To raise awareness of PTSD

After returning from his deployment in Afghanistan, other soldiers and family members told U.S. Army combat veteran Bryan Caballero that he was acting out of character.
"Through all the numbness and reliving experiences related and not related to the military," he said, "I began to realize that PTSD is very real. It was through fitness that I was able to find purpose and meaning."
Today, Caballero is the co-owner of CKO Kickboxing in Warwick and beginning this Friday, June 7, he will be taking part in the Valiant Soldier 200-mile run and bike from Los Angeles to San Diego to spread PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder) awareness in honor of the victims of the Thousand Oaks shooting.
The perpetrator of that horrific event, who had also served in Afghanistan, had previously displayed irate and irrational behavior and may have been suffering from PTSD.
'Fitness saves lives'
As stated on its web site, Valiant Soldier is dedicated to promoting mental and physical awareness within our society, with a grander effort to create deeper relationships, fruitful interactions and lessen anxiety.
"I believe fitness saves lives because it saved mine," said Caballero. "As an army combat veteran, co-owner of a fitness business in Warwick and leader in a national veteran organization, Team Red, White & Blue, I've been able to witness the positive transformation in my fellow veterans and our community members through exercise. Dealing with anxiety and depression seems to have become a normality, which I challenge to change in our everyday lives."
Essentials
This weekend there is also a free virtual run/walk that anyone can join on June 8.
For information or to make a donation to help spread PTSD awareness visit: www.valiantsoldier.com.
- Roger Gavan