ATHENS, Texas – On Veterans Day, the East Texas Arboretum hosted a moving ceremony where local Navy veterans highlighted the ongoing challenges of post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and offered practical advice for coping.
Personal stories underscore the reality of PTSD
Kevin Lohrke, an Athens native, explained that PTSD is a condition that does not simply disappear. “It’s just learning to manage to deal with it, more so than curing it,” he said. He and his wife, Esther, both served in the Navy and have personal experience with the disorder.
Kevin credited ongoing therapy and the support of people who understand his experience as essential to his management strategy. “Having someone by your side who understands, who has similar experiences, that’s a huge part for me,” he noted. “You have to build a network of people who understand what you’re going through. They might not have those firsthand experiences, but at least can recognize when something’s not quite right, sliding down that slope, hey, let’s get you some help.”
Statistics and resources
The National Center for PTSD estimates that about 7% of veterans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. The Lohrkes urged fellow veterans and their families to stay vigilant for signs of distress and to seek help early.
Esther added that Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize those who have served and to extend a helping hand. “It could be listening to their stories, figuring out what resources they need, or just being there for them,” she said.
How to get immediate assistance
For anyone in crisis, the Lohrkes reminded listeners of the 988 suicide and mental‑health crisis line. Call 988 and then press 1 to connect with a trained counselor.
The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence honoring fallen service members, followed by a call to action for the community to support veterans’ mental‑health needs year‑round.
Community response
Local attendees expressed gratitude for the candid discussion, noting that open conversations about mental health are vital in a region where many families have deep military ties. Several veterans’ organizations present at the event pledged to expand peer‑support groups and outreach programs.
As the day ended, the Lohrkes encouraged anyone struggling with PTSD or knowing someone who is, to reach out for professional help and to lean on the supportive networks that exist within the East Texas veteran community.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
