Columbia, SC (WLTX) - An Army Ranger has found a new weapon in the fight against post traumatic stress.
For our military men and women returning home from war, the transition from the front line to their front door can be overwhelming. Post traumatic stress disorder effects thousands of our troops, causing flashback, nightmares, and extreme anxiety.
"I was headed down a bad road dude," with his own eyes, 1st Sgt. Will Roberts has seen the worst of what war can offer. The ranger's last deployment was just outside of Pakistan.
"I was responsible for my F.O.B and all my paratroopers," said Roberts.
As a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, he has more than twenty five years of military experience. But the trip home was when a different kind of battle began.
"Here's the analogy I was use: If you are on a boat, and you stop quick, and then the wave slams you, slams you in the back. That's what happened when I got here," said Roberts. "I came to Fort Jackson, kicking and screaming."
A medical review diagnosed Roberts with PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Anxiety and flashbacks became his reality; he admits to having darker thoughts of suicide.
"It's like a ghost. You can't see it. You can't hear it. But it freaking consumes you."
But that all changed the day he met his new best friend 'R.C.'
"When we first met Will he wasn't able to go to a store during daylight hours. He was really not going anywhere except to his job," said Jennifer Rogers, founder of PAALS. PAALS is a program that trains service dogs for people with disabilities.
"We taught the dog to watch his back, literally because that's what a Ranger buddy does," said Rogers.
One of the stressors that triggers Sgt. Roberts disorder is not knowing what is behind him. They specially trained the dog to make any movements if he sees something behind him.
"If she's on my side or heel, whichever side. I can see her in my peripheral vision, I feel good. I feel really good," said Roberts.
"Even though service dogs are not allowed to be protective their body language changes when somebody approaches from behind and that can help stop our soldiers from getting that startled response which is so traumatic for PTSD," said Rogers,
News 19's asks the 1st Sgt., "What do you think your life would be like without RC?" Roberts responded, "I wouldn't be here. She gave me my life back. She gave me my life back. She allowed me to do things that I would never do. Hell I even go to Walmart now."
And that's all thanks to a program and a extra special K-9, that will now serve one of our own who served for us.
"I want the public to know about PAALS and service dogs. And what they can do for paratroopers coming back from less than ideal circumstances," said Roberts.
Sgt. Roberts says he takes "R.C." everywhere he goes, crediting the dog for saving his life. If you would like to learn more about PAALS or donate to their program, visit their website.