Raising awareness to veterans’ plight
BY: HOWIE DENNIS
NEWS EDITOR
CROWLEY - Paul Gregg and Cliff Lee are both veteran’s of the Gulf War, in which the United States liberated the nation of Kuwait after it was invaded by Iraq and their brutal leader Saddam Hussein.
The American troops succeeded, driving Iraq out of the country in decisive fashion.
As a fighting force, the United States emerged victorious. As individuals, however, many of the soldiers that returned home were just beginning to fight their own personal battles.
“Both Cliff and I have been suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) since we returned home,” said Gregg. “It’s hard to describe because it affects different vets in different ways.
“For example, there are some guys that can’t sit in a restaurant unless the backs of their seats are facing the walls due to a constant fear of not being able to see what’s behind them.”
Cases such as those are mild compared to what other veterans have dealt with.
“Sometimes you can go into crowds and sometimes you avoid them at all costs,” said Lee. “There are veterans who are homeless and literally live in boxes under bridges to avoid the stress and fear they have of dealing with people.”
And then there is the issue that both Gregg and Lee call “23 - 0.”
“Every day, 23 veterans commit suicide in the United States,” said Gregg. “This has to stop.”
It’s often been said that something very positive can be derived from negative experiences. And with Gregg and Lee, that has certainly been the case as they banded together to form “2 Vets On a Mission.”
The two have been dedicating their time to raising awareness to the suffering of U.S. veterans, concentrating mainly on PTSD and other mental issues, veterans who are homeless, and veteran suicides.
Both Gregg and Lee have been traveling across the southeast U.S. on a 25-city tour to support their cause. For the past five days, they have been in Acadia Parish visiting places such as The Welcome House (to discuss homelessness and make a donation); the Office of Veteran’s Affairs; the Crowley Mental Health Center; and Sam’s Place, where they discussed holding future benefit concerts.
“Sam is a great guy,” said Lee. “He was really receptive to our cause and we also had a good time over there.”
They also took part in the Gator Drag car show in Rayne where they met Jamie Bergeron (who may perform a benefit concert for the cause).
One man they spoke with at the event expressed his appreciation for their cause.
“I don’t even remember where he served,” said Gregg. “But he was really emotional and said that it was great to see people who had been through a similar experience as his.”
Not only has their mission helped other veterans, it has been therapeutic to both Lee and Gregg.
“I had to do something,” said Gregg. “I needed to get back out there and make a difference.”
The Gator Drag they attended was co-sponsored by the Jacob Crouch Foundation, a group that is dedicated to the prevention of suicide and helping suicide survivors.
The two men wanted to emphasize that the problems that veterans face upon returning home are often inexplicable. Each suffers from his own problems and often grow frustrated with a government system “that is so full of red tape that they often give up on it.” Lee said that it’s important for them to know that there are people they can talk to about any problems they are having.
“Our message is to never, never give up,” said Lee. “There is too much out there to spend their lives unable to enjoy.”
Those wishing to donate money, volunteer their time or support their cause in any way are urged to contact them by email at 2vetsOAM@gmail.com or on their Facebook page, 2vetsOAM.