Dr. Jonathan Shay hosted an informal discussion called “From War Front to Home Front” with veterans and active duty soldiers following the workshop “PTSD and Moral Injury: What’s the Difference and Does it Matter?” on Oct. 4 in the Fowler Family Ballroom at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center.

As a scholar in the humanities and a medical doctor who used his studies to contribute to issues facing the lives of Vietnam War veterans who have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, Shay created an atmosphere where veterans could address major issues.

Shay tried to make the discussion as comfortable as possible.

“I am here for the sole purpose of responding to what you guys want to talk about,” Shay said. “This is your time to ask and probe me about anything you want to know. I am hoping for you all to get some benefit out of this, so please, ask away.”

Discussion at the event prompted many concerns and questions regarding how to help their fellow soldiers in trouble, the government’s role in transitioning them back into society and struggles related to PTSD.

“I found the topics to be very interesting, yet I was very critical,” E5 U.S. Marine Sgt. Justin Valley said. “I know it was hard for most of us to sit there and reminisce on feelings and problems that are easier kept under the rug.”

Questions bounced around about whether the effects Shay saw were different between the Vietnam War, Iraq and Afghanistan. Questions also came from veterans about how to help soldiers suffering from PTSD and fall past the point of being helped.

“To sit in an environment, even like this one, and hear such delicate subject’s spoken about wasn’t easy,” Valley said. “I don’t think people realize how mentally tough you have to become to not break down once you return from war. It tears you apart until you are barely recognizable.”

The 90-minute event created awareness and a platform to discuss how coming together as a community to support veterans and active duty members is just one of the key factors of recovery.