Have a plan for your life after military, Iraq War vet advises at YSU forum

BOARDMAN

An Iraq War veteran, who now coordinates veterans’ services at Rutgers University in New Jersey, urges veterans not to hesitate to seek help with the challenges they face in making the transition to civilian life.

Bryan Adams was shot during an ambush while on patrol in Tikrit, Iraq, in 2008. Adams struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder as he successfully made the transition to academia and the civilian workforce.

“From Combat to Campus to Career” was the title of a Wednesday workshop at which Adams was the keynote speaker. Among the 110 people attending were numerous local mental-health professionals and veterans’ service officials.

“Have a plan ready for when you get out of the military,” in terms of an educational or career path, Adams urged active-duty military personnel. “Seeking help for what’s going on in your life is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength,” he added.

Read more of his story and advice in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.