Service in the military demands full commitment of mind and body. And that service can take a toll, especially for the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who go into combat on behalf of our nation.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD - is an all too common side effect of military service, particularly for our combat veterans. June is National PTSD Awareness Month – an effort to shine a light on issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigma associated with it, and help ensure that those suffering receive proper treatment.

This episode of Veterans AZ is dedicated to spreading awareness and hope. If you or a loved one suffers from PTSD - there are people who want to help, and who can help.

First we speak with two young men - United States Army combat veterans of the war on terror. Chad Arruda and Adam Bigelow are our Arizona Veterans of the Month. Their military service is laudable - but since then, they have dedicated themselves to helping fellow combat veterans heal the hidden wounds of war through the PTSD Foundation of America (http://PTSDUSA.org).

The episode also features an interview with Dr. Brandi Luedtke - a clinical psychologist and the program manager of the PTSD clinical team at the Phoenix VA Medical Center.

*About Veterans AZ (http://VeteransAZ.org) *

Veterans AZ is a video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces. This program is produced by the City of Scottsdale, but features veterans news and information from across the Valley of the Sun and Arizona.

Veterans AZ is also available in your favorite podcast app.