Lynn ceremony honors veterans

LYNN – Students got a sharp lesson on the toll war can take on a soldier when retired Marine Sgt. Juan Valdez and his service dog Midas took part in Friday’s Memorial Day ceremony at Breed Middle School.”What I did for 10 years was train to fight,” Valdez said. “Now I’m gearing up to fight for veterans rights and to get them help.”When soldiers come home they’re often changed men, he said. But some come back with what are called invisible wounds, post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries, he explained. Valdez said he fits into that category, which is why he has Midas.When he was serving overseas Valdez said he was always on guard, which is to be expected. Once he returned stateside, however, he found he couldn’t shake that trait. He also found it was difficult to be in crowds and he has trouble sleeping through the night without nightmares. He often wakes thinking someone was in the house. That is where Midas helps.”He wakes me up when I’m having a nightmare, if I think someone is in the house he checks it out for me,” Valdez explained. “He doesn’t let people get too close. He’s got my back.”Midas is also helping Valdez attend law school. Valdez said the plan is to become a lawyer and maybe a politician so he can get other veterans the help they need.Amanda Sullivan held onto Cpl. Gunnar’s leash, a nine-month-old Husky, while Valdez spoke. As the executive director of LiveLife Center, Sullivan is working to train dogs, like Gunnar, to work as service dogs like Midas.Rev. Will Bard, founder and CEO of LiveLife Center, asked students if they had ever been bullied. In response to those who raised their hands Bard said, “then you know a small act of terrorism.” His goal with the LiveLife Center is to give veterans a place to heal, he said.Carlos Arredondo, whose son Alexander, a Marine Lance Corporal, was killed Aug. 25, 2004 while on his second tour of duty, said he appreciated that people were being so open about the potential trauma of war.”I think it’s just wonderful to see what they have to say to kids about PTSD, suicide and the dogs and the services they provide,” he said. “They are very open now and that’s fantastic. They need to know about this.”Veteran Brian Miller, from Honor and Remember Inc., a national campaign, presented a flag and a certificate to Arredondo and to Victoria Foley, Alexander’s mother.Foley wiped away tears as she took the stage. Arredondo called it an honor to take part in the ceremony.Breed Science teacher Julie Collins, who also advises the Leadership Academy, reminded students that freedom isn’t really free.Collins organizes the ceremony each year. The wife and daughter of combat veterans, she said she knows how important it is to remember those who have given their lives for this country. She also urged students to thank any veterans or active service people they might see.”I can tell you firsthand that a simple ?thank you for your service’ means the world to them,” she told students. “If you know a veteran take the time this weekend to say thank you.”Valdez agreed.”It might not seem like much to you but for us, it could change our day completely around,” he said. “We’re losing too many veterans to suicide and we need your help to stop that.”