GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – As the Fourth of July approaches, a local veteran is speaking out about how the holiday can be difficult for those living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Scott Scovronski, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1986 to 1991, says while he supports the holiday and its traditions, the unexpected sound of fireworks can trigger painful memories.
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“If I am out to see the fireworks and I know they are going up, then it’s no big deal,” Scovronski said. “But if I am in my house and I hear someone in the neighborhood light it off, it rattles me pretty good.”
Scovronski now works with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 3 in Green Bay. He says having a community of fellow veterans who understand the experience of PTSD has made a big difference.
“It is nice to know you are not the only one going through this,” he said.
He also emphasized that every veteran’s experience is different.
Veterans are not asking anyone to forgo Independence Day celebrations, Scovronski said, but instead are simply asking the public to be mindful of their neighbors.
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“If they know there’s a veteran in their neighborhood, be conscious that they are there and that it might be triggering for them,” he said. “I understand it’s the Fourth of July, and it is fun to light off fireworks, but take into account that it might be hurting them pretty bad.”
For more information about DAV Chapter 3 in Green Bay, visit their website.
