SUNBURY – Crying in the classroom can be good for you—not for students, but for veterans talking about military service…On Veteran’s Day, some local veterans are speaking out about challenges they face after returning from active-duty. Tom Reimensnyder of Mifflinburg served with the 1st Marine Division in Korea and is past commander of the Lewisburg V.F.W. and the Mifflinburg American Legion.
Reimensnyder makes regular public appearances at schools and says many vets just need to talk about their experiences, “A lot of them have never been drawn out and they really have pent this emotion up within them. I’ve seen them cry in the classroom and the students handle that very nicely. We explain what we do in the service and the kids have excellent questions. It’s nice they draw some of these guys out.”
Kevin Bittenbender has served in the US Army for 31 years and says people need to know what Veterans are dealing with, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, “They are in our communities. Some keep it well hidden and some don’t. Over the past year, I’ve lost three of my closest friends to suicide, because of the fact that they were struggling with PTSD. It’s very well hidden and the families don’t see it until it’s too late.”
He encouraged veterans to get involved in activities with other veterans, such as the Union County 4th of July Parade Committee. Bittenbender says it’s a great way to cope and share experiences by talking with other veterans. You can hear Bittenbender and Reimensnyder on WKOK Sunrise, online at www.wkok.com. (Ali Stevens)