This paper elaborates and discusses the elements of post-traumatic stress disorder that consumed control of my desire to continue to excel as a father and Soldier after serving two combat tours to Iraq within three years as a Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant. The areas of emphasis include my inability to associate with my family, ability to maintain a strong emotional state of mind, deterioration of my physical well-being, and my road to recovery influenced by a five-minute discussion with my Battalion S-3 Sergeant Major.

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