Vietnam Vet Struggling with PTSD Finds Help

A Hauppauge veteran facing up to his own Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is helping share the news that there are places for servicemen to get the help and care they need.

The Times of Smithtown reported on Hauppauge resident Richard Woltman, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, about his personal struggles with PTSD. He said more than 24 years later he was still experiencing nightmares, flashbacks and a high stress level.

"It's something that you can never forget," Woltman said, according to the Times. "It will always be with any veteran that has been in combat. Other veterans will forget what they did, but combat you can't forget what you went through, what you did…"

Woltman is now receiving treatment for PTSD at the Northport VA Medical Center to learn how to deal with the trauma.

Click here to read the Times of Smithtown's full story on Woltman and other veterans finding treatment for PTSD at the Northport VA medical Center.

As we celebrate Veterans Day this Friday, it's important to know there are a number of resources available to local veterans who need help receiving health care or getting benefits:

• : This county office assists veterans in receiving the benefits and services they are entitled to based on their time served. This may include educational training, health, medical and rehabilitation service, helping veterans obtain their real property tax exemption, discharge upgrades and more.

• : The Northport VA Medical Center provides medical services to local veterans. The VA's services include social work, specialty health care, women's health care and the Homeless Veterans Treatment Program, which includes a drop-in center, residential treatment, case management and outreach. This facility offers a specialized PTSD program.

• : This Patchogue office is a satellite community clinic of the Northport VA Hospital that offers medical treatments for veterans. Walk-ins are accepted.