The following story was sent to us by the VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System. It is factual and shines the spotlight on women in combat environments and the emotional toll it can take. It also focuses on the broader issue of PTSD for all returning Veterans and their willingness to reach out for help.- - - - - -

SALT LAKE CITY -- Before 2006 There was nothing Marlo Anderson couldn't handle. She was tough, confident, and in charge. It's why she signed on the dotted line and why she was the first one packed for deployment to Afghanistan.

This highly motivated Air Force Sergeant went on mission after mission, patrol after patrol in a high stress combat environment.

"You're on edge 24-7 and you are always waiting for something to happen," Marlo said.

Did you know...

The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System has a weekly PTSD intake session.

• Every Tuesday, (except holidays)
• 11:00 a.m.
• Building 47 (Outpatient Mental Health)
• George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center
• No appointment necessary
• Bring a copy of your DD Form 214

She served proudly for the 419th Security Forces out of Hill Air Force Base and performed at the highest level.

Marlo was stationed at Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan which is a small state just north of Afghanistan. She was deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. During her time there in 2006 it was considered "Washington's sole front line state for confronting terrorism in Afghanistan." She was a Sergeant when she was discharged from the Air Force.

Who would have thought coming back home would be the tough part? Haunted by things she saw and did, Marlo, like so many other female combat Veterans returning from long deployments, is struggling emotionally.

"Most of the missions were uneventful but there were a few that I struggle with, the ones where children were involved," Marlo recalled.

Like her male counterparts Marlo saw combat too. This war does not distinguish between male and female soldiers. Marlo is 100 percent service connected for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She battles flashbacks, aggressive behavior and panic attacks. She started noticing things a couple months after she returned home.

Related:

VA serves women vets with special clinic

The VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City hosted a health fair for female veterans on Friday. Although the VA has operated a clinic for women for a decade, many do not access care.

"My friends would ask me to go out and I'd say yes, but then I would make up an excuse not to go at the last minute. I didn't want to leave the house," Marlo said. She also noticed aggressive behavior and knew it wasn't good for her three children. "I'd start freaking out over things. My kids were starting to be afraid of me."

She finally was able to muster the same courage that took her to war and reach out for help. And she's getting it. Her therapist, Dr. Tanya Miller, notes an increase in the number of female Veterans coming in for treatment of PTSD related specifically to combat trauma.

"It is hard for these women to seek help because they often feel they have to prove they are just as tough, if not tougher, than the next soldier," Dr. Miller said. "However, once involved in treatment, they often find that the resolve and strength they demonstrated in war also helps them move through the recovery process. They realize they don't have to live with these painful symptoms, and that they have access to treatments that can help them reclaim their lives."

Like most women Veterans, Marlo doesn't feel worthy of all the support and attention.

"I know there are others that have been through so much more."

She's still tough; she's still strong even if she doesn't know it yet.

For more information about the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System call toll free 1-800-613-4012 or locally 801-582-1565.

Related topics