US Army Chaplain (Maj) David Trogdon is serving his fourth combat tour — this time, officially diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Now he helps minister to those who may be struggling as well:

He knows from experience the corrosive effect of repressing anger and anxiety. His return to war this year after three tours is motivated, in part, by a desire to show fellow troops that mental trauma can be tamed.   “Sometimes I get asked, ‘Does it bother you that people know you have PTSD?’ And I say, ‘No, I earned it,’ ” he said. “If I can help somebody else and help reduce the stigma, then it’s worth me talking about it.”

He draws on his awareness of mental trauma when consoling soldiers distraught by a friend’s death or injury, reassuring them that rage and despair are natural reactions to war’s disorder. The conversations are confidential, a guarantee of privacy that allows for candor. He avoids pushing faith or psychology.

There are chaplains in combat — and they truly serve wherever, and in whatever conditions, their troops do as well.

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