John Harrell is a 79-year-old Vietnam veteran living in Spartanburg County on Lake Blalock. As a veteran who struggled with PTSD, Harrell began to think about other veterans who might be going through some of the same post-war struggles weirdly. I don’t know if you can see it,” Harrell said while pointing to his forearm. “I woke up one morning with this bruise. That’s part of PTSD. They say you beat yourself up.” Harrell said that over the years, getting out on the waterways and the sounds of nature have helped him too heal. Knowing that helped him, he thought these elements might help other veterans. Last month he founded Fishing Vets of SC (Spartanburg County) in hopes of using his pontoon to serve others. find a few fish on the radar, maybe they can catch a good meal, and if not we can ride around the lake for a while,” Harrell said of fellow vets and challenges during the war and life after the war. Harrell said, “It’s really scary and we can talk to each other, relate to each other and get it out of your system.” Fishing Vets of SC (Spartanburg County) provide fishing gear and meals for free. When you come down, there’s always one “Get out there and see nature. If you can’t find five things that are beautiful in this world, you’re in trouble.” Veterans can register for the experience by emailing here.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, SC —
John Harrell is a 79-year Vietnam veteran living in Spartanburg County on Lake Blalock.
As a veteran who struggled with PTSD, Harrell began thinking about other veterans who may be going through some of the same post-war struggles.
“PTSD is weird. I don’t know if you can see it,” Harrell said while pointing to his forearm. “I woke up one morning with this bruise. That’s part of PTSD. They say you’re getting ready.”
Harrell said that over the years, getting out on the waterways and the sounds of nature has helped him heal.
Knowing it helped him, he thought these items could help other veterans. Last month he founded Fishing Vets of SC (Spartanburg County) in hopes of using his pontoon to serve others.
“I plan to take them out for maybe four to six hours, find some fish on the radar, maybe they can catch a good meal, and if they can’t we can ride around the lake for a while,” Harrell said.
Harrell also said it is a great time for conversations as vets understand other vets and challenges during the war and life after the war.
“There are some scary moments, and even if you don’t get shot at, I got a bullet over the head and it’s not a good sound,” Harrell said. “It’s really scary and we can talk to each other, relate to each other and get it out of your system.”
Fishing Vets of SC (Spartanburg County) provides fishing gear and meals free of charge.
Harrell said he believes he can make a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country while providing a positive outlook on life.
“No matter how down you go, there’s always an upside,” Harrell said. “Go outside and look at nature. If you don’t find five beautiful things in this world, you’re in trouble.”
Veterans can sign up for the experience via email here.
https://www.wtae.com/article/outdoor-therapeutic-experience-eases-ptsd-for-veterans/40761721 The outdoor therapeutic experience eases PTSD for veterans
