Wounded Warrior Diaries: Marine Uses ‘Real Warriors’ to Help Others
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 28, 2009 – A Marine who returned home from his second deployment from Iraq knew that “something was definitely wrong” with him.
Marine Corps Sgt. Josh Hopper was wounded in Iraq, and later sought help for post-traumatic stress disorder. He now encourages other servicemembers to do the same.
“It really didn’t start setting in on me until I was back three or four months,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Josh Hopper, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 at Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station, N.C. “It probably took me about nine months after I returned from Iraq to get help, [which] is why I ended up being a chronic case of [post-traumatic stress disorder], because I let it go too long.”
Hopper is part of the Defense Department’s new “Real Warriors” campaign. The campaign highlights stories of warriors who admitted they needed help, and after receiving treatment, are pursuing their military careers. Hopper — a Purple Heart recipient who’s married and the father of two — sought help, found help, and now is helping others.