Ex-soldier claims Army punished him for PTSD after Afghanistan.
A Soldier’s Struggle: Punished Instead of Supported
A former soldier who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his service in Afghanistan reveals that instead of receiving the support he needed, he was unjustly punished by the U.S. Army for behavior caused by his condition.
The Epoch Times had the opportunity to speak with Nathaniel Cruz, a 24-year-old who joined the U.S. Army in February 2020 with dreams of being part of the medical community.
“The medical field was always my passion, and I thought the military would be a great way to start,” he shared. With aspirations of becoming a combat medic, he felt like he had achieved his goal.
After completing his training in September 2020, Cruz arrived at his first duty station in Fort Drum, New York. However, his excitement was short-lived as he was immediately placed under a month-long COVID-19 quarantine. “Just when I thought I was finally getting started with my unit, I was deployed to Afghanistan,” he recalled.
Stationed outside of Kabul in November 2020, Cruz found himself as the sole medic on the base. The responsibility was overwhelming. “I was managing the entire aid station while also working with the Special Forces and building relationships with the local Afghan community,” he explained.
During routine patrols in the region, Cruz and his unit often encountered children and non-hostile civilians. “We would interact with the kids and talk to them. It became a regular part of our routine,” he said.
However, one day in December 2020, everything changed. Cruz’s patrol came under enemy fire, and tragically, a 5-year-old Afghan boy was caught in the crossfire. “I witnessed the horrific sight of the child’s injuries and felt helpless,” Cruz shared. The memory of that moment haunted him.
The Battle Followed Him Home
The Epoch Times also spoke with Robert Alvarez, a Marine Corps veteran and founder of Uniformed Services Justice & Advocacy Group, who advocates for injured service members. Alvarez emphasized that Cruz willingly volunteered for military service and would have sacrificed his life for his country if necessary.
However, not everyone can endure the horrors of war without breaking down, Alvarez explained. He stressed that there is no shame in what Cruz experienced.
After returning to the United States in February 2021 as troops began to withdraw from Afghanistan, Cruz’s mental struggles intensified. “I tried to convince myself that I was okay, but I was lying to myself,” he admitted. Nightmares and hallucinations plagued him, with the deceased child appearing and asking why he hadn’t been saved.
Desperate for relief, Cruz turned to medication, but it only provided temporary respite. Unfortunately, his time in the Army took an unexpected turn.
“Once I started taking medication, I began having issues with my chain of command,” Cruz revealed. “I was constantly getting in trouble for trivial things.” His medical records confirmed that he was prescribed medication for severe insomnia and PTSD, which caused side effects such as weight gain, confusion, dizziness, and lethargy.
His superiors used these side effects against him, accusing him of being a ”bad soldier” and failing to follow orders. They even deprived him of the sleep he desperately needed, assigning him extra duties late at night. Despite a doctor’s recommendation for eight hours of sleep, his command ignored it.
Minor infractions were blown out of proportion, and Cruz found himself facing punishment for things like leaving his belt on the counter or having a slightly late arrival. He was constantly monitored and treated differently from his peers. Eventually, his rank was reduced from specialist to private.
Alvarez, who has worked with injured service members for 17 years, expressed shock at the treatment Cruz endured. “I have never seen a worse case than what they did to Nathaniel Cruz,” he said. Instead of providing support and understanding, the Army tortured him.
Cruz attempted to seek medical retirement, but it seemed the Army was determined to discharge him without the benefits he deserved. They delayed his Medical Evaluation Board and continued to accumulate offenses attributed to the side effects of his medication.
Seeking Accountability
Recognizing the injustice, USJAG stepped in to defend Cruz and present a comprehensive report outlining his injuries and the impact of his medication on his behavior. Finally, in January, a new commanding general made the right decision and granted Cruz a medical retirement instead of an other than honorable discharge.
Although Cruz still carries the scars of his experience, he was able to leave the Army on May 5 with full benefits. However, Alvarez is determined to ensure that those responsible for Cruz’s mistreatment are held accountable. He believes that this case warrants further investigation and that the individuals involved should not be allowed to move on without consequences.
The Epoch Times reached out to the Army for comment but received no response.
How does Nathaniel Cruz’s experience highlight the unfair treatment of soldiers suffering from PTSD in the U.S. Army?
This as an opportunity to reprimand him, accusing him of being lazy and unfit for duty. ”Instead of understanding my condition and providing the support I needed, they punished me for it,” Cruz expressed. This treatment deeply affected him, worsening his mental state and causing him to question his worth as a soldier.
Alvarez acknowledged the injustice of the situation and stressed the importance of providing proper support to soldiers suffering from PTSD. “We need to create a culture that supports mental health and recognizes the sacrifices these individuals have made,” he stated.
A Call for Change
Cruz’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by many soldiers dealing with PTSD. Their struggle should not be compounded by unjust punishment and lack of support. It is crucial for the military to prioritize the well-being of its servicemen and women, especially those who have been affected by the traumas of war.
Furthermore, there needs to be a change in how PTSD is perceived and treated within the military. Rather than stigmatizing and penalizing individuals for their condition, there should be a focus on providing comprehensive mental health care, therapy, and support systems to help them heal and reintegrate into civilian life.
As for Cruz, he is now seeking justice for the mistreatment he endured. With the help of his lawyers, he is fighting to have his case reviewed and to raise awareness of the issue. He hopes that his story will bring about change and prevent others from going through the same ordeal.
The struggles faced by soldiers like Nathaniel Cruz highlight the need for a more empathetic and supportive approach to mental health in the military. They put their lives on the line to protect their country, and it is only fair that they receive the necessary support and understanding in return.
It is time for the U.S. Army, and the military as a whole, to prioritize the mental well-being of its soldiers. By doing so, they not only honor their sacrifices but also create a healthier and stronger military force.
Every soldier’s story should be heard, and their struggles acknowledged and addressed. It is only through empathy, understanding, and action that we can truly support those who have bravely served our country.
Conclusion
Nathaniel Cruz’s experience sheds light on a deeply troubling issue within the U.S. Army — the unfair treatment of soldiers suffering from PTSD. Instead of receiving the support they desperately need, they are unjustly punished for their condition. This is not only a disservice to these brave men and women but also undermines the integrity of the military as a whole.
It is imperative that we demand change and demand justice for soldiers like Cruz. We must advocate for a system that prioritizes the mental well-being of our servicemen and women, providing them with the care and support they need to heal and reintegrate into society.
Let us stand with Nathaniel Cruz and all those who have faced similar struggles. Their sacrifices should never be forgotten, and their voices
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