Retired U.S. Army Green Beret and 160th Special Operations Blackhawk Pilot, commonly known as the Night Stalkers.
Behind the uniform, I was silently battling depression, identity loss, and suicidal ideation, all while still flying missions and performing at a high level. I didn’t fall apart after I left the military. I was falling apart while still in it.
From an outside perspective, my life was perfect. No one knew my struggles, and I was scared and ashamed to bring them to light. Not because they weren’t real, but because I thought I was alone.
I’m shedding light on what it’s like to suffer in silence while appearing unshakable on the outside. Our culture’s current perceptions toward mental health are dangerous and is taking lives of great men and women daily.
Vulnerability is not weakness, it’s an opportunity to grow. It saved my life and will save others.