of losing their home. They need funds to pay for their household expenses, health insurance, and legal costs.
I am infuriated that we send soldiers to war and ask them to tap into the basest part of their humanities in order to succeed but then leave them without the resources to help heal when they return to their families. They deserve so much more.
Scott recently wrote this which I found deeply profound:
"We have a responsibility to live, not just go through the motions and exist."
Please help him to stabilize his family's finances so he can start to live again.
http://bangordailynews.com/2016/02/16/news/midcoast/war-wont-let-go-ptsd-bedevils-maine-family/
Organizer and beneficiary
Traci Gallagher
Organizer
Milford, CT
Scott Couture
Beneficiary