Story co-produced with Daniel Reid
Many holidays are set aside to honor, remember and celebrate the courage of military members, active, retired and reserves.
From the civilian perspective, these holidays are three-day weekends off of work, cookouts with family and days to party.
For the military community, these holidays have a deeper meaning.
Memorial Day means remembering those lost in the line of duty and those lost due to their service. It is a somber day, yet it is celebrated as if it were not.
The 4th of July, a day to celebrate the independence of the United States, brings about emotions of patriotism for the civilian world but can be traumatizing and triggering to service members struggling with the aftermath of their service.
Veteran’s Day is a day for the military community to reflect on their service and to celebrate and honor those who have sacrificed for their country.
Veteran’s Day also brings about the age-old conversation about the effects of military service on an individual. The world has been made aware of the impacts of PTSD and physical injuries, but they go deeper than many think.
Tom Baker is a Vietnam combat veteran.
Marsha Lee Baker has served as the daughter and wife of combat veterans.
Austin Summers is an Afghanistan combat veteran and now a student at WCU.
They have their own experiences with the military and have been affected by it in many ways.
These are their stories.
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