Military Ministry Testimonies
Testimonies
Teresa Burke
My name is Teresa Burke and I presently attend Karen and John Blem’s PTSD support group here on base. My husband has also been attending. I believe Karen mentioned that I would be emailing you regarding how the group has helped my husband and I. I have been attending Karen’s group since September 2008.
First a little about me. I was in the Air Force from 1986-1990 stationed at Homestead AFB, FL. I also worked on base at McGuire AFB, NJ at the Education Center for 9 years. Presently, I work at Grand Canyon University. Last summer, I received my Masters degree in Leadership. My husband retired from the Air Force in Jan 2008 after 22 years in service. During that time, he deployed several times to the Middle East. His last deployment to Mosul, Iraq from May-Sep 2006 changed our lives forever. When he came back, I noticed different things I could not put my finger on. As a seasoned military wife, I knew the usual after deployment behaviors to expect. This time, it was different. My husband became isolated, drank very heavily and was volatile. A year after arriving home, he also bought a gun. He experience two life altering events back to back; his father’s death in Dec 2007 and retirement from the Air Force in Jan 2008 which put him over the edge so to speak. He became so unstable that my daughters and I had to flee the house twice in one week. Things became so serious, I found myself having to do a court order for his treatment. He attended a Subsance Abuse and PTSD clinic in Tucsan for 3-4 months. He is doing much better now, attending UTI (Universal Technical Institute) paid by Vocational Rehabilitation.
What I have found throughout this journey is that there is very little positive support for PTSD sufferers and their families. I am sure you are aware of the PTSD facts which are very grim. The VA and other agencies do not provide the hope that is needed in this recovery process. Since Bridges to Healing involves GOD in the recovery process, it provides HOPE. To me having faith in GOD provides HOPE in all things in your life. Attending this group has helped me understand not only what PTSD has done to my husband but how it has affected the family. It has provided me with the strength, patience and understanding to let GOD heal my husband and my family. I have seen tremendous progress with my husband since he has been attending the group since Jan 2009.I know this group could also benefit others who are affected by this as well. With that in mind, would it possible to place a weekly advertisement in the Air Tides? We would really like to get the word out there on how important this group can be to Luke family members.
Maybe some time we can meet and talk a little more about how wonderful this group has been. If you need any more information from me, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Teresa Burke
Testimonies
Teresa Burke
My name is Teresa Burke and I presently attend Karen and John Blem’s PTSD support group here on base. My husband has also been attending. I believe Karen mentioned that I would be emailing you regarding how the group has helped my husband and I. I have been attending Karen’s group since September 2008.
First a little about me. I was in the Air Force from 1986-1990 stationed at Homestead AFB, FL. I also worked on base at McGuire AFB, NJ at the Education Center for 9 years. Presently, I work at Grand Canyon University. Last summer, I received my Masters degree in Leadership. My husband retired from the Air Force in Jan 2008 after 22 years in service. During that time, he deployed several times to the Middle East. His last deployment to Mosul, Iraq from May-Sep 2006 changed our lives forever. When he came back, I noticed different things I could not put my finger on. As a seasoned military wife, I knew the usual after deployment behaviors to expect. This time, it was different. My husband became isolated, drank very heavily and was volatile. A year after arriving home, he also bought a gun. He experience two life altering events back to back; his father’s death in Dec 2007 and retirement from the Air Force in Jan 2008 which put him over the edge so to speak. He became so unstable that my daughters and I had to flee the house twice in one week. Things became so serious, I found myself having to do a court order for his treatment. He attended a Subsance Abuse and PTSD clinic in Tucsan for 3-4 months. He is doing much better now, attending UTI (Universal Technical Institute) paid by Vocational Rehabilitation.
What I have found throughout this journey is that there is very little positive support for PTSD sufferers and their families. I am sure you are aware of the PTSD facts which are very grim. The VA and other agencies do not provide the hope that is needed in this recovery process. Since Bridges to Healing involves GOD in the recovery process, it provides HOPE. To me having faith in GOD provides HOPE in all things in your life. Attending this group has helped me understand not only what PTSD has done to my husband but how it has affected the family. It has provided me with the strength, patience and understanding to let GOD heal my husband and my family. I have seen tremendous progress with my husband since he has been attending the group since Jan 2009.I know this group could also benefit others who are affected by this as well. With that in mind, would it possible to place a weekly advertisement in the Air Tides? We would really like to get the word out there on how important this group can be to Luke family members.
Maybe some time we can meet and talk a little more about how wonderful this group has been. If you need any more information from me, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Teresa Burke
