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A U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient from Orange County has spoken out about his harrowing experience in Afghanistan and his struggles managing post-traumatic stress disorder upon returning to civilian life.
Victor Becerra, who currently lives in Fullerton, joined the Army in 2011 when he was a senior in high school.
After basic training at Ft. Hood, Texas, Becerra was deployed to Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province and later was wounded in combat.
I was the first vehicle in the convoy,” Becerra told KTLA. “I was a gunner. It was my truck that was hit. It was hit by an improvised explosive device, known as an IED. I woke up a few minutes later after seeking medical attention.”
This undated photo shows Victor Becerra serving in the United States Army. (Viewer Image) Damage seen on Victor Becerra’s truck after being hit by an IED in Afghanistan. (Viewer image) This undated photo shows Victor Becerra, who serves in the U.S. Army. (Viewer image) This undated photo shows Victor Becerra, who serves in the U.S. Army. (Viewer image) Fullerton resident Victor Becerra received a Purple Heart award after being wounded in combat in Afghanistan. (KTLA) Victor Becerra was seen holding a framed photo, certificate and Purple Heart medal. (KTLA) Fullerton resident Victor Becerra was wounded in combat in Afghanistan and received a Purple Heart. (KTLA) Victor Becerra is seen holding a decorated military uniform. (KTLA)
In addition to the Purple Heart, one of the military’s highest honors, the veteran was also awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Combat Infantryman Medal for his service and bravery.
“It’s humbling just to be here talking to you all,” he added.
Now grappling with the very real challenge of PTSD (a condition brought on by traumatic, frightening, or dangerous experiences, including war and serious injury), Mr. Becerra hopes to help those who have served our country. He said he was there.
“This is an invisible wound that can be easily overlooked, especially by the men and women who are responsible for it,” he told KTLA’s Gene Kang.
As he pursues a career in physical therapy, he is a retired infantryman, and he credits his wife, family, and the Military Warriors Support Foundation, Furnishing Hope, Wounded Warriors Project, and others for helping him get through difficult times. I give credit to people like Honda who have become so successful.
They have provided these deserving veterans and their families with new SUVs, apartments and other items to help them transition to civilian life, which Becerra admits has been extremely difficult.
He said the kindness of family, friends and strangers helped him overcome the challenges.
For more information on how to help injured veterans, visit the Military Warriors website.
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