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Local veterans react to Palin comments at rally

Posted at 5:51 PM, Jan 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-21 19:17:15-05

"That's not even a poor excuse, that's just nonsense to me," said veteran Steve Porter.

Some veterans are questioning comments former vice presidential candidate and Tea Party favorite Sarah Palin made at Donald Trump's rally in Tulsa.

Local vets say she was out of line when she blamed her son's post-traumatic stress on President Obama.

Wednesday, Sarah Palin addressed her son, Track's, PTSD and domestic violence arrest and it struck a chord with veterans.

"They come back a bit different, they come back hardened, they come back wondering if there's that respect." said Palin at the Trump rally Wednesday.

Steve Porter lives with PTSD. He says Palin's comments were a bit of a stretch.

"I think it's like anything, you can fabricate a good story around it," said Porter. "The general idea that PTSD makes you do things like hit your girlfriend, I think that's 99.99 percent billswater [sic]."

But others say Palin may have a point about soldiers returning home.

"There isn't the structure and things seem off," said vet Gary Secor.

Secor served in Iraq and says Track's behavior is unacceptable, but the transition can be hard.

"The military molds each individual that comes into active service to a mindset for the service to accomplish and achieve the tasks at hand," said Secor.

Both Tulsans agree PTSD is no place for politics, and veterans like Track Palin need to be treated.

"It's kind of hard to understand, not many people have had that experience," said Porter. "I hope he gets help."

If you, or someone you know, are struggling with PTSD, there are several resources available.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has resources for veterans, just click here. 

VFW leaders say local resources can be found at any VFW or American Legion post as well.

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