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Reminder: be mindful of veterans with PTSD when setting off fireworks

Before you set off fireworks this July 4, pause to think about your neighbors who may be battling PTSD.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Before you set off fireworks this July 4, pause to think about your neighbors who may be battling PTSD.

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates as many as 20 percent of veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from PTSD. An estimated 30 percent of Vietnam veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime.

“I understand that for two days prior to the fourth and two or three days after the Fourth of July that this is gonna be a thing,” Jason Snodgrass, an Army veteran, said.

Snodgrass spent eight years on active duty with the Army, including a deployment to Iraq. He was injured in action and medically discharged, and for years he didn’t recognize that he had PTSD.

“There’s the anxiety, the shortness of breath, almost feeling like you’re about to hyperventilate and pass out,” Snodgrass said.

Snodgrass’ trigger was large groups of people, which he said was likely from being unable to distinguish friend from foe during his deployment. He added that he’s overcome his discomfort with loud noises, but sees how it affects other veterans.

“When you’re on a deployment in a combat zone, you never quite know what is happening and where it’s happening and when it’s happening,” he said. “So any time you hear any sort of explosion, mortar impact, small arms fire, anything like that, it’s always kind of a surprise.”

While Snodgrass said his neighbors know who he is and are respectful of it, he urged others to get to know their neighbors and whether they’ve served in the military. Over all, just be respectful.

“I don’t want to put a dent in your fun or what not,” Snodgrass said. “But I think there’s a point where people need to recognize ‘hey, this might actually be causing somebody problems.’”

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