A Veteran's July 4th - What issues do you have?

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 11:59:24 -0400

Earlier today, my mom shared this picture on Facebook which was originally posted on the Military with PTSD Facebook page. Of course, my family knows about and understands the issues I have around this holiday. Not only is it the loud noises of the fireworks but also the smell of the black powder can trigger me. I'm okay as long as I know I'm somewhere that fireworks are being used and where they are being launched from. It's when I don't know, that I have issues.

So here is my question to the RP community. What are some ways you are able to continue to enjoy the holiday weekend with your friends and family while dealing with reactions we might face because of the fireworks.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 12:07 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:07:27 -0400

I know that I lived in an area with high PTSD population so I went to another neighborhood to set off fireworks. I am ok when I set them off or know that they are coming. Otherwise it tends to have me look around to see what is going on.

I think camping, bbq, pool, relaxing with card games with smores is a great way to celebrate. No need to have fireworks. But if have kids why not use the glowsticks and make necklaces and braclets for them?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 2 at 2014 12:08 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:08:43 -0400

A nearly identical thread from earlier today:

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/the-noise-of-the-4th-of-july?page=1&urlhash=169120#169120

The Noise of the 4th of July | RallyPoint

I grew up with a father who went thru 32 months of fighting in the South Pacific and a year more in Korea. It was not uncommon on any holiday that had fireworks to see my dad hitting the ground, or diving under tables when the larger explosions occured. Later on, after the Gulf War, I saw it occuring with a few friends as well, and now, I see it in my husband, who was not only a Marine in the Gulf War, but a contractor in both Afghanistan and...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 12:10 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:10:51 -0400

Bangs scare the shiate out of me. When I first got back my town tested an air siren and had me looking for cover under my truck. Had to explain to my wife what a "rocket alarm" was downrange.

Response by SSG Lucas Lisitza made Jul 3 at 2014 1:39 PM

SSG Lucas Lisitza — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 13:39:36 -0400

While in the Army I spent nearly 3 years in Iraq as an Infantryman. I had the privilege to fight outside of Fallujah in late 2004, occupy Ramadi from 04-05, patrol southwest Baghdad in 06, and round out my experience with a quiet year in Iskandariyah from 07-08.

In all of these locations (except for my quiet time in Iskandariyah), firefights, mortars, rockets, IED's of varying sizes, grenades, and other explosives were a common part of my day-to-day life. While living and working in these wonderful desert locations I was desensitized to their effects (just like nearly all of my brothers in arm). Over the years my desensitization has turned to hyper-sensitivity (again, much like many of my comrades).

I absolutely detest the means in which the 4th of July is celebrated. I love the holiday for what it stands for, but unless I am actively watching the launching and explosion of fireworks my mind does not react appropriately. For these reasons, I have spent the past five 4th of July holidays in my home, convincing myself that "they are just fireworks, calm down".

This likely isn't the healthiest way of dealing with things, but it gets me through to the 5th of July and that is ultimately my only real concern.

Anyone have better recommendations?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2014 9:03 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 21:03:00 -0400

I use to love aerials, but after being in Iraq, I do not like then anymore. They bring back bad memories no one would understand, but another combat vet.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 5 at 2014 10:13 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 10:13:25 -0400

Response by Cpl Jonathan Nicodemus made Jul 16 at 2014 2:01 AM

Cpl Jonathan Nicodemus — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 02:01:45 -0400

I don't like going to the city's firework display, and I realized just this last Fourth that if I am not shooting off the fireworks (I've been one of the 'lighters' for our family's fireworks display every year since I got out--until this year) I have problems. I found that I had to watch very closely when fireworks were bring shot off. If I could see them being lit, I knew to expect it. If I didn't see it, I'd come unglued (especially with the aerial shots).

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 28 at 2015 10:08 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 22:08:50 -0400

You know, It could do just the opposite, in that some people will take that as a prime opportunity to screw with this guy.
the more stuff like this, the more that the powers that be will continue to restrict the 2d Amendment rights of Combat Veterans. That being said, I think it is responsible, if you are a vet, and you have PTSD, that you let your spouse lock up your gun before the fireworks start being shot off.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 28 at 2015 10:13 PM

LTC John Shaw — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 22:13:43 -0400

If on his private property sure it is OK. If in the public park or others property no. I don't know if I would post, I would just find some classical music to enjoy or something else to do that largely dominants my hearing during this evening.

Response by SPC Edward Tapper made Jun 28 at 2015 10:57 PM

SPC Edward Tapper — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 22:57:01 -0400

TSgt Joshua Copeland, in my opinion, I feel like posting a sign, such as the example you shared, is going a little too far. To me, it almost mimics a threat or a challenge, almost certain to draw incoming (fireworks). I retired on disability from local government due to my service connected PTSD and COPD, I know full well that fireworks can be a trigger for me, but I don't post signs in my yard, daring someone to let off fireworks in my area. Effectively, the sign is a dare to pranksters. Fortunately, there are only seven homes on my street, everyone knows my condition with PTSD and they all give me a heads-up if they are going to let off fireworks or anything else that may disturb me, allowing me time to leave or be prepared for the unexpected loud pops and bangs. This was accomplished by getting to know my neighbors, explaining PTSD to them and they all offered to give me the warning. A win-win, for me and my neighbors, and no threatening signs.

Response by SGT Darryl Allen made Jun 28 at 2015 11:23 PM

SGT Darryl Allen — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 23:23:28 -0400

This is his problem, and nobody else's. While it would be fine for him to ask his neighbors to keep the fireworks to a minimum, the act of posting a sign and using his military affiliation and subsequent ailments as a means to guilt the community at large is unacceptable.

If he's got a trigger that's set off by fireworks, a set of noise-canceling headphones would be a sound investment.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 28 at 2015 11:57 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 23:57:11 -0400

The sign itself doesn't seem to be obnoxious. It's a request, not a demand.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jun 29 at 2015 12:27 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 00:27:00 -0400

The sign doesn't bother me. Fireworks do. I've thought about asking neighbors to abstain before.
In my more cynical moments people enjoying fireworks strike me as immature "yay it makes noise and light!" As though such lucky, soft, untempered individuals don't know why loud noises and flashes of lights are supposed to scare you. But I've never voiced this to them.

Its a personal behavior and manners thing in my mind.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jun 29 at 2015 12:27 AM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 00:27:30 -0400

I think he should just talk to his neighbors and maybe ask them to be aware but the sign draws attention to himself and casts a shadow over all vets. If he knows he has issues, he should do things to mitigate for himself - music, etc. good time to have a buddy with him or a support dog.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jun 29 at 2015 12:36 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 00:36:49 -0400

For me it's none of my neighbors business. This might just be an invite for local kids to shoot fireworks at your house. Go out, watch TV in the basement, put on the headphones and listen to music, or have a few beers and go to bed early.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 29 at 2015 12:40 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 00:40:30 -0400

This is silly. Please be courteous with fireworks???... Stay inside, or don't go watch, if it bothers you..... I have my issues too... but this is plain silly.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 29 at 2015 3:36 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 03:36:56 -0400

I can't stand the sound of fireworks but I don't go out and tell people not to enjoy the 4th. I get away from the noise. I am not going to inconvenience my neighbors because of this and I don't think it is right for others to do it. IMO.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 5:37 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 05:37:10 -0400

LOUD NOISES!!!! They bother me too! It's a price I pay for having served my country in combat. I would never post such nonsense, I don't need any sympathy and I would never want to interrupt anyone's Merica celebration!!! That's what I fought for WTF?

Response by MAJ Chris Ballard made Jun 29 at 2015 8:40 AM

MAJ Chris Ballard — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 08:40:09 -0400

I've seen this pop up a lot lately on social media. While I believe it is well-intentioned, I think it serves to reinforce the stereotype of the volatile and unstable vet. It's not the neighbors' responsibility to manage our PTSD issues. I wouldn't expect my neighbor to get rid of his German Shepherd because I had a traumatic experience with dogs. If the fireworks bother you, and sometimes they do, that's on you to manage. Meditate, wear earplugs, seek professional help, go camping that weekend. There are a lot of ways to manage PTSD without putting the responsibility on someone else.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jun 29 at 2015 5:17 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 17:17:35 -0400

I don't mind the smaller ones or the city display that I can watch from my house but home displays have become bigger and bigger, louder and louder. Last year, they set them off on the sidewalk right next to my driveway. In the morning. I was left with debris all over my property. There is supposedly a city ordinance for an all quiet time but it isn't followed. Hate, hate, hate the home shows. Thousands of dollars up in smoke and we all know that feeling of rising panic or stress. Or are there people that find large scale fireworks in your front yard calming?

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jul 3 at 2015 4:24 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 16:24:38 -0400

If the vet is affected by firework because of a deployment I see no,reason why the sign should not be posted and respected