Local community members help veterans overcome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
ONANCOCK, Va. – Dozens of veterans from all different states gathered around in nature on Sunday to recover from anxiety caused by combat.
“In today’s world, it’s easiest for everybody to just to give you a pill if you want to go relax or you can go drink if you want to relax, but get a prescription of mother nature, go outside, enjoy the outdoors” said Steve Lucas, a veteran.
“For me, that’s the decompression I enjoy,” said Lucas.
Veterans dressed in camouflage and members of the Wounded Warriers Project said that for them deer hunting serves as a way to both socialize and heal.
“It’s important with the healing process, more for socializing, being out in the field, sharing time together,” said Aaron Ritter.
“Sometimes it’s being peaceful, sometimes it’s just the comradery and the interaction,” Ritter.
“Just to be together and do that type of activity that really brings a sense of I’ve harvested an animal, and I’m providing food for my family, and I think that’s what they like to do mostly,” said Sarah Lucas, a veteran.
According to Steve Lucas, recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a life-long journey. So, anything veterans can do to help themselves feel better even just for a moment is worthwhile.
“A lot of people like to go and meditate or go do yoga,” said Steve.
“Mine is hunting season, and it’s going outside, putting up tree stands and helping folks,” said Steve.
Ritter said that for these veterans hunting is more than grabbing a rifle and spotting a deer. It is about the people they meet and the understanding they have for one another.
“It’s not about the end of the hunt with the animal, it’s about the entire experience,” said Ritter.
“It’s the preparation, it’s the gear preparation, the preparation of the area you’re going to be in, and it’s the people that you’re with,” said Ritter.
According to Ritter, these veterans received support for their hunting trip from local churches, as well as the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
