First of all, I can’t express enough my appreciation for the amount of courage Mike had to have to post this video. I hope that it was both cathartic for Mike and helpful to anyone/everyone who happens upon the video.
Second, my sincere and much too inadequate thank you to Mike for his service.
Third, thank you to Mike’s family, for they also have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice daily in service to their (our) country. We can sit safely in our homes listening to music and enjoying life because folks like the Vieiras have served on the front lines.
I can’t claim to fully appreciate the emotional complexity of PTSD from the perspective of those who deal with it in their own personal lives but I am somewhat familiar with it from a small distance. My nephew served 3 tours in Iraq and he continues to receive treatment for PTSD. He is doing well today, living happily with his wife and daughters because he has and continues to receive treatment. My brother, unlike Mike, never served “down range,” nevertheless, he suffers from PTSD as a result of scrubbing in on over 1200 limb amputation surgeries performed on US veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. He too continues to receive treatment through the US Veterans Administration.
During my 31 year career as a pediatrician I listened to stories from and tried my best to care for many people who opened up to me about their experiences with PTSD. I have to say that I was personally touched by your story about wisely and lovingly asking your wife to remove your son from the room when you were facing an emotionally difficult moment.
All I can say is, I am humbled by and eternally grateful to people like Mike who get up each morning and walk the walk. Mike, I sincerely hope that you receive relief from your treatment and that each day is better for you than the day before. Know also that here at QQ you are surrounded by folks who appreciate all that you do for our hobby and who honestly and deeply care about you.
Second, my sincere and much too inadequate thank you to Mike for his service.
Third, thank you to Mike’s family, for they also have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice daily in service to their (our) country. We can sit safely in our homes listening to music and enjoying life because folks like the Vieiras have served on the front lines.
I can’t claim to fully appreciate the emotional complexity of PTSD from the perspective of those who deal with it in their own personal lives but I am somewhat familiar with it from a small distance. My nephew served 3 tours in Iraq and he continues to receive treatment for PTSD. He is doing well today, living happily with his wife and daughters because he has and continues to receive treatment. My brother, unlike Mike, never served “down range,” nevertheless, he suffers from PTSD as a result of scrubbing in on over 1200 limb amputation surgeries performed on US veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. He too continues to receive treatment through the US Veterans Administration.
During my 31 year career as a pediatrician I listened to stories from and tried my best to care for many people who opened up to me about their experiences with PTSD. I have to say that I was personally touched by your story about wisely and lovingly asking your wife to remove your son from the room when you were facing an emotionally difficult moment.
All I can say is, I am humbled by and eternally grateful to people like Mike who get up each morning and walk the walk. Mike, I sincerely hope that you receive relief from your treatment and that each day is better for you than the day before. Know also that here at QQ you are surrounded by folks who appreciate all that you do for our hobby and who honestly and deeply care about you.
and Eric Clapton - Unplugged, thanks for the tips Baggy family! Another great video, as ever. You're a true legend and inspiration Mike... 
